Just as London has started to cool off after a record-breaking week of heat, it looks like the capital is about to do it all over again.

Forecasters are predicting another heatwave could arrive this weekend, with temperatures climbing back to 28C on Saturday before potentially staying there, or climbing even higher, for the next 10 days.

According to BBC Weather, London is currently predicted to see highs of between 28 degrees and 32 degrees every day through to the end of its current outlook on the 13th of July. If those hold, the capital would comfortably meet the official definition of a heatwave, which is three consecutive days of temperatures reaching at least 28 degrees.

Of course, long-range forecasts can shift (hopefully), but it's not just the BBC expecting another blast of hot weather. The Met Office is also pointing towards a return to hotter conditions across southern England as we head into July. It seems unlikely both are wrong, but we'll have to wait and see.

It comes barely a week after the UK recorded its hottest June day on record. The Met Office has now confirmed a provisional high of 37.7 degrees was recorded in Norfolk, beating the previous June record of 35.6 degrees, which had stood since 1976.

Last week's heatwave caused widespread disruption across the country. Schools closed, train services were cancelled, hospitals declared critical incidents, and Kent introduced a hosepipe ban as water demand surged. Scientists also warned that heatwaves of this intensity have become far more likely because of human-driven climate change.

For Londoners, the soaring temperatures can be even tougher than elsewhere in the UK. As we recently explained, the capital's dense buildings, lack of green space in some areas and the urban heat island effect mean the city often stays hotter for longer, particularly overnight. If you're wondering why London always seems to feel several degrees warmer than everywhere else, we've broken down exactly why in our guide to why Londoners are more at risk in hot weather than the rest of the UK.

If you struggled through last week's heat, it might also be worth thinking beyond another desk fan. We've also been testing gadgets designed specifically for hot weather, including Sony's surprisingly brilliant Reon Pocket Pro wearable air conditioner, which sits underneath your shirt and helps keep your body temperature in check during scorching commutes.

Whether this second heatwave lasts the full 10 days remains to be seen, but one thing seems certain: don't pack away the shorts, refillable water bottle, SPF or your handheld fan just yet. Summer isn't finished with London.

• Dreading the heatwave? This map shows you which places have air con near you

If you think about Pride and immediately think of parades, floats, and drag queens being more entertaining in ten minutes than the 2026 TV slate so far, then you’re not exactly wrong. However there are plenty of events which are a little less parade and a little more pottering around a bookshop. One of the fan favourites making a comeback for 2026 is Aesop’s Queer Library.

The skincare company is bringing back its pop-up Queer Library to Soho this summer as part of London's Pride celebrations. Running from 3rd-5th July, this year marks the sixth edition of the pop-up which highlights the longstanding presence and value of queer voices across the UK. For three days visitors heading to the store can select a complimentary book from one of the 33 LGBTQ+ authors featured in this year’s library. The best part? You don’t even need to purchase anything or spend a certain amount to be eligible.

Each year revolves around a different theme, and 2026’s is Body of Work, in a subtle nod to the brand. The collection celebrates queer literary voices that use the body as a site of power, pleasure, resistance, and renewal. The featured title this year is The Log Books by Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, which explores intergenerational queer heritage, taking an intimate look at four decades of LGBTQ+ life in Britain through the call logs of Switchboard, the volunteer-led support line.

As well as the free books on offer for visitors, in a new addition for this year, Aesop Spitalfields will host a Reading Room where you can browse an array of LGBTQ+ titles that celebrate liberation through self-expression. The Spitalfields Reading Room will be hosted by K Bailey Obazee, founder of queer Black book club PRIM.BLACK. The full library spans 33 titles, including works by Kae Tempest, Lee Lai, Jason Okundaye, Brandon Taylor, and Yrsa Daley-Ward.

In select locations, visitors will also be invited to partake in a literary card game of sorts—taking an archetypal Aesop fable as creative raw material to reveal something new.

If you want to get involved with Pride without losing your voice (after all the cheering and singing, obvs) or just fancy swapping beauty products for books, Aesop’s Queer Library is the perfect spot to explore stories that you won’t find on the average bookshelf.

• London Museum gets November opening date - and some surprising night-time plans

If there’s anyone you can rely on to lift the spirits of you and your (cha)buddies, it’s comedian Asim Chaudhry.

The quick-quipping wheeler-dealer star of TV’s People Just Do Nothing and Hollywood sleeper hit Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die has already made it to honorary wingman status after joining us in the Shortlist Pub Corner earlier this year for a hilarious chat. So, as Men’s Mental Health Week kicks off in the UK, who better than Asim for some friendship-saving life advice?

Asim’s teamed up with men's grooming brand Harry's for the Dial Up The Feel Good campaign, in partnership with men's mental fitness charity Talk Club, encouraging men to check in on the people they care about.

The campaign follows new YouGov research commissioned by Harry's, which found that more than half (56%) of UK men say humour or banter makes emotional conversations easier, while 41% say sending a funny meme or video is their way of saying "I'm thinking of you" without getting too mushy.

While we’re slowly stepping away then from the ‘Man-up’ approach to dealing with our personal struggles, there’s still work to be done, and even a star on the rise like Asim isn’t immune to those mood-killing moments of doubt and despair.

“A few weeks ago, I was in a proper rut, just completely stuck in my own head, staring at the walls of the studio and feeling creatively drained,” he tells us.

“It’s that classic imposter syndrome thing where you pour everything into a script, it hits a wall, and suddenly you're looking at the whole industry thinking, ‘What am I even doing here?’ When your job is making people laugh, feeling completely blank inside is a weird, heavy place to be.”

The route to recovery? A simple chat with his closest of friends, his wife.

“My wife actually works as a therapist, so she knows how to handle my emotional maturity, or lack of it. She saw I was spiralling. What got me back on my feet wasn't some massive epiphany. She didn't give me a big motivational speech or try to fix my career. She just dragged me out of the house for a massive walk to the park.

“We just sat there, and it grounded me. It reminded me of the team element of being married, and how much the simple things matter. We went home, I spent some time with my little boy, and hearing him laugh just completely shut down all the silly industry anxieties I was holding onto.

“Growing up in Hounslow, left to my own devices, I learned how to just get on with things. But sometimes you get so caught up in the madness of the business that you forget to unplug.”

Got a friend who’s also in need of a pick me up? We asked Asim for his top tips for helping a friend through some of life’s most challenging life events.

Asim Chaudhry on what to say or do if…

1…Your pal breaks up with their partner

I think the instinct is often to try and fix it, but most of the time your mate doesn't need solutions - they just need someone in their corner. I'd probably start by checking in and seeing what they need. Sometimes that's a proper chat, sometimes it's getting them out of the house for a coffee or a walk, and sometimes it's just sending them a stupid meme to let them know they're not on their own.

Breakups can make people feel isolated, so I think the important thing is consistency. Don't just ask how they're doing once and disappear. Keep checking in, even if it's with something as simple as "Fancy a pint?" or "Want to watch the game?" Those little moments can make a bigger difference than people realise.

2…Your mate loses their job

I've had moments in my career where things haven't gone to plan and it can really knock your confidence. When someone loses a job, it's easy for them to start questioning their value, so I'd remind them that a job is something you do, not who you are.

I'd also try and be practical. Ask if there's anything you can actually help with - whether that's looking over a CV, making introductions or just giving them a break from thinking about it for an hour. Sometimes the best thing you can do is help someone remember they're more than whatever setback they're dealing with.

