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Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘The Sweeney' at 50: How a brash, brutal police drama transformed British television
The Sweeney first hit screens (and also gave a good walloping to every wayward villain in west London) in January 1975. Its second series, of a total of four broadcast on ITV, followed in September of the same year. Alongside Thaw, who died in 2002, Dennis Waterman co-starred as the affable, capable DS George Carter. Waterman died in 2022, leaving few members of the fictionalised Flying Squad (the series derived its name from cockney rhyming slang: 'Sweeney Todd') still with us, let alone still working. But Nick Brimble, who played DC Gerry Burtonshaw, never stopped. Today a mainstay of the detective drama Grantchester, the 80-year-old recalls his Sweeney debut in the programme's sixth episode, 'Night Out'. 'It might have been my first day,' says Brimble, 'and we were doing a fight [scene] in a pub. I was there with Dennis, and we were running late. They said: 'OK, Dennis, Nick, make sure you don't get hurt. And go!' Suddenly, the whole place – which I thought was full of extras, turns out it was the entire stunt register – started smashing chairs over each other's heads and throwing bottles. I just stood there looking surprised!' But that's how it was, says the actor, who appeared in three series and the first of two Sweeney films (which made so much money they enabled production company EMI Films to make The Deer Hunter). During the pub fight, Brimble recalls Scottish actor Brian Coburn being knocked unconscious by a bottle that was meant to be made from toffee glass. These days, he says, projects don't come close to this level of realism – or violence. 'And obviously, you want to be safe,' adds Brimble, 'but sometimes you feel that things are a bit restricted. The Sweeney was flying by the seat of your pants – fights, action, the whole thing.' Cast members frequently arrived on set before seeing a script, and the wardrobe department would often call actors the night before filming to ask if they had a spare leather jacket for the shoot tomorrow. 'I had suede. 'That'll do!' they said,' Brimble recalls. 'Even now, the show has a great energy,' he adds. 'And people still respond to it, watching reruns all these years later. It doesn't feel like some dusty old show. It feels, in a way, more lively than many things on TV now.' There's a reason for that. The Sweeney began life as 'Regan', a 1974 episode of anthology series Armchair Cinema. And, for all its envelope-pushing and convention-smashing, the show started off as something of a composite, borrowing elements from other crime dramas. Producers picked Thaw after seeing him play a military policeman in the drama series Redcap, while Waterman was chosen after he guest-starred in ITV's crime saga Special Branch. Writer Ted Childs was inspired by Gene Hackman thriller The French Connection. Series creator Ian Kennedy Martin looked to films including the Michael Caine vehicle Get Carter, Sitting Target with Oliver Reed, and the gangster movie Villain, starring Richard Burton, to inform the show's style. As such, when The Sweeney first aired – multiple influences under its belt, and a pilot in its pocket – it arrived fully formed. And there wasn't any laborious world-building to do, because this wasn't a far-fetched, fantastical London. This was the real thing – violence, hardship and all. 'The Seventies was a tough time. A gritty time,' says Tony Jordan, a seasoned writer and the creator of programmes including Hustle and Beyond Paradise. 'It can feel like it was quite shiny, polished and pop-arty. But it wasn't really like that. Everything was in economic decline, crime was rising – particularly in cities – and it was all a bit fractious. Television didn't truly represent that. Our crimefighters were things like The Avengers, all a bit nonsensical. There were exceptions, of course, but general mainstream television felt like a fantasy world. Heroes were heroes, and that's the way it worked.' Then came Jack Regan. 'He lived in the world we all lived in. He had moral ambiguity; he worried. He was a flawed hero, but he was on our side. He did terrible things – like kidnapping people – but he'd never take a bribe for himself. There wasn't a holier-than-thou reverence to it. He clearly had his demons, but still he did the right thing.' And Regan, says Jordan, more closely resembled the police he knew as a rebellious teenager. In fact, many of the show's catchphrases – 'We're the Sweeney, son, and we haven't had any dinner'; 'Get your trousers on, you're nicked!' – were borrowed from real-life, off-duty Flying Squad members whom producers spoke to in pubs around Scotland Yard. Regan and co may have been fictional, but they were real: human, fallible, and capable of making mistakes. 'It was aware of other TV,' Jordan explains. 'At one point, Regan has a lollipop and George says, 'Who loves ya, baby?', referencing Kojak. He'd say stuff like 'Life isn't like Z-Cars' or whistle the theme tune to Dixon of Dock Green. So audacious! How could you not love the audacity of that?' The Sweeney resonated across culture. Both Squeeze and Kate Bush namedropped the series in their lyrics. 'It wasn't about dissecting your lines or finding your character's motivation, says Brimble. 'It was about turning up and doing stuff. I think half of the show's realism comes from the fact it was done very fast. Energy is the word that comes to mind – lots of testosterone flying about. If there was a fight in a pub, you went and had a fight in a pub.' Brimble later played Little John in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. On set, that film's star, Kevin Costner, would constantly ask Brimble about London gangsters and his work on shows like The Sweeney. 