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The Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Mandy review – I am fully converted to Diane Morgan's genius
The title sequence for Mandy, the short-form sitcom from Diane Morgan (Motherland, Philomena Cunk), tells you everything and nothing about the programme you are about to watch. Clad in a stonewashed denim biker jacket and diamante earrings, a voluminous hairpiece plonked (perhaps backwards) on top of her head, our titular protagonist stands on some kind of spinning platform, soundtracked by the maudlin strains of Barry Manilow's Mandy. Her face is contorted into a sideways pout; she looks worried, but vacant. Now in its fourth series, the show is in some senses a character study of the eponymous Mandy Carter, a single, chronically jobless woman with a remarkable knee-led walk whose attempts to secure employment are continually scuppered by a combination of bad luck and bad attitude; she is a work-shy chancer for whom a cigarette break is always the number one priority. But Mandy is more of a tone piece than a serious examination of a mind: we stay firmly on the surface of our hero's world and, beyond the basic emotions (fear, indignation, excitement at the prospect of a quick buck), there doesn't seem to be a huge amount going on in her head. In fact, Mandy's main characteristic is apathy – even in the face of death. In one episode, she steals an unbelievably long ladder and starts earning a few bob by helping the local vicar maintain his steeple. When her best friend, Lola (Michelle Greenidge), expresses concern about the risk involved – Mandy ascends in her trademark high-heeled boots, fag in mouth – she insists safety equipment is for snowflakes: 'If I slip and die, I slip and die! We've all gotta go some time.' On another occasion, she is buried alive in a coffin, largely because she can't be bothered to get out of it. Mandy is an exercise in human vibe – you may have crossed paths with someone vaguely like her before – but also a certain kind of comic architecture. Episodes usually start with her getting a new job, before something goes awry, and general destruction ensues. It is not supposed to be realistic: with a brilliant rep theatre-style rotating cast (Michael Spicer, Mark Silcox, Yuriko Kotani, Alistair Green) and a random assortment of celebrity guests (Deborah Meaden, Iain Lee, Graham Norton), the show has a hallucinatory quality, while Mandy's bizarre crescendos often involve deliberately bad CGI and a wholesale rejection of logic. The comedy can be uneven, but the show is admirable in its pursuit of end-weighted belly laughs. The sight of Morgan clomping along the wing of a plane in magnetic callipers (after having a leg-lengthening operation to qualify as cabin crew) to boot a bomb into the night sky – a sacrifice that is immediately forgotten by practically everyone on the plane – is the moment I am fully converted to Mandy's genius. That said, series four – the first Morgan has co-written with her partner, producer Ben Caudell – has far fewer of these ludicrous climaxes. In one episode, Mandy takes a rat on a bus and, after an unfortunate chain of events, is forced to fly the vehicle over a large gap in a bridge, but that moment of satisfyingly stupid farce is an outlier. The opening episode – which involves a back-to-work training scheme helmed by her beige employment officer (a recurring role for Tom Basden), Mandy administering old Botox to a school bully, a snooty shop assistant and a cameo from Martin Lewis – has a few titter-worthy moments, but never finds true hilarity. Elsewhere, the set pieces feel disconcertingly violent: Mandy accidentally inflicting head trauma on a man in a wheelchair or dunking a chip shop worker's face in boiling oil. Mandy subjects herself to brutality, too, undergoing buttock enhancement – carried out below an Istanbul kebab shop, naturally – after finally discovering the beauty standards long peddled by the Kardashians. Another storyline revolves around an artwork by Banksy – or Banky, as a confused Mandy calls him. Clearly, both plots are supposed to illustrate how blissfully out of touch Mandy is, but it also means we must endure comic riffs on topics that are, at this point, mind-numbingly cliched. When comedy as boldly slapstick and overtly ridiculous as this hits its stride, it can feel like sorcery. Sadly, much like Mandy's approach to every task under the sun, the construction of this new series seems a bit half-hearted. It is still a pleasingly idiosyncratic proposition – something you can say about vanishingly few TV shows these days – but Mandy seems to have lost something of its former magic. Sign up to What's On Get the best TV reviews, news and features in your inbox every Monday after newsletter promotion Mandy aired on BBC Two and is on BBC iPlayer now.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I'm an Only Fools And Horses superfan and Sir David Jason was a family friend - he showed his true colours away from the BBC show