3… A friend’s loved one passes away

That's one of those situations where there's rarely a perfect thing to say. I think people put pressure on themselves to come up with some profound words when actually just being there is what matters.

When someone is grieving, I try not to make it about finding a solution because there isn't one. I'd check in, listen if they want to talk, sit with them if they don't and help with practical things where I can. A lot of people disappear after the first week or two, but grief doesn't work to a timetable. Sometimes checking in a month later can mean just as much.

4… You’ve had a massive bust-up with a (cha)buddy

The older I've got, the more I've realised that being right isn't always the most important thing. If it's someone you genuinely care about, you've got to be willing to put your ego to one side.

I'd probably start by picking up the phone. Text messages are brilliant for a lot of things, but they're terrible for tone. I'd be honest about my part in whatever happened and actually listen to their side too. Most friendships survive disagreements if both people are prepared to have an honest conversation.

And if it gets too serious, a badly timed joke can sometimes help as well. That's probably the comedian in me.

5…Your mate is so blue they can’t even get out of bed

I'd take it seriously and I'd make the effort to show up. Sometimes when people are struggling, the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming, so I'd try not to pile pressure on them.

Maybe that's a phone call. Maybe it's turning up with a coffee. Maybe it's sitting with them and getting them out for a ten-minute walk. The key thing is reminding them they're not carrying everything on their own.

That's one of the reasons I wanted to support Harry's partnership with Talk Club. The campaign is all about encouraging people to make that call, send that message or check in on a mate, because those small acts of connection can genuinely make a difference when someone's having a tough time.

One of the things I like about the Harry's Feel Good Hotline campaign is that it recognises connection doesn't always have to be some huge emotional conversation. Sometimes it's a check-in, a joke, a message or a quick call. Those little moments can be enough to let someone know they're seen, and that can be incredibly powerful when they're having a tough time.

• The BIG London gig list 2026: Your guide to this year's very best shows, festivals and concerts

For most people, the Jurassic period means one thing: dinosaurs. But during the time that dinosaurs stomped across the land and pterosaurs soared through the skies, deadly marine reptiles were cruising through the ocean, devouring other animals.

The Natural History Museum’s latest exhibition, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep, brings these ancient sea creatures to life once more. People can see (and even touch) some of these formidable beasts through the exhibits, many of which are on public display for the first time. I was lucky enough to have an early sneak-peek at what's on show.

Visitors are immediately plunged into the prehistoric underwater world. Rippling shadows dance along the room’s deep blue walls from swathes of fabric draped across the ceiling, and dragon-like monsters swoop across huge TV screens.

There's an enormous amphibian – the size of a crocodile – with a split in its skull. This clue hints at how it may have died: experts think a tree landed on top of it.

Then, there’s the chance to touch the cast of an ichthyosaur skull to get to grips with how massive this creature’s eyes would have been. Its huge peepers gave it the best chance of finding prey in deep, dark waters and, in some specimens, they were massive. This skull is from a nine-metre beastie discovered by 14-year-old Joseph Anning in 1811.

Some ichthyosaurs could grow as long as 25 metres – longer than a tennis court – and their eyes would have been around the size of a dinner plate.

Later, a replica reveals what this ferocious animal would have looked like: a cross between a shark and a dolphin. It thrashed its head from side to side to snap up fish with its long tooth-filled snout. Thanks to preserved soft tissue, experts even know what colour it was. Its streamlined body was a dark grey on top and lighter on its underside. This ‘countershading’ made it harder to see from both above and below, suggesting something even bigger and more terrifying in the water may have wanted to take a bite of it.

Interactive history

While exploring, visitors are invited to touch skull casts and real prehistoric teeth. There’s even the chance to get handsy with a 200-million-year old turd. Thankfully, the coprolite (Jurassic poo) is much less unpleasant than a fresh dung sample.

Perhaps the star of the show is the three-dimensional cast of a plesiosaur that guests can walk around to fully appreciate the impressive length of its elongated neck, which may have enabled the strange creature to sneak up on prey in murky waters.

“We’re used to seeing plesiosaurs laid out flat in slabs with more of a two dimensional pancake-like view,” says Dr Marc Jones, curator of fossil reptiles at the Museum and the exhibition’s lead scientist, speaking of the new exhibitions immersive benefits.

“You can walk all the way around and have a look at it from every different angle.”

Experts once believed that plesiosaurs had flexible necks like a swan, Jones explains, but they’re much more rigid: “When they were first being understood 200 years ago, Reverend Buckland described them as a snake threaded through the body of a turtle.”

These animals are so unlike anything we know on the planet today that they influenced academic understanding of extinction.

“They were a bigger deal than dinosaurs in some ways,” says Jones.

“They have this body plan that just doesn't exist today so this fed directly into discussions of extinction, whether animals could go extinct, and the age of the earth.”

Although these long-extinct beasties seem worlds away from many of the animals in our ocean today, the museum’s curators want guests to recognise the similarities with species that still exist, such as horseshoe crabs and autiluses – both of which have been on the planet for hundreds of millions of years.

Relationships within the food web are similar in today’s ocean: phytoplankton (plant-like plankton) create energy from sunlight and are eaten by small animals. Those are chomped by larger animals and so on, all the way up the food chain to the fiercest apex predators.

“The Triassic and the Jurassic are really a warning to us,” says Jones. Back then, the Earth was much warmer and more humid, the oceans were more than 130 metres deeper than they are today, and there was much more carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.

“You have a much warmer world because of this CO2 and we've put over 2000 gigatons of CO2 into the atmosphere in the space of 200 years,” he says.

There was also much less oxygen in the ocean because of warmer waters and plankton blooms. “There was lots of extinction among vertebrates, and they think it's because of poorly oxygenated waters,” he says.

In the Jurassic period, the environment was changing much more slowly than it is today but many creatures still went extinct.

“Even climate change taking [place over] millions of years has impacts on the ecosystem and the animals that live in it,” says Jones, “so that should tell us something to be wary of: what we're doing to the atmosphere.”

Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep opens May 22nd, 2026

Times: Monday – Sunday 10.00-17.50 (last entry 16.30)   
Prices: Peak: Adult £17.50, child £8.75   
Off-peak: Adult £15.00, child £7.50 
Members, patrons and children under 4 go free 
Concessions available 

Get Tickets: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/jurassic-oceans.html 

• “Crises of the imagination”: In Other Worlds at the Barbican is a sci-fi-fulled blueprint for surviving the end of the world

A new drinking and dining option is coming to Greenwich, ideally placed for those about head into a gig at the O2.

The Dial — Home of Meantime is a large craft beer spot just a couple of minutes’ stroll from North Greenwich tube, and it will open its doors on November 7th.

We got to take a look early doors to see what’s up. And this place may well leap ahead of where we usually go for a pre-gig pint.

For starters, there’s the happy hour. It’s no ordinary happy hour. From Monday to Thursday, pints can be had for £3 from 3pm, rising a pound an hour until it ends at 6pm.

And even after happy hour(s), prices are very reasonable for what is a central location.

As a Meantime location, on tap you have beers like Yakima Red, Anytime IPA and the brewer’s new Dial lager. But our pick of the night was the Cutty Haze IPA.

So there’s a lager named after the Dial venue itself? It makes sense as The Dial is its own microbrewery. It’s a 6-hectolitre setup, equipment capable of making around a thousand pints per brewing cycle.

That won’t go too far with rabid hoards of ageing millennials getting on it before Five take to the stage in November. But in-house brewing does does give The Dial a sense of authenticity that is not exactly endemic to the Las Vegas-like hall of eateries that rings about the O2, just a few hundred metres away.

