Latest news with #MrBatesvsThePostOffice
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Post Office TV drama actress 'immensely proud' of campaigners
An actress who played one of the wrongly-blamed victims of the Post Office scandal has said she is "immensely proud" of the campaigners. Monica Dolan played subpostmistress Jo Hamilton, who fought for justice alongside former Llandudno subpostmaster Alan Bates and others. They were victims of the faulty Horizon computer software system which led to thousands of PO workers being falsely accused of convicted of wrongdoing. It led to some taking their own lives, being jailed or facing financial and reputational ruin. Monica starred in Mr Bates vs The Post Office alongside actor Toby Jones, who played Alan, now Sir Alan, 71. In April Sir Alan called on victims to take the Government to court over delays in financial redress. Bafta award-winning actress Ms Dolan has said she fell in love with acting as she 'just got a feeling from it that I didn't get from anywhere else'. Speaking as she appeared as the guest on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, the Mr Bates vs the Post Office star said she first got the bug for acting at school. 'I just got a feeling from it that I didn't get from anywhere else,' she told presenter Lauren Laverne. "I think it was basically a feeling of being noticed, or being seen as people now say. I thought, 'I want more of this'.' Dolan, who won an Olivier award for her role in All About Eve along with a Bafta for Appropriate Adult, received several award nominations for Mr Bates vs the Post Office. She told Laverne how she prepared to play the real-life character of subpostmistress Jo Hamilton in the acclaimed ITV drama series based on the true story of Horizon IT scandal. 'I think you have to slightly put yourself in there,' Dolan said. 'You have to think, well if I was this person, how would I behave? I was very lucky with Jo because she was definitely more approachable than most people that I've played. 'One of the things I did very early on actually which was really helpful, which I'd definitely do again, was to ask her - if it wasn't too intrusive, and I felt with her that I could - to ask her to record her life story. Just a little version - like a 15 minute version - up to the point where the script begins - where it all starts. 'That was really useful, waiting for filming - I could listen to her voice, and I'd have her voice in my head, and also I'd have her background in my head. 'That was very useful indeed because you're kind of absorbing that person.' Dolan also said of those who campaigned for justice following the Post Office scandal: 'I was immensely proud of people, for being that collectively angry.' The actress, who said her luxury item would be a walk-in wardrobe with a cold glass of champagne and a new outfit for every day inside, said she would also like to take a book on flora and fauna on the island so she could identify what she saw. Among her desert island disc choices were her childhood favourite The Tra La La Song (One Banana, Two Banana) from the TV show The Banana Splits, MacArthur Park by Richard Harris, and Us Amazonians by the 'tremendous' Kirsty MacColl.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
A dozen hit Disney+ shows and movies now FREE to watch without a subscription – even more will be added soon
LISTEN up Disney fans, a huge promotion is now on offer, giving UK viewers to watch a dozen of hits. Disney+ hits that are normally hidden behind a paywall are soon to be made available without a subscription. 4 Viewers are about to get access to premium content for free Credit: Getty In a surprising move from the multinational conglomerate Disney+ has collaborated with ITVX on an unprecedented deal. Earlier this month, it was reported that the two media organisations would share content with each other. Promotion details The first-of-its-kind partnership introduces a 'Taste of ITVX' section to Disney+ and a 'Taste of Disney+' collection to It was a shock decision as it means Disney have allowed their premium shows, such as Andor and multi-award-winning READ MORE DISNEY 4 An unprecedented deal between Disney+ and ITVX has been agreed Credit: Getty Furthermore, for ITVX, it is beneficial as some of their UK based shows will now be available to viewed by international audiences. What's more, the "Taste of" sections will be regularly refreshed to ensure the hottest content is available. The shows and movies are already available too. The Real Winner Here's the thing – if you look at who's getting the better deal, it's pretty clearly ITVX viewers. Most read in Tech Normally a Disney+ viewer would have to pay a subscription to watch some of these must-see shows, while ITVX viewers will be getting the content for free. While Disney+ viewers are getting what ITVX customers already have for free. Still with us? For ITV it means their content is going to be in front of Disney+ subscribers worldwide - with shows like Disney+ shows on ITVX So far one movie has been added to ITVX, but it is a certified blockbuster! Guardians of the Galaxy is one of Marvel's most beloved films, and sees Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper and Box Office phenomenon Zoe Saldaña fight aliens in space. Elsewhere, ITVX viewers can get hooked on season 1 of comedic actor Donald Glover's Atlanta and the Star Wars show Andor. Reality TV fans will be also be pleased to know that they can immerse themselves in the world of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, detailing all the drama surrounding the Utah-based 'MomTok" influencers. There's also something for the kids this summer holiday, as Phineas and Ferb also forms part of the agreement. And that is only just the beginning. ITVX Shows Now on Disney+ On the flipside, ITVX are offering some of their best content to Disney+ viewers. 