'Lovely jubbly', 'plonker' and an ever increasingly bizarre use of the French language - it could only be one programme. Only Fools And Horses, the BBC sitcom about two south-east London market trader brothers, won its away into the nation's hearts as soon as it hit our screens in 1981. Created by the inimitable late John Sullivan, it starred Sir David Jason as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his little brother Rodney. And the pair were joined in Peckham by a host of beloved supporting characters, including Grandad (Lennard Pearce) and Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield). As one of the most iconic British sitcoms of all time, running for seven series until 2003, its stars were bound to become the stuff of acting legend. It means when a fan recently revealed online what David, 85, was really like in person, keen Only Fools viewers jumped at the chance to find out. Created by the inimitable late John Sullivan, it starred Sir David Jason as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his little brother Rodney (pictured) They posted on discussion site Reddit: 'My mate's dad was good friends with David and used to run a B&B in Weston-super-Mare. 'Over the years, "Uncle David" would pop by now and then and my mate would also see him at family gatherings and events.' David has had an illustrious career outside Only Fools too. He has starred variously in detective series A Touch Of Frost, grocery shop sitcom Open All Hours and fifties-set family life comedy The Darling Buds of May. But it is ambitious Cockney Del Boy, known for his catchphrase, 'This time next year, we'll be millionaires!', who seemed to capture the user's family the most. They continued: 'As you can imagine, whenever he showed up, people couldn't resist asking him to "do a bit of Del Boy". 'He always politely declined, until one unforgettable occasion. After a bit of friendly badgering, David finally gave in. 'My mate said he took a deep breath and in that moment, everything about him changed - his posture, his expression, even the way he stood. They posted on discussion site Reddit: 'My mate's dad was good friends with David and used to run a B&B in Weston-super-Mare' 'It was like Del Boy had walked into the room. For the next 20 minutes, Del Boy was the life of the party, giving everyone a performance they'd never forget.' The heartwarming anecdote shows the funny, nice man David is off as well as on screen - perhaps putting paid to the idea you should never meet your heroes. But fans might have to cough up a hefty sum to do so at an upcoming fan event. David is set to appear at the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society Convention in Milton Keynes in October. It has been revealed, though, that the price for tickets for a professional photo opportunity with the actor in the Trotter flat set starts at an eye-watering £350. Any fans who want a signed photo mount and dinner as well as the image will have to find an astonishing £550 for the so-called 'platinum' tickets. Despite the premium price tag, no selfies or autographs will be allowed. The event's website reads: 'Due to time constraints, Sir David will not be signing any items across the convention weekend. 'We kindly ask you do not bring anything to attempt Sir David to sign as it will not be permitted. We will have staff on call to ensure this in fairness to everyone. 'There will be NO "selfies" with Sir David Jason. 'Selfies are left to the discretion of the other guest actors, although most are very happy to pose for a photograph if asked politely.' It comes after Only Fools fans recently had another amazing revelation about David. Even the staunchest observers have only just realised the TV legend, born David John White in 1941, has an older brother who is also a famous actor. Arthur White, 91, starred next to his brother in several episodes of A Touch of Frost where he played PC Ernie Trigg in the police crime drama. He also appeared briefly along with his brother in two episodes of The Darling Buds of May back in 1991. In 2008, he worked with David again on the comic fantasy The Colour of Magic where he played a character called Rerpf. In other work, Arthur appeared in time travel sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart in 1996. The series also starred his brother's Only Fools co-star Nicholas, who played Del Boy's brother Rodney, in the lead role of Gary Sparrow. From 1995 to 2001, Arthur starred in the ITV fire service workplace drama London's Burning, before appearing in police procedural Heartbeat. He has also been seen on a episode of Holby City in 2016, in which he played the part of Sidney Bickton. His other television credits include include Doctors, Family Affairs, Grange Hill, The Professionals and many more roles dating back to the 1950s. More recently, Arthur featured in 13 Hours That Saved Britain, a documentary which delves into the events of the Battle of Britain. In the film, he shared his personal experiences of living in London through World War Two and residing in the capital during the Blitz.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island fans stunned as girl is brutally dumped after arrival of latest bombshell Angel
LOVE Island fans have been left shocked after a huge character was savagely dumped from the villa tonight. After the arrival of bombshell Angel, Ty received a text telling him he'd been automatically coupled up with the newest Islander. 1 As a result, Lauren - who was previously coupled up with Ty - got a text telling her she'd been dumped. Stunned fans took to social media to react to the brutal moment. One wrote: "Lmfaooooo nah they did Lauren dirty."