Asahi is also offered on tap too. It may stand out oddly next to Meantime’s own beers, but it all makes sense as Asahi acquired Meantime in 2016.

As well as drinks, The Dial offers a robust menu of food including burgers, meaty “sando” sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs and sharing platters. And for those not all about carbing up, grilled salmon and a couple of salad options are available too.

The opening of The Dial — Home of Meantime follows a shift in the brewer’s operations that took place last year. Meantime had a brewing facility nearby in Greenwich, which was closed in 2024, in favour of consolidating in Chiswick, where an existing Fuller’s brewery sits. Fuller's is part of the wider Asahi group.

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Freddos may have started innocently enough, but now they are an internet meme staple, as well as the country’s recession indicator.

Want to know the state of the UK economy? Just pop into your local corner shop. Most of us remember the glory days of the five-pence Freddos, but it's hit new heights this year, clocking in at £1 (*faints in Millennial shock*).

The humble sweet treat itself originated in Australia nearly a century ago when British teenager Harry Melbourne thought up the chocolate bar. Harry’s daughter Leonie recently talked about her fury at the extortionate price of them.

Talking to Sky Money, Leonie said that: “Dad was disgusted with how small it is now and how much they charge for it.” Clearly, we’re not alone in our coco-outrage. She also mentioned that she hasn’t even bought a Freddo since her dad died.

Originally, the bar was going to be made in the shape of a mouse, but Harry pointed out that children were scared of mice, so why not make it into a frog instead, as catching tadpoles was popular amongst kids. They later went on sale in Australia for a penny - if you can imagine…

In 1999, a Freddo cost 10p in the UK, whenthe minimum wage was £3.60 for those 22 and above, meaning your hourly pay could get you 36 Freddo bars more or less. Today, it typically costs around 30p (even if some are charging up to a pound)... Current minimum wage is £12.21, giving you 40 bars, so actually, we’re not as shortchanged as we think. However, if its price has increased in line with inflation, today, a Freddo should go for about 21p, not upwards of 30p, according to the Bank of England’s inflation counter.

Freddo’s price jump of 200% isn’t exactly a surprise though, when you consider the fact that both cocoa and sugar prices - a Freddo's two main ingredients - have shot up, cocoa by 750% and raw sugar by about 250%. Yikes.

The whole idea of a Freddo, according to the inventor’s daughter, was that you could spend a small amount of money and come away with lots of chocolate. Your basic bang for your buck. Spending £1 on Freddos (as we’ve all done) would get you at best 3 Freddos today, whereas in 1999, you would get 10 for the same amount. So it turns out that it’s just as much about emotion as maths.

Maybe we will be joining Leonie in her boycott of Freddo buying until the price comes back down. We won’t be holding our breath…

• Buckingham Palace just launched its own canned Gin & Tonic

In something that sounds like a plot line straight out of Black Mirror or some kind of Jack-Thorne-written, award-winning Netflix miniseries, we now have Radioactive wasps amongst the many horrors currently plaguing the world.

Over in Aiken, South Carolina, in the US, in July, Radiological Control Operation employees at the Savannah River Site found a radioactive wasp nest hanging on a nearby wooden post - right next to nuclear waste tanks. Scenic.

The facility was once the producer of basic components to create nuclear weapons - or, in layman’s terms, plutonium. It was a major producer of plutonium 239, which was used to make up the core of bombs throughout the Cold War. Since then, the plant has switched focus to fuel creation and environmental cleanup. Quite the 360.

Straight out of Fallout or maybe Atomfall, employees have to test the plant regularly to check radiation levels to see if there is any nuclear waste on site. Unfortunately for people on shift on 3rd July, a wasps nest was discovered at 100,000 dpm (disintegrations per minute) - a casual 10 times the amount of radiation allowed by the government.

If you’ve ever wondered how to fix this kind of thing (God forbid you ever need to do it yourself), the team in South Carolina sprayed the nest with insect killer and disposed of it as nuclear waste. If you’re worried if there are Hitchcock-esque plutonium buffed wasps on the loose, the report confirmed there were no radioactive leaks from the bins, but that the wasp nest was a legacy contamination - basically happening after prolonged exposure to leftover radioactivity.

Whilst officials claimed there was no outstanding danger to anybody in the area, we think we’ll pass up on a visit to South Carolina for the next 22 days, which, if anyone Googles it, happens to be the upper lifespan of a wasp…

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The Lionesses are back, and have quite literally been slaying the game.

The nerves are mounting as they take on Italy in the semi-finals tonight (22nd July). The match marks the final step between England and the finals. Talk about nerve wrecking eh?

If you’re wanting something to calm the nerves - which is probably in order after the dramatic penalty showdown in the England Sweden game - then you may be in luck. Young’s pubs are clearly also feeling the stress too, and will be giving away a free pints to anyone watching the Lionesses game against Italy in the next Euros match. If you can’t handle the tension of the game, take a sip and keep those fingers crossed (provided they aren’t already covering your eyes).

How to grab a free pint

To get your hands on a free pint, all you need to do is make sure you have the Young’s app downloaded and head over to the ‘your treats’ section. Once you’ve navigated there, you should be able to find a pint of Camden Hells waiting for you, ready to claim. Then all you need to do is head to a Young’s pub and place your order before settling back to watch the game unfurl.

Not heading to the pub for the game? You can still grab a free pint, as your 'treat' will remain in the app for a week until it's claimed. As long as you’re heading to the pub by July 27th, you’ll be able to snap up that freebie. That date ringing a bell? Yup, coincidentally, it’s the date of the Euros final. So you can either save it for later in a tactical move, or swoop it up early. Player's choice...

Not sure what your nearest Young’s pub is? You can head to Youngs' website and head to ‘Our Pubs’. Once there, you can filter by your local area and find your nearest watering hole. You can also check out the map view in case you’re more of a visual learner - or you just want a nosy at just how many pubs you could head to.

If England is victorious against Italy tomorrow, all eyes will be on the Spain/Germany match which will decide which team will be the ultimate opponent in the final. The Lionesses have played against both - a loss against Spain in 2023 during the World Cup, and a more successful game against Germany in 2022 which ended in glory for England thanks to Chloe Kelly’s winning goal. We're feeling tense already.

Win or lose you’ll still feel like a winner with a free pint. The England Italy match takes place on 22nd July at 8pm UK time.

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Jurassic World Rebirth has got most of us channelling our inner dino diva. Between Jonathan Bailey’s glasses and falling in love with the whole cast on their press tours, you wouldn’t be alone in wanting to extend the Jurassic fever.

Luckily, a new immersive experience has opened up in London’s Lightroom just off King’s Cross. Apple TV+'s creative brains are behind the experience with the streaming service's latest show, Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs. The best part? Not only does it feature Damian Lewis narrating the whole thing, but Hans Zimmer also composed the entire original score. It’s basically the best of cinema doing an art exhibition.

Anyone heading to visit will encounter a variety of life-size dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, from Isisaursa to Mosasaurs, and the more recognisable ones like Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex. The exhibition depicts them at the most dramatic moments of their lives, from soaring skies to the depths of the ocean. The exhibition brings the prehistoric world to life through Lightroom’s impressive 360-degree projection technology. It will also feature extended CGI sequences and never-before-seen illustrations. And of course, the majestic voice of Damian Lewis who is channelling his inner David Attenborough, turning his hand to narrating the entire experience.