4 Mr Bates vs The Post Office captivated British audiences with its true story Credit: STV/ITV The gripping true story that captivated UK viewers, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, will feature on the site. As well as other dramas, they will be offering the biggest drama of all by releasing Love Island All Stars. 4 Olivia Attwood's shocking and hard-hitting documentaries will appear on Disney+ Credit: Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection Along with documentaries from Olivia Attwood to popular entertainment shows like the Masked Singer, ITVX have not held back
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
A dozen hit Disney+ shows and movies now FREE to watch without a subscription – even more will be added soon
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LISTEN up Disney fans, a huge promotion is now on offer, giving UK viewers to watch a dozen of hits. Disney+ hits that are normally hidden behind a paywall are soon to be made available without a subscription. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Viewers are about to get access to premium content for free Credit: Getty In a surprising move from the multinational conglomerate Disney+ has collaborated with ITVX on an unprecedented deal. Earlier this month, it was reported that the two media organisations would share content with each other. Promotion details The first-of-its-kind partnership introduces a 'Taste of ITVX' section to Disney+ and a 'Taste of Disney+' collection to ITVX. It was a shock decision as it means Disney have allowed their premium shows, such as Andor and multi-award-winning The Bear will appear on a free platform. READ MORE DISNEY coming soon Disney+ announce reality shows for Jamie Laing & the Rooneys 4 An unprecedented deal between Disney+ and ITVX has been agreed Credit: Getty Furthermore, for ITVX, it is beneficial as some of their UK based shows will now be available to viewed by international audiences. What's more, the "Taste of" sections will be regularly refreshed to ensure the hottest content is available. The shows and movies are already available too. The Real Winner Here's the thing – if you look at who's getting the better deal, it's pretty clearly ITVX viewers. Normally a Disney+ viewer would have to pay a subscription to watch some of these must-see shows, while ITVX viewers will be getting the content for free. While Disney+ viewers are getting what ITVX customers already have for free. Still with us? For ITV it means their content is going to be in front of Disney+ subscribers worldwide - with shows like Mr Bates vs The Post Office, it will surely be a hit with viewers. Disney+ shows on ITVX So far one movie has been added to ITVX, but it is a certified blockbuster! Guardians of the Galaxy is one of Marvel's most beloved films, and sees Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper and Box Office phenomenon Zoe Saldaña fight aliens in space. Elsewhere, ITVX viewers can get hooked on season 1 of comedic actor Donald Glover's Atlanta and the Star Wars show Andor. Reality TV fans will be also be pleased to know that they can immerse themselves in the world of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, detailing all the drama surrounding the Utah-based 'MomTok" influencers. There's also something for the kids this summer holiday, as Phineas and Ferb also forms part of the agreement. And that is only just the beginning. ITVX Shows Now on Disney+ On the flipside, ITVX are offering some of their best content to Disney+ viewers. 4 Mr Bates vs The Post Office captivated British audiences with its true story Credit: STV/ITV The gripping true story that captivated UK viewers, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, will feature on the site. As well as other dramas, they will be offering the biggest drama of all by releasing Love Island All Stars. 4 Olivia Attwood's shocking and hard-hitting documentaries will appear on Disney+ Credit: Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection Along with documentaries from Olivia Attwood to popular entertainment shows like the Masked Singer, ITVX have not held back
Metro
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'One of the most important British dramas ever made' joins major streamer
A 'riveting' British drama that has been hailed for 'uncovering corruption at the highest level' has been added to a major streaming platform. Starring the likes of Will Mellor, Toby Jones and Monica Dolan, Mr Bates vs The Post Office took the nation by storm following its release last year, and launched one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history back into the spotlight. Following the story of former sub postmaster Alan Bates, who lost his Post Office in north Wales after being accused of theft, he discovers how hundreds of others were affected by the scandal despite not doing anything wrong. Dozens of innocent people were convicted of theft, lost their homes and went into debt and 236 went to prison. Four people also took their own lives. The programme prompted public outrage and help put the Horizon scandal under the spotlight. Now, however, the 'absolutely brilliant' series is available to watch on Disney Plus. Writing on google reviews, Mrs Franczak said: 'ITV's superlative drama will touch the British people. 