'I had to say, 'I'm not one, Kevin – I'm just pretending, love.'' But The Sweeney attracted A-listers itself. Among the guest stars were John Hurt, Brian Blessed, Richard Griffiths – even Morecambe and Wise. Ray Winstone made his acting debut in series three, and went on to star in a flimsy cinematic reboot that bore little resemblance to the original show. That film, released in 2012, spawned a French remake in 2015 starring Jean Reno, which has itself produced a sequel. In the Nineties, Nissan spoofed the show in an ad campaign, and Matt Berry recently described his short-lived sitcom Year of the Rabbit as 'The Sweeney, but set in Victorian times'. The Sweeney lives on, then – not least in every hard-edged, hard-drinking copper on television today. 'Well, they'd like to be The Sweeney,' says Brimble. 'But that realism and action and energy is hard to reproduce these days. It was the first one that felt real – that's why people still aspire to it. But drama today is often too complicated. The Sweeney worked because it wasn't complicated. It was an adrenaline-fuelled rush.' (© The Independent)
Time Business News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Cast of The Outlaws: Meet the Talented Performers Driving the BBC Hit Series
The Outlaws, created by Stephen Merchant and Elgin James, is a standout BBC comedy-drama that fuses humor, crime, and emotional depth. Set in Bristol, the show brings together a mismatched group of strangers completing community service. The driving force behind its success is its dynamic, diverse, and brilliantly cast ensemble. At BritainWrites, we've explored each cast member in detail to help fans and new viewers alike understand why this ensemble works so well. From Hollywood icons to rising UK stars, this breakdown showcases what each actor brings to the table. Christopher Walken as Frank Sheldon Among the Cast of The Outlaws, Christopher Walken is the most internationally recognized name. He plays Frank Sheldon, a retired con artist attempting to repair his relationship with his daughter while serving community service. Walken's iconic delivery adds depth to a role that mixes criminal charm with emotional vulnerability. Known for: The Deer Hunter, Catch Me If You Can Character type: World-weary, cunning, regretful Unique fact: Walken's first lead in a British series Walken's portrayal adds global star power and a grounded, heartfelt presence to the show. Known for: The Deer Hunter, Catch Me If You Can, Pulp Fiction Role: A sly but soft-hearted former criminal Fun fact: This was Walken's first major role in a British TV series Walken's portrayal of Frank adds unexpected tenderness to the character, making him both comedic and touching. Stephen Merchant not only co-created the series but also stars as Greg Dillard, an awkward and painfully shy solicitor. Greg is sentenced to community service after a public indecency offense, and his personal journey is one of the most relatable in the show. Known for: The Office (UK), Extras, Hello Ladies Role: A lonely lawyer with social anxiety and deep insecurities Creator credit: Merchant also writes and directs multiple episodes Greg's storyline is often both cringe-inducing and deeply moving, and Merchant's self-deprecating performance hits the right balance. Rhianne Barreto plays Rani, a gifted student from a strict immigrant family. After being caught shoplifting, she's sentenced to community service. Her storyline explores rebellion, cultural expectations, and identity crisis. Known for: Hanna, Honour Character traits: Intelligent, impulsive, emotionally conflicted Performance: Barreto brings complexity to Rani's coming-of-age arc As the youngest in the group, Rani adds a generational contrast that enriches the dynamic of the cast. Gamba Cole plays Christian, a protective older brother using a false identity to escape gang affiliations. His calm demeanor hides a life filled with danger, loyalty, and difficult choices. Known for: Guerrilla, Hanna Background: Christian is on the run from a dangerous past Relationship arc: His bond with Rani adds emotional weight to the storyline Cole's understated performance adds credibility and emotional grounding to the show's more dramatic moments. Darren Boyd plays John Halloran, a disgraced businessman caught in a racism scandal. His struggle with public image, family expectations, and personal guilt provides an ongoing moral dilemma within the group. Known for: Spy, Killing Eve, Green Wing Character profile: Conservative, prideful, and forced to confront change Story impact: John's arc mirrors real-world issues of privilege and bias Boyd brings both satire and sincerity to a character audiences love to hate—and sometimes sympathize with. Clare Perkins takes on the role of Myrna, a former radical activist. Now older and haunted by her past, Myrna uses community service as a chance to make amends and rediscover purpose. Known for: EastEnders, Secrets & Lies Role traits: Fiercely intelligent, morally conflicted, idealistic Dramatic depth: Her internal struggle adds gravitas to the ensemble Myrna often challenges other characters' motives, making her a voice of conscience in the group. Eleanor Tomlinson plays Lady Gabby, a socialite and former reality star sentenced after a drunken scandal. Her entitlement and cluelessness offer comic relief but also develop into genuine character growth. Known for: Poldark, The Nevers Character shift: From influencer to introspective outsider Added value: Her arc surprises viewers with unexpected emotional depth Tomlinson's portrayal of privilege evolving into self-awareness is one of the show's most entertaining transformations. Jessica Gunning stars as Diane, the overly intense community service officer. Obsessed with rules and control, Diane provides consistent comedic energy while occasionally revealing her own insecurities. Known for: Pride, Back, White Heat Character tone: Comically strict, socially awkward, and a little