Like all things with dinosaurs, it’s suitable for all ages - from taking your five-year-old nephew, to taking out your 55-year-old dad (who has the same hobbies, interests, and general mindset of a five-year-old). A complete show lasts about 50 minutes, but you can stay longer if the person you’re with is geeking out - there’s no time limit on how long you can stay there, so get ready for an archeological dig team to eventually find you…

Imagine the natural history museum brought to life, just digitally, and that’s not far off this experience. Tickets start from £25 for adults and £15 for children and students, with the usual concessions available for families, groups, students and the like. The show is running from 9th July until 2nd November 2025. You can head to lightroom.uk for more details or to book.

After all, as Damian Lewis put it, “where else are you going to get to sidle up next to a life-size, living T-Rex in its natural habitat?” We’re just hoping we might run into Jonathan Bailey doing something science-y in the corner.

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Apple TV+ knocks out some stellar programming from the incredibly popular and critically adored Severance, to more recently Seth Rogen’s The Studio, which offers an amusing insight into how Hollywood operates.

However, according to FlixPatrol – a site that monitors how popular different shows are on the various streamers – Your Friends & Neighbors has been consistently the most popular show Apple has to offer since it first released. Most importantly, it sees Jon Hamm return to television, a sight for sore eyes if you were a fan of his turn as Don Draper in Mad Men.

The show is currently halfway through its first season, having already been confirmed for a second season, so now it's the perfect time to jump on board. Much like the rest of Apple TV+’s shows, episodes are released weekly, with Your Friends & Neighbors releasing on Thursdays.

If you jump in now, you can binge the first few episodes to catch up before watching it weekly with everyone else, capturing the best of both worlds by combining the satisfying feeling of watching multiple episodes with the anticipation and conversation of weekly drops.

The show, which stars Jon Hamm and Olivia Munn, follows a man who, after losing his job, decides the best way to make ends meet is to go on a crime spree, stealing from all his affluent friends and neighbours who are likely to miss the items.

There are four more episodes left of season one, before the nine-episode run concludes on the 30th June, so if you’re unsure of what to watch this weekend and you have Apple TV+, Your Friends & Neighbors is the show of the moment.

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Slow Horses, the acclaimed Apple TV+ spy thriller, is set to return for its fifth season on 24th September, with a two-episode premiere. This news offers relief to fans, especially considering the prolonged wait we’ve started to expect from TV shows like Apple's own Severance.

The renewal for season five was announced early in 2024, followed shortly by the confirmation of a sixth season. Based on Mick Herron’s London Rules novel, season five continues the series’ trend of adapting Herron’s books, following Spook Street, which provided the basis for season four.

The upcoming season will feature familiar faces, including the star Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Saskia Reeves. Apple TV+'s official synopsis reveals that the plot will revolve around the suspicion surrounding tech expert Roddy Ho's new relationship and a series of bizarre events across the big smoke, leading the Slow Horses team to uncover the connections.

More sleuthing just around the corner

In a landscape of often lengthy waits between streaming show seasons, Slow Horses stands out for its consistent annual returns.

Despite its critical acclaim and the cast's stature, including Emmy-winner Gary Oldman, the show maintains a rapid production pace, something that has become increasingly unusual with prestige TV. Not only is season five on the way, but filming for season six has begun, too.

The series, which debuted in April 2022, has garnered significant critical acclaim, including Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama. Its ability to release five seasons in roughly three and a half years is a noteworthy achievement and has helped it become one of the most popular shows Apple TV+ has knocked out.

Nick Mohammed of Ted Lasso will make a guest appearance in season five, adding to the show's ensemble cast. The season's focus on strange occurrences promises to deliver another compelling instalment of the series.

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Netflix has consistently proven that subscribers love thrillers inspired by real-life events, and the top film on the service right now continues in that vein. The Spanish language thriller, A Widow’s Game, has everything you want from a mystery, with it stocked full of betrayal and surprises.

The film was just released on the service on 30th May and has since climbed to the top spot of most-watched films, according to FlixPatrol. It’s not always guaranteed that a Netflix Original film will take the top spot, but right now, the four most popular films are all Netflix productions.

The film is set in 2017 after a mans body is found with multiple stab wounds and his wife is a prime suspect... chances are, she's playing some kind of game.

Considering the film is based on a true story — and not just any old true story, but a tale so shocking and engrossing — we will no doubt get a documentary in the future. The classic Netflix double-dip feels inevitable.

Even just going off the trailer, A Widow's Game has everything you're going to want from a tight two hours of fun, with the trailer promising a murder, suspicious motives and more.

Decider has described the film as "a slightly-better-than-middling drama, professionally executed from a technical standpoint but a bit thin of screenplay", so maybe don't expect it to be mopping up awards come next spring.

Whilst Collider were also not too hot on the film, saying it "lacks focus" and giving it a five out of ten. However, there was high praise for the star Ivana Baquero as well as the rest of the cast, so it's not all bad.

Netflix's latest foray into naughty and salacious territory appears to be a mixed bag; however, given its popularity, it's probably the perfect lazy Sunday film to help unwind.

• We have spent A LONG time watching things on all these streaming services. So, if you want more of an in-depth look at the shows and movies you can stream then please head to the following guides.
  • The best Apple TV Plus shows, revealed
  • The best Netflix shows and best movies on Netflix
  • The best Amazon Prime Series and best movies on Amazon Prime Video
  • The best Disney Plus shows and best Disney Plus movies
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Fans of the Gears of War franchise may finally have some concrete news regarding the long-awaited movie adaptation of the iconic game series. David Leitch, the director known for action-packed films like Bullet Train and Deadpool 2, is reportedly in negotiations to direct the upcoming live-action Gears of War movie for Netflix.

The streaming giant secured the rights to Microsoft's popular cover-shooter series back in November 2022. Plans were for a film followed by an animated series. However, updates on the project have been scarce since the initial announcement, although as video game adaptations continue to grow in popularity, we now have an update.

According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Leitch is currently in talks to helm the feature film, though the deal is not yet finalised. Leitch boasts a strong background in action, starting his career as a stuntman on major films such as The Matrix Reloaded and Zack Snyder's 300.

He later transitioned to directing, co-directing John Wick (uncredited) before taking the helm on Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and most recently, The Fall Guy – a film dedicated to celebrating stunt actors in Hollywood.

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His experience with high-octane action and a touch of irreverence, as seen in some of his previous work, could make him a fitting choice for adapting the explosively grand yet inherently over-the-top world of Gears of War. Leitch is expected to produce the film alongside his business partner, Kelly McCormick.

Writer Jon Spaihts, known for his work on Denis Villeneuve's Dune films, is already attached to the project and has knocked out the screenplay. While Spaihts also has credits on films like Prometheus and The Mummy reboot, his involvement alongside Leitch suggests Netflix is aiming for a gritty yet faithful adaptation of the beloved video game saga, and we're closer than ever to seeing it on screen.

Netflix has remained silent on this latest development but has previously stated its intention for the film to closely follow the source material, differentiating it from earlier, ultimately unsuccessful attempts at a Gears of War movie. The franchise is having a bit of a comeback, generally with a remake of the first game coming this August, whilst the prequel E-Day has been announced and is awaiting a release date.

The potential addition of Leitch as director signals a significant step forward for the project, offering hope that the chainsaw-wielding action of Delta Squad will soon make its way to the screen. There is currently no information regarding casting, nor if it will be an original story or if the film will directly adapt one of the already-made games.

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We’ve been given our first major sneak peek at the reboot of King of the Hill, and it features a time jump — and not just the kind you might guess.