'It has such resonance because it speaks to our times – it is about what is wrong with our society – the one where the villains in elite positions get away with their vile oppressive greed and unjustified power – people who are never brought to account even when there is a public Inquiry. 'It could have been you or it could have been me- it was the little people who suffered -people who we know, ordinary folks who just wanted to run a post office and got caught up in a nightmare of bureaucratic oppression, monumental injustice, incredible incompetence, bullyin [and] lies. 'Beautifully written. ITV should be very proud… Lets have the next chapter please and a film or five!' Mick also described it as 'brilliantly depicted but sickening to watch'. 'How could they so horrendously blight the lives of those 'little people' just to save 'the brand',' he said. 'I found the whole mini series riveting, bursting with human drama and have watched it again since its initial airing. 'I think that it provided some real insight as to the low, brutal tactics that an organisation like the Post Office (which remarkably seems to have the power to be both poacher and gamekeeper) with almost bottomless financial rescources will employ in pursuit of their objectives, no matter the consequences for the innocent 'little people'. 'I for one fought back the tears more than once during the mini series and I defy any-one with as much as half a heart not to do the same.' Paul S added: 'Absolutely brilliant because it shows just how much we, as a population are controlled from above. 'The sub posmasters of this country put everything into a one sided, misguided contract that is then abused by the Post Office to take down anyone they choose. 'Mr Bates is our Erin Brockovitch. This is must see TV that continually raises questions and proves corruption at the highest level. My praise to the cast and the production team and my heartfelt sympathy for the real life individuals affected by Horizon.' Writing on X @steve220459 also commented: 'Rarely has a factual drama fired me up as much as Mr Bates versus The Post Office. 'Ordinary decent working people whose lives have been utterly wrecked. This will surely place the matter at the centre of the public consciousness. Senior Post Office officials need investigating.' Meanwhile, @guyrowlanduk wrote: 'Congrats to Mr Bates vs The Post Office for their well deserved special award. 'One of the most important British dramas ever made. 'Over four consecutive nights, an audience that grew from 3.9 million to an eventual 15 million watched on in horror'.' The addition of the ITV drama to Disney Plus comes as part of a 'first-of-its-kind' deal between the two streaming services who are joining forces to share a curated and regularly refreshed selection of hit shows and movies across both platforms at no extra cost. This means that ITVX viewers will be introduced to a 'rotating rail' of Disney Plus content, titled 'Taste of Disney+', which started on July 16. More Trending The selection over the coming months includes critically acclaimed and award-winning titles such as The Bear, Andor and Only Murders in the Building, as well as reality hits such as The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and The Kardashians. At the same time, Disney Plus customers in the UK will be able to stream some ITV content on the platform, under the banner 'Taste of ITVX', at no extra cost. This includes multi-award-winning drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, espionage thriller A Spy Among Friends, reality hit Love Island and popular crime dramas like Endeavour, Vera and Karen Pirie. Mr Bates vs The Post Office is available to watch on Disney Plus and ITVX. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Post Office systems down after outage hits branches MORE: Jeremy Clarkson is launching 'ruthless' Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ITV spin-off series MORE: I'm a TV critic – I was so wrong about Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Disney and UK's ITV tie-up in joint streaming deal
U.S. entertainment giant Walt Disney and British broadcaster ITV will carry a selection of each other's shows on their respective streaming platforms, Disney+ and ITVX, to help attract new audiences, the companies said on Thursday. Disney+ customers in Britain will be able to stream drama "Mr Bates vs The Post Office", reality show "Love Island" and thriller "Spy Among Friends" and other shows on the platform at no extra cost under the banner " A Taste of ITVX ", they said. At the same time, ITVX viewers will be able to view a rotating selection of Disney+ shows, branded " A Taste of Disney+ ", which will include in the coming months the first seasons of "The Bear" and "Only Murders in the Building" at no cost. Both companies are focused on building their streaming audiences in an increasingly crowded field that also includes Netflix, Amazon Prime and the BBC's iPlayer. Disney offers three subscription plans in Britain, with the cheapest carrying ads. ITVX is predominantly ad-supported, although a minority of viewers pay for a premium ad-free service. ITV will sell the advertising for "A Taste of Disney+" on ITVX, and Disney will do likewise for the ITVX selection on Disney+ standard with ads, the companies said.