delusional Standout scenes: Diane's patrols and interrogations are comedic highlights Gunning balances slapstick and subtle humor to deliver some of the series' funniest moments. Nina Wadia plays Shanthi, Rani's traditional and overbearing mother. She represents the generational and cultural pressures faced by Rani and delivers moments of both frustration and heart. Known for: Goodness Gracious Me, EastEnders Cultural influence: Shanthi brings immigrant family dynamics into sharp focus Narrative weight: Her confrontations with Rani are emotionally charged Wadia's performance adds authenticity and emotional complexity to Rani's backstory. Actor Character Notable Credits Character Summary Christopher Walken Frank Sheldon Pulp Fiction, Catch Me Aging conman seeking redemption Stephen Merchant Greg Dillard The Office, Extras Awkward lawyer hiding deep loneliness Rhianne Barreto Rani Rekowski Hanna, Honour High-achiever turned rebel Gamba Cole Christian Taylor Guerrilla, Hanna Ex-gang member protecting his sister Darren Boyd John Halloran Spy, Killing Eve Disgraced businessman facing backlash Clare Perkins Myrna Okeke EastEnders, Secrets & Lies Former radical with unresolved guilt Eleanor Tomlinson Lady Gabby Penrose Poldark, The Nevers Spoiled influencer seeking identity Jessica Gunning Diane Pemberley Pride, Back Overzealous officer with a quirky side Nina Wadia Shanthi Rekowski EastEnders, Goodness Gracious Me Strict mother with traditional values The success of The Outlaws depends heavily on its diverse and multi-layered cast. With a balance of comedic veterans, dramatic actors, and international stars, the series resonates across different demographics. Each actor brings authenticity to their role, and the ensemble chemistry keeps the plot engaging and believable. Filmed in Bristol, the gritty urban setting adds realism, while the diverse casting reflects contemporary British society. The Outlaws has received widespread acclaim for both performance and writing. The cast, in particular, has been praised for elevating what could have been a typical redemption story. IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 92% Praise: Strong performances, believable character arcs, and smart humor Christopher Walken's presence draws global attention, while Stephen Merchant's dry wit and writing give the show a distinctly British flavor. Most original cast members returned for the third season, including: Stephen Merchant as Greg Christopher Walken as Frank Rhianne Barreto as Rani Gamba Cole as Christian Clare Perkins as Myrna Their ongoing character development adds new depth to the show's evolving narrative. Who is the most famous actor in The Outlaws? Christopher Walken is the most internationally recognized member of the cast, with a long and award-winning career in film. Is The Outlaws based on real people? No, the show is fictional. However, the characters are inspired by real-world social dynamics and stereotypes. Where was the series filmed? The series was filmed in Bristol, England, using real locations to enhance authenticity. Will the full cast return for Season 4? There's no official confirmation yet, but the positive reception of Season 3 suggests most of the cast may return. The cast of The Outlaws brings together actors from different genres, generations, and cultural backgrounds to create something uniquely entertaining. From Walken's seasoned charm to Barreto's raw emotion and Gunning's comedic timing, every role feels essential. Their performances turn a simple community service premise into one of the BBC's most exciting and human-centered shows. Whether you're here for the humor, the social commentary, or the performances, the cast of The Outlaws delivers something for everyone. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Cannes 2025: Robert De Niro receives standing ovation, Palme d'Or from Leonardo DiCaprio
Veteran actor and filmmaker Robert De Niro was honoured with a standing ovation at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 13, as he received the honourary Palme d'Or for lifetime achievement. The award was presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, De Niro's longtime collaborator and friend. The opening ceremony of Cannes 2025 marked a significant moment in cinema history as De Niro, 81, was celebrated for his decades-long contribution to the film industry. Known for his iconic roles in Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, and Awakenings, De Niro took the stage to rapturous applause, delivering a speech that highlighted the importance of artistic freedom and democracy. 'Art looks for truth. Art embraces diversity. That's why art is a threat. That's why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists,' he said. De Niro used the global platform to issue a sharp critique of U.S. President Donald Trump, criticizing recent policies on arts funding and international film taxation. 'Our president cut funding to arts and education. Now he's taxing foreign films 100%. Let that sink in,' he stated, urging the public to 'organize, protest, and vote.' He ended his speech with the French national motto: 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.' Joining De Niro at the event was his partner, Tiffany Chen. The couple made a joint appearance on the red carpet and at the screening of Partir Un Jour (Leave One Day), wearing coordinated black outfits. Their presence at the festival drew attention, particularly given their previous visit in 2023 shortly after the birth of their daughter. DiCaprio, who starred with De Niro in Killers of the Flower Moon, praised the actor while presenting the award. The ceremony also featured appearances from jury president Juliette Binoche, Halle Berry, Jeremy Armstrong and more, among other notable figures in the film world. Cannes 2025 runs from May 12 to May 24 and opened with a surprise appearance by Quentin Tarantino.