The show’s official account has posted a teaser image of the show’s upcoming return, and it tells us King of the Hill is going to be set in the present day.

The original run of King of the Hill was set roughly in the present day of the time — it began airing in 1997. This new run is set it in the present day of now, though, as shown by the VR headset, the electric scooter, drone delivery and Uber Eats-style picture props.

We have also heard, though, this new King of the Hill series will be set a few years on from the original for the characters too. While the classic quartet of characters looks mostly the same, you may notice the lines and jowls are just a little more prominent than they were back in the original run.

The most impactful part of this will be Bobby, who was depicted as a 13-year-old back in the day.

This resurrection of King of the Hill was announced in January 2023 as a Hulu project. However, it was in discussion years before that. In 2017 Variety reported show creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels were in talks with FOX about bringing King of the Hill back.

King of the Hill’s original run ended in 2009, after 13 seasons and more than 250 episodes. The revival will, for now, consist of 20 episodes spread across two seasons.

Season 14 is coming this Summer, while season 15 is expected in early 2026.

Much of the original cast is returning too, including Mike Judge as Hank Hill and Boombauer, Kathy Najimy as Peggy Hill, Stephen Root as Bill and Pamela Adlon as Bobby Hill.

Johnny Hardwick, who originally voiced Dale Gribble, was signed up to return, but died unexpectedly in August 2023.

We’ll know more on May 30, when King of the Hill gets a “sneak peek” at the ATX festival. There will be a panel hosted by Variety’s Michael Schneider, with both Mike Judge and Greg Daniels on-stage, alongside show runner Saladin K. Patterson and Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom and Toby Huss from the cast.

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Sazerac - the leading spirits company behind drinks cabinet favourites like Buffalo Trace and The Last Drop - has announced the renaming of its recently acquired Irish Whiskey Distillery, Hawk’s Rock Distillery.

Nestled in the stunning landscape of Country Sligo in Ireland, this distillery is set in the grounds of the historic Hazelwood House. The site has over 100-acres and is nationally listed, so the entire production line is bound to be drenched in Gaelic legacy and history.

Speaking of production, Hawk’s Rock (formerly known as Lough Gill Distillery), will continue to produce and age Irish Whisky, led by Master Blender Helen Mulholland - the first female Master Blender of Irish Whiskey History so you can expect the whiskey to combine the groundbreaking with the traditional.

Why the change in name?

Much like the best whiskey, the name blends the traditional with the future, as Sazerac looks ahead to the future of Hawk’s Rock and of legacy whiskey. In tribute to Sligo’s landscape, heritage and its most famous writer, W.B Yeats, the name - Hawk's Rock - is a nod to the outcrop on Sligo’s Ox Mountains which inspired Yeates’ play At the Hawk’s Well.

“The renaming of Hawk’s Rock Distillery marks a new, yet familiar, frontier for us,” says Sazerac President and CEO Jake Wenz. “Sazerac is known for its balanced approach to honoring tradition while embracing change in constant pursuit of crafting the world’s best spirits at our distilleries in America, India, Canada and France. Our mission holds true for Ireland, and we are excited to reveal how we are blending time-honored traditions with bold innovation to advance the art of Irish whiskey-making.”

“This rebrand is just the beginning for Hawk’s Rock Distillery,” says Wenz. “Throughout the changes at Hawk’s Rock, our vision remains the same – creating a track record for the aging and blending of award-winning whiskeys – and this name change brings us one step closer to bringing that vision to life.”

Unsurprisingly, the distillery isn’t open to the public currently, due to some serious renovations (which already include tripling the warehouse’s capacity) so no booking last minute flights to go on a special tasting tour. However, Sazerac has received planning permission to develop a future visitor experience, so it might not be long until you could be browsing in a good old gift-shop, and adding a Hawk’s Rock Distillery magnet to your fridge.

The distillery is busy with production although there haven't been any details yet from Hawk's Rock about its specific whiskies. If the distillery's legacy and Sazerac's track record are anything to go by, we're in for a treat with a high-quality release rich with Irish legacy. Watch this space as Hawk’s Rock have confirmed its first whiskey innovation will be debuting in June 2025. Not long to go until a special wee dram…

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Image credit: Sazerac

There is no bigger love story than Brits and complaining - it is quite literally our love language. And sure, there are a myriad of things we love complaining about - public transport, the government, the footie results. But simply nothing compares with complaining about the cost of living. And specifically, the cost of living in London. So really, it comes as absolutely no surprise that London has made it into the top five most expensive cities in the world to live in.

A new report from wealth firm Henley & Partners released a study which looked at the cost of having a home. The researchers looked at the average price per square metre of a “prime 100-to-200-square-metre apartment”. London ranked fourth overall, which really put the price of Greggs into perspective and made us more grateful than ever for the £1.30 sausage rolls which continue to be a stalwart of British culture and our lunch breaks.

Unsurprisingly, the millionaire playground of Monaco snatched the top spot, which is not exactly a shock considering Savills reported that property prices crossed the 50,000 euros per square metre line for the first time ever back in 2021.

Although we guess it’s not all bad news as, according to the study, London actually has a declining millionaire population, dropping by 12% over the past decade. The only other city to record negative growth during this period was Moscow which fell by 25%.

New York landed in second place on the pricey livinglist, with a whopping $27,500 per square metre - thanks in part to the 384,500 millionaires who live in the city.

These are the world's 10 most expensive cities:

1. Monaco

2. New York

3. Hong Kong

4. London

5. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

6. Paris

7. Sydney

8. Palm Beach

9. Miami Beach

10. Los Angeles

Cities that just missed out on the top ten include Singapore (11th), Switzerland (12th), Nice (13th), and Portofino (14th).

Better get saving then...

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Main image credit: ColdSnowStorm via Getty

Ghost Labs has launched a new line of ready-to-drink cocktails created by a stellar lineup of creatives, including former Diageo bigwig Anthony Wilson and leading chef Alex Claridge, who you might recognise from Great British Menu.

Looking like the drinks-world equivalent of The Ordinary skincare, Ghost Labs is a visually minimalist, design-led innovation which reimagine cocktails as you know them - namely being overly colourful boarding on garish, deceptively strong and simultaneously sweet.

The best way we can describe them is if Heston Blumenthal turned to cocktail mixology, as Ghost Labs - perhaps unsurprisingly for someone with ‘Lab’ in its name - use science to create the colourless cocktails. It breaks down the ingredients on a molecular level, and rebuilds them to create a final product that is completely clear, whilst still retaining its full flavour profile.

What's in the range?

Each ready-to-drink can is enigmatically named after its spirits base including ‘Gin’, ‘Tequila’, ‘Whisky’, ‘Rum’ and ‘Vodka’ - we did warn you they were minimalist. And speaking of minimalist, the Ghost Labs range has minimal calories, with just 110 kcals per 300ml can. No cocktail shakers, no waistcoats, no colour; in their words, it’s drinks without the nonsense.

Its Gin features grapefruit, lychee, and cucumber whilst the Tequila is paired with grapefruit, maple, and chili. Its Whisky has honey, pear, and gingerbread to bring a warm honey taste. The Rum is blended with coconut, passionfruit and vanilla, bringing all the tropical vibes that you’d hope for. Finally, its Vodka is made with espresso, cascara cherry, and guarana. And to save you Googling it, cascara cherries are the dried skins of coffee cherries, and guarana is a climbing plant which has approximately four times the amount of caffeine than found in coffee beans. You might recognise it from energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster, so the Rum cocktail sounds like it packs a caffeinated punch.