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island fans fuming at producers over ‘missing storyline' amid SAVAGE recoupling
LOVE Island fans have been left fuming with producers over a "missing storyline", amid the savage recoupling. Last night's explosive episode brought tears and a huge fall out, but viewers think one couple is being overlooked. 6 6 Over the past few days fans have started to become annoyed at the lack of screen time Billykiss and Boris have been getting. To make matters worse, viewers were left confused when the pair had a random conversation last night where they appeared to call things off. This left fans fuming with Love Island producers, as they feel they have left out a key part of this couple's storyline - as this was the first time they found out they were having problems. The last time they saw them on screen together they appeared happy, so viewers believe bosses have deliberated left out part of the pair's narrative. Taking to social media, one vented: "Apparently Boris and illykiss haven't been plane sailing…. Wouldn't know because the producers haven't shown us a second of it!" To make matters worse Billykiss was then forced to pick Boris in last night's dramatic recoupling, as there were no other options. This wasn't the only drama though, as viewers were left outraged when Toni sensationally stole back Harrison hours after he slept with Lauren. In a shocking moment, Toni stood up during the girls' recoupling and dumped loyal Cach, choosing Harrison instead. Watch heartbreaking moment Love Island girl is left uncontrollably sobbing as boy she slept with recouples with rival Lauren was left sobbing after being blindsided by the twist - as Toni confessed they planned to recouple hours earlier on the terrace. Lauren told the girls: "I am a f*****g idiot." The brunette Islander - who was forced to chose Ty moments later - was visibly emotional. Fans took to social media to brand Toni "desperate" as one said: "Toni is clearly not well. #Harrison has been toying with two desperate women." Another said: "Na Toni this is desperate now!" The other girls went one by one as Helena picked Harry, Meg chose Dejon, Shakira went for Conor, and Yasmin picked Jamie, calling him 'the golden retriever to my black cat'. Billykiss chose Boris, Lauren picked Ty, and Emma picked a now-single Cach. 6 6 6
Digital Trends
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Death Valley is one of 3 great Britbox shows you should watch in July 2025
If you're tired of American television and the lack of sophistication that stems from many U.S. shows, BritBox might be the answer to your prayers. While it's true that Brits are inherently more sophisticated than their American counterparts, their TV tends to be a bit more refined. If you have a BritBox subscription but aren't sure exactly what to do with it, we've got you covered. We've pulled together a list of three great shows that are the perfect entry point if you're looking for something great on BritBox: Recommended Videos We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on HBO Max, and the best movies on Disney+. Death Valley (2025-) Although he might be best known to American audiences for playing Wormtail in the Harry Potter films, Timothy Spall's career is filled with proof that he is one of the best actors of his generation. In Death Valley, he plays a retired TV actor who once played a TV detective and has now been recruited to help a real-life detective solve a series of crimes. It's a goofy premise, but intentionally so, and Death Valley proves to be the kind of British cop show that lands on the lighter side of the genre. It may be about murders, but that doesn't mean that Death Valley has to be dour. You can watch Death Valley on BritBox. Towards Zero (2025) Adapting Agatha Christie is a tried and true well for the Brits to turn to, and Towards Zero is just the latest example. This adaptation follows two detectives who are called to investigate the death of a wealthy widow, only to discover the various tendrils that connect to the case and ultimately unveil a grander murder plot. Like all of Christie's stories, Towards Zero is plotted to perfection and features an excellent cast of young British actors who are all doing wonderful work in period garb. Matthew Rhys and Anjelica Huston are among the standouts, but truly, the entire cast is terrific. You can watch Towards Zero on BritBox. Death in Paradise (2011-) If you're sick of watching people hook up on the beach, Death in Paradise might be the show for you. The series follows a British detective who feels and acts like a fish out of water as he investigates crimes on the Caribbean island of Saint-Marie. Like any long-running procedural, the joy of Death in Paradise is its regular rhythm, which follows a particularly satisfying formula. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the show doubles as a travel showcase, offering up some of the most beautiful locations in the world on a regular basis. You can watch Death in Paradise on BritBox.