Mint
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Cannes Festival 2025: Robert De Niro honoured with standing ovation, receives Palme d'Or from Leonardo DiCaprio
Robert De Niro, the renowned film producer was honoured with a standing ovation at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 13. The 81-year-old film producer was awarded with the most coveted Palme d'Or, a lifetime achievement award by the popular Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio. At the opening ceremony of 78th edition of the famous Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro received the honorary Palme d'Or Award which is a lifetime achievement award awarded to iconic personalities for their outstanding work in the entertainment industry. Notably, his contribution to film industry was recognised at this global stage through this accolade. This is a landmark moment in history of cinema for the actor known for Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, Awakenings and more. Robert De Niro said, 'In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,' during his acceptance speech. He warned about threats to democracy.
The Independent
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Stephen Graham shares touching tribute to Robert De Niro: ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart'
Stephen Graham thanked Robert De Niro during a heartfelt moment on The One Show for kickstarting his love of acting and film at an early age. The two heavyweight actors appeared on the BBC show on Thursday (13 March) to promote their new projects. Graham is currently earning rave reviews for his gripping new Netflix drama Adolescence. Meanwhile, fresh off the heels of Zero Day, De Niro is returning to the gangster genre with the movie The Alto Knights. The pair have previously starred alongside one another in Martin Scorsese's acclaimed The Irishman but Graham revealed on The One Show that De Niro holds a special place in his heart beyond sharing a screen. Graham recalled when he was a teenager and his father asking him when he was 14 if he was serious about becoming an actor. When Graham said yes his father decided to take him to the local video store where they rented three movies: The Godfather, Taxi Driver and The Deer Hunter. 'Then we went home and we watched these three films and we watched them all over the weekend, Graham said. 'And, you know, it was just… You were the beginning of my whole love of favourite films, really." Turning to De Niro, he added: 'I don't think I ever told you that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by BBC The One Show (@bbctheoneshow) De Niro, 81, stars in Taxi Driver and The Deer Hunter, both of which earned him an Oscar nomination. The One Show has since shared the interaction on Instagram and the post has been flooded with warm responses by viewers. One person said: 'I think there's probably a young boy saying the same thing to his dad about Stephen Graham. He's a brilliant actor.' Another wrote: 'A legend being thanked by a future legend.' A third added: 'Stephen is so humble. A brilliant actor, a true gentleman and icon .. a true inspiration.' Speaking to The Independent about Adolescence, Graham issued a warning to parents about the dangers of the internet. Shot in one-take, each episode follows characters in real time as they attempt to get to the bottom of the incident. Exploring topical issues including incel culture, misogyny and the online 'manosphere', Graham was inspired by news reports of stabbings of young girls. 'I read an article about a young boy stabbing a young girl,' the A Thousand Blows star said. 'And then maybe a couple of months later, on the news there was [another] young boy who'd stabbed a young girl, and if I'm really honest with you, they hurt my heart.' He explained that the storyline explores a complexity of topics and that parents need to be 'mindful' of the external influences working on their children. 'It's just being mindful of the fact that not only we parent our children, and not only the school educates our children,' he said. 'But also there's influences that we have no idea of that are having profound effects on our young culture, profound effects, positive and extremely negative. So it's having a look at that and seeing that we're all accountable.'