Ghost Labs’ aim is to address the annoyances that often come with ordering drinks, like long queues, and inconsistent pours at venues and festivals. Whilst you may think the packaging is simple, it’s deliberately designed to stand out.

Each 300ml can is 5% ABV and contains 110 calories. A six-pack retails for £18 and can be found at Selfridges, Zapp, and via the Ghost Labs official website.

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The sixth LEGO House exclusive set has been announced, and it's celebrating an old-school classic — LEGO Fabuland. This easy-to-build range focused on children aged 3 to 7 and was first introduced in 1979 before being discontinued in 1989. During its ten year heyday, Fabuland’s popularity saw it stretch to licensed shows, clothes and more for children to enjoy.

This limited edition set will be for anyone who grew up in the 80s wanting a balance between a healthy hit of nostalgia and a smart collectible to display. As with the rest of the LEGO House exclusive sets, you will need to go to where it's located — in Denmark — to get one for yourself, as that's where this set will be exclusively sold from 1st March for 649DKK (or about £73).

Although there were plenty of characters by the time the sun set on Fabuland, this set will focus on Edward Elephant, Joe Crow, Dr Lucy Lamb and Clive Crocodile, who have been "re-imagined in line with modern LEGO design principles."

A story to remember

One of the things that made this series of sets so unique was the building instructions included. Unlike other sets at the time, they were presented as a story written to be enjoyed by children. Luckily, this feature has also been included this time around. Chances are you won't need those instructions now, but it's a lovely homage to what will be a warm part of many people's childhood.

Stuart Harris, the LEGO House Master Builder who helped design the set, said "Fabuland holds a very sentimental place in my heart; having spent so much time with our history collection and product archive, I was always captivated by the series. You can really see the influence it had on the storytelling themes of future series from the LEGO Group, including LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO Friends, LEGO Bionicle and more."

Clearly, this part of LEGO's history is held in high esteem by those within the company, and this exclusive set recognises that as another glimpse into LEGO's storied past.

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Netflix has a new number one on it's hands as of Tuesday - and it's left Baby Reindeer and Parasyte: The Grey in its wake.

Midsummer Night is a newly released show that's so far flown under the radar, with this foreign language film shooting to the top of the global charts according to new figures released by Flix Patrol.

And it's not quite the horror you might expect - thanks Midsommar for giving us horrifying flashbacks to long summer nights.

In fact, it's quite the opposite. Well, sort of. Midsummer Night tells the tale of a summer romance, Scandi style.

But it wouldn't be complete without a serving of suspense and a major sordid secret.

Centred around Johnnes and his new girlfriend Carina who is introduced to his Norwegian family for the very first time, this show wouldn't be a hit without a suitably large helping of suspense thrown in for good measure.

For Midsummer Night, that comes courtesy of a truly dark secret that's about to emerge.

Overtaking the former global number one Parasyte: The Grey according to the latest viewing figures, the show's synopsis reads: "It's midsummer. It is the longest day of the year. It's party time. There's romance in the air.

"But it's also the day that Carina and John, after 30 years of marriage, choose to tell their family and friends a big secret that has unforeseen consequences.

Midsummer Night wouldn't be the meandering tale it is without a suitably awkward appearance from a meddling ex - and it's going down well with audiences, currently topping the Netflix chart in a number of countries worldwide.

The audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes is pretty impressive too, with a 89% audience approval rating.

The trailer opens with a sleepy conversation on the banks of the river and quickly focusses its attention on the unspoken, long-kept secret.

Starring a host of huge Scandi names that we're not necessarily familiar with here in the UK, Midsummer Night stars Pernilla August, Dennis Storhøi, Linn Skåber, Amalia Holm, Christopher Wollter, and Fanny Klefelt to name but a few.

Intrigued? You ought to be.

Catch Midsummer Night on Netflix now.

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When the calendar reads January 25, it can mean only one thing: Burns Night is officially upon us. A time to celebrate the life of Scottish poet Robert Burns, there's plenty of whiskey (and non-whiskey) based mischief to be had.

But even if you cringe involuntarily at the mere mention of poetry, Burns Night can still be the ultimate excuse for celebration - and to immortalise the life of a Scottish hero, naturally. There's never been a better time to try a new whisky (or two) at home, pop out for a slap-up Burns Night supper or even undertake a ceremonial cutting of the haggis with an oversized sword, complete with neeps and tatties.

We've dug deep with a round-up of the ultimate Burns Night festivities, tipples and we've even answered a few of those burnsing questions you undoubtedly have. Yes, we went there...

Additional writing: Danielle De Wolfe

When is Burns Night?

Burns Night is 25th January and is traditionally celebrated with some haggis and a wee dram or two of whisky.

What is Burns Night in aid of?

More than a simple celebration of all things Scottish, Burns Night marks the birthday of Robert Burns. 'Rabbie' Burns is Scotland's best-known poet and if you grew up in Scotland, like our editor, then you should have many a certificate with his face on after correctly reciting his poems.

what's the best way to celebrate?

As mentioned, we've trawled the internet for some of the best ideas and events this Burns night. From haggis hacking to whiskey sipping, we've got it covered. Plus, there are a few must-try activities for good measure. Read on for the ultimate round-up of Burns Night festivities.

What's the deal with poetry?

Whether you're an avid fan of poetry or not, there's something nostalgic about dusting off an old poetry book and dramatically reading it aloud in front of a room of people. After all, who doesn't love a fun little challenge? But where to begin, I hear you cry.

Well, there's 'To a Mouse' which has the immortal line: "Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim’rous beastie, O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!" Burns also wrote Auld Lang's Syne (you know, the song you only know the first verse to and sing drunkenly on New Year's Eve) and the brilliant Tam o' Shanter.

Head to the fantastic Scottish Poetry Library for more examples or grab yourself a book of Robert Burns poetry on Amazon to give it a go.

What should I eat and drink on Burns Night?

Haggis and whisky. That's pretty much it really, alongside neeps and tatties. If you want to be a little more traditional, then when eating the haggis you can recite Rabbie Burns' Address To a Haggis before devouring the thing.

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Burns Night 2024: 10 things to do

The following is an article from the ShortList archives that we have updated as its theme still stands: Blue Monday is not a thing and we should stop saying it is...

In recent years, the conversation around mental health has become refreshingly nuanced. A wider, better-educated range of voices is being heard, as we begin to treat mental illnesses with the same care and sincerity as we do physical ones.

While we are still subjected to the same stale suggestions that simply going outside or exercising can provide a cover-all cure - “hey, why not try just being happier!” - those opinions are now quickly shut down and pulled apart.

We understand that mental illnesses hurt different people in different ways - that these problems can’t just be switched off with ‘a bit of positive energy’ or by ‘manning up’.

For 11 months of the year, these more sympathetic, understanding voices form the bulk of the conversation, and can be used as evidence of how the needle has shifted.

So why, in mid-January, do we always end up taking this giant leap backward with the commemoration of ‘Blue Monday’, as brands and publishers rush to tell us how on earth we can cope with the ‘most depressing day of the year’.

As anyone who has suffered from depression or other, similar mental health problems knows, cherrypicking a single day of the year on which we will feel the most sad is totally absurd.

Let’s take a look at the ‘science’ behind Blue Monday. That’s ‘science’ in inverted commas, of course. Where did it come from? And who decided that the third Monday in January was the day we all just can’t help but feel ‘blue’?

It originated in 2005 when Sky Travel announced its existence alongside a ‘scientific equation’. This equation looked at a number of factors, including how stressed we are, how much sleep we’re getting, our commutes and how much ‘me time’ we’re enjoying, and concluded that the third Monday in January is the day we feel the most down.

The solution to that? Book a holiday, of course!

Despite the ludicrousness of the entire concept, and the fact that it was created by a company trying to sell us holidays, Blue Monday has managed to stick around for more than a decade, thanks mainly to its catchy name and the fact that, yes, January is dark, wet and dingy. Christmas is already a distant memory and work is a drag and all our mates have given up booze and we’re all a bit fed up. However, there’s obviously a very clear different between depression and being in a bit of a huff.

Writing for the Guardian in 2012, Dean Burnett called the equation ‘ludicrous’ and the values it uses ‘impossible to quantify and largely incompatible’.

And as we know, the presentation of a set day to feel depressed, and the marketing of products and holidays as solutions to the ‘blues’, goes against all the progress we have seen in mainstream coverage of mental health since that original campaign back in 2005.

The rise in mainstream mental health writing in recent years has made one thing entirely clear: depression, anxiety, and all other mental health issues don’t care what day it is.

It doesn’t care who you are - whether you’re a Premier League footballer, a celebrit or a member of the general public - and can strike at any time and for any reason. Sometimes for no reason at all – that’s just the nature of it.

Self-care comes from a place of knowing this and finding ways to minimise the negative impact, whether with the help of therapy, anti-depressants, routine, or any combination of approved, recommended approaches. By singling out one specific day as ‘scientifically more depressing’, especially when the evidence for this is flimsy at the very kindest, we’re running the risk of damaging those approaches which are proven to have an impact.

The entire concept of Blue Monday just feels so dated now. We’ve grown past it. We can see the promoted tweets and holiday deals for what they are - a cheap attempt attempt to jump on the ‘hip mental health bandwagon’ as a cash grab, and it looks gross.

Other pre-designated dates, such as National Suicide Prevention Day and Mental Health Awareness Week, are treated with a lot more consideration - brands will align with them in real, meaningful ways, so why does this all go out the window every time January rolls around?

Not feeling blue...

Treating Blue Monday as just another entry in the calendar - as an excuse to send out an email in the hope of making a few extra quid - attaches a certain cachet to what is essentially a Frankenstein’s promotion - an almost throwaway sales push which has taken on a life of its own.

The failure to see what feels like a visible contradiction makes you wonder how much expressed solidarity with people tackling mental health issues is merely a case of doing what looks like the right thing, as if treating people’s lives like exam revision topics.

Following Logan Paul’s controversial filming of a dead body in Japan’s Aokigahara ‘suicide forest’ in 2018, mental health author Emily Reynolds poured cold water on the empty ‘raising awareness’ argument put forward by the YouTuber.

Writing for the Guardian, Reynolds pointed to the ‘obvious nonsense’ of Paul’s statement and how ‘awareness raising’ has become a behemoth, writing: “Genuine awareness raising – thoughtful, responsible testimonies from people living with mental illness or disability – is invaluable. But when a term can be so easily utilised to justify even the most horrifying behaviour, it’s probably time we found a new one.”

This is part of the problem that comes from turning depression into currency; it is viewed transactionally, to the point where unrelated behaviours – booking a holiday months in the future, say, or buying food or drinks to ‘beat the blues’ – are given a relationship with it which doesn’t exist in reality.

Where anyone with first-hand experience can point to the need for better investment in mental health services, those without that pull may turn to awareness raising as an empty gesture, without stopping to consider the extent to which they understand the messages they’re putting forward. And this, in a way, is not too far from the tone-deaf branding around Blue Monday – it’s merely a different kind of failure.

We have to call out the flaws with Blue Monday, from the debunking of the pseudoscience behind it to wider criticism of its overarching message, and make sure this nonsense creation is consigned to the past.

(Main image: Getty Images)

Prepare to secure yourself a slice of whiskey history, as Ardbeg The Rollercoaster is released into the world - accompanied by a six figure price tag.

Adored by dram fanatics across the globe, Ardbeg's rich and vibrant history has paved the way for this new, one-off release.

Described as a "time capsule" by the distillery, The Rollercoaster is a highly sought-after set of two whiskies that do exactly what they say on the tin: chart the distillery's soaring highs and plummeting lows.

Rare doesn't quite do this limited-release justice, with just 143 sets in existence from a truly rare cask release described as "irreplaceable" bottlings.

A tale of two halves, the first whisky, Ardbeg Cask No.1 1981, has an ABV of 47.3% and has been aged for 42 years and was put into casks just days before the distillery shut its doors for the first time on March 25, 1981.

The Rollercoaster's second whiskey, Ardbeg Cask No.17 1989, has an ABV of 45.3% and was distilled on December 6,1989. It was among the first single malts to be laid down after the Ardbeg distillery re-opened in October that year.

Set to be snapped up immediately by whiskey connoisseurs, these bespoke carved sets containing the duo of whiskies come with an equally soaring price tag of €100,000.

Charting the distillery's decidedly turbulent past, the 1981 release is the last surviving cask from that year, created before the distillery shut its doors on March 25th, with the whiskey laid down bourbon barrels.

The whiskey was then transferred into a refill Oloroso sherry cask on 30th August 1981.

Lightly peated in character, this rare bottling bares all the hallmarks of the Oloroso casks, resulting in rich and spicy notes.

The second whisky, aged 33 years, is also among the final casks distilled during the first few weeks after the Distillery's revival in 1989.

Matured in bourbon casks before being transferred into a single refill bourbon cask to enhance its flavour, this subtly peated style is every inch a hallmark of Ardbeg.

Two pivotal moments, one historic timeline that's every inch the rollercoaster.

It's a tale made all the more dramatic when set against the backdrop of Ardbeg’s second closure, with the Distillery once again closing its doors in 1996 before reopening one year later.

As pleasing on the eye as it is the palate, the set was designed and crafted by John Galvin Design, with the two bottles encased in a carved wooden gift box (it's bloody gorgeous if we do say so ourselves).

Those looking to get there hands on a slice of history can register interest by visiting Ardbeg's site.

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What happens when you cross arguably the world's best known Irish whiskey with one of Ireland's greatest acting exports?

Why, it's none other than Jameson's latest ‘Must be a Jameson’ campaign starring Cillian Murphy of Peaky Blinders fame.

The newly released series of adverts are soundtracked by the dulcet tones of the Irish actor and directed by two-time Oscar-nominated writer-director Bryan Buckley.

Telling the tale of fictional lead José - who, according to Murphy, is "nearly as smooth as our whiskey" - dramatic ad features speedboats, swimming pools and giant CGI factories aplenty.

Pushing the Jameson idea that the whiskey connects like-minded people, José embodies their "always welcoming" and "forever smooth" attitude.

José - a suitably chaotic, linen-shirt clad fellow - proceeds to pull the wheel off his speedboat, before arriving at a beach party in style.

With narrator Cillian Murphy pointing out that the guest never arrives "empty handed", the star of the show grabs a lime from a nearby tree as the boat crashes across a beach, before coming to rest beside party guests in the residence's private pool.

Just your average Jameson drinker, right?

The latest campaign follows the release of the Irish whiskey brand's 21-year-old limited edition expression.

Matured in rum-seasoned casks, the spicy Jameson Remixed Caribbean Beats is a 21 year old Jameson Irish Whiskey, fully matured in rum casks from the Caribbean Islands of Barbados and Cuba.

A combination of traditional Irish craft and Caribbean flair according to the brand, the limited release is currently available to order for €280.00 (around £245).

“Jameson is a serious whiskey that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and this new campaign is our lighthearted take on connecting people through their shared outlook on life,” said Johan Radojewski, Jameson’s vice-president of marketing.

“Have you ever sat at a bar, saw a stranger, and wondered if you’d be friends in another life? Next time, go say ‘hello’. After all, they could be a Jameson, too.”

The second advert in the series, which is set to hit the internet mid-November, will feature Jameson Orange, a fruity spirit-based beverage which is an homage to the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.

You can get your hands on the brand's Carribean Remixed whiskey now from

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In 2023, it feels as though the battle to create the most innovative whiskey ever is well and truly under way, with Talisker's latest ice-fractured offering no exception.

Not satisfied with the innovative development of 'molecular whiskey' which resurrects historic flavours, Talisker has embarked on a sub-zero whiskey expedition.

Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old marks the final offering as part of the brand's ‘wild’ whisky-making series, with the brand venturing to the Canadian ice fields of Canada in a bid to create a truly unique dram.

A brand new experiment that is a first for the whiskey industry, the Diageo owned brand took 12 of its charred American Oak casks out to the desolate and sub-zero region in a bid to create a groundbreaking flavour.

Venturing to the remote heartlands of the Northern Hemisphere before a specialist cooper removed the ends of the barrels, 96 hours of sub-zero exposure has a dramatic effect on the whiskey.

In the simplest sense, exposing the barrels to the Arctic blast creates deep fractures in the wood making up the casks.

A process which increases the surface area of the casks and allows for increased interaction between the liquid and deeper, previously unexposed sections of wood, the resulting flavour is truly unique and spice riddled.

A whiskey industry first, the finish following a period of rest in Scotland is truly mouthwatering.

On the nose, a light peppery prickle can be detected, with a saltiness and hints of seaweed shining through.

On the palate, sippers will be able to detect a smoothe and delectable mouthfeel, transitioning from warm, sweet hints of toffee into a decidedly salty affair.

A Finish that captures chili pepper effect and a trace of candle-wax; this grows in the aftertaste, in which both saltiness and pepper also persist. Saltier if water is added, with less pepper and faint scented smoke.

This single malt Scotch is described by the brand as whiskey which serves up "unexplored richness, complexity and a unique untamed flavour"

Complete with "spicier and sweeter aromas" compared to other American Oak barrel offerings, the finish on these ex-Bourbon barrels really adds a je ne sais quoi.

Created in partnership with environmental organisation Parley For the Oceans, Talisker ventured to the icy plains of Canada alongside glacier scientist Dr Alison Criscitiello and Parley ambassador and surfer Greg Long.

Raising awareness around the importance of marine ecosystems and their preservation, a portion of profits from each bottle will go to support the cause.

According to Long: “I have spent nearly my entire life immersed in the ocean and, in that time, I have come to realise just how intimately connected the mountains and ocean truly are.

“The mountains play a vital role in regulating climate patterns, influencing rainfall patterns and temperature variations that directly impact the health of the ocean.

“Protecting and preserving both is essential to maintain the delicate balance of these ecosystems and ensure the well-being of countless species, including humans, who rely on them for sustenance, climate regulation, and recreation."

Presented at cask strength, this one-of-a-kind Talisker is limited to just 2,455 bottles. Needless to say, it has a price point to match.

Retailing for £4,500.00, it's a truly unique whiskey created in an environment that will likely not be around for an awful lot longer.

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If you're after the ultimate Christmas cracker, you've come to the right place, for Master of Malt has just served up the most impressive advent calendar we've seen this year (so far).

Throwing the rule book out of the window, the all-new Build Your Own Advent Calendar is the perfect gift for the discerning booze connoisseur in your life.

With a small alcohol-based surprise hidden behind every one of the 24 doors, buyers can now mix and match their spirits - after all, variety is the spice of life.

Spanning the spectrum of spirits, this festive countdown puts YOU in the driving seat, with mix-and-match miniatures tailored to your taste.

A must for fans of personalised presents, this hands-on gift allows for tweaks from start to finish.

Looks don't disappoint either, with each 30ml bottle individually sealed with wax for an undeniably luxurious finish.

If you live with a dram fan - this is definitely the one. Or any other spirits fiend for that matter.

So, 'how does it work?' I hear you cry.

It all starts with the box design, which you're able to select from six variations - including some delightfully expletive options, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Next, select your tipples of choice.

With a small counter to help you keep track of your selections, prospective calendar creators are then unleashed on the Master's of Malt site to curate their countdown.

Whether you're a fan of tequila, rum, whiskey or vodka - there really is something for everyone.

Once the 24-bottle selection has been finalised, you're able to then add the ultimate finishing touch, adding a personal message at checkout.

It's simple, it's creative, and first and foremost - it's spirited.

Sure, it's pricier than you're average chocolate filled calendar (we'd be slightly concerned if it wasn't), but this 'Build Your Own' option is right up our street.

Starting from £80 - with the option to tweak with add-ons and more expensive dram variations, this is one advent calendar we're hoping Santa delivers early.

Available to purchase from the Master's of Malt website now, hop on over to their store to discover the perfect countdown calendar.

• Discover the best whisky deals around

When the worlds of technology and alcohol collide, the result are bound to be pretty astounding.

Such is the case with this here bottle of Stateless - a brand new whiskey that's poised to blow long-held whiskey traditions out of the water.

Why? Because unlike most premium whiskeys that are aged in barrels for what can be decades to achieve the perfect flavour profile, this groundbreaking technique slashes maturation time while unlocking long-lost flavours.

Milestone, the company behind Stateless Whiskey, has labelled the innovation a “democratisation of flavours”, highlighting that key characteristics served up by previously unaffordable whiskeys have now “become replicable”.

Stepping into the lab, scientists have been able to identify and tweak individual molecules through the analysis of spirits in a bid to artificially replicate the flavours.

It's a technique the company claims allows for “mass experimentation to innovate further and perhaps resurrect old formulas”.

Offering the ability to replicate the original flavour profiles of historic (and often eye-wateringly expensive) Bourbon whiskeys, the new Stateless brand is looking to resurrect a number of classic flavours and scents in the lab.

Coming in at 40% ABV, Stateless uses technology first developed by food-tech startup Endless West in 2018 for their Glyph whisky release.

Their first launch is set to be a classic Blended Bourbon Whiskey, accompanied by its first flavoured expression - Banana Flavored Whisky (BFW).

You see, this fancy molecular technology allows producers more control over the flavour profile, tweaking the molecular make-up - whether you prefer woody and smoky notes or simply opt for a warner, spice-filled finish.

Sure, it's likely to be viewed by many drinks aficionados in the short term as a little unconventional, but for whiskey (and spirit) fans for whom the price point of some drams remains out of reach, this process could prove to be a game-changer.

Crafted from a concoction of traditional spirits as opposed to what many consider to be solely traditional whiskey, the tweaking process has allowed the brain-boxes behind Stateless to alter and fine-tune key characteristics.

The new technology also looks to slash the environmental impact of producing and distilling courtesy of reduced barrel storage space and the often lengthy maturation periods involved.

Damith Weerakoon, marketing and operations manager at Milestone Beverages, has described the launch as “a significant moment in the beverage industry”.

The concept looks set to bring the long, often-forgotten flavours of historic whiskies - traditionally worth thousands of pounds - within reach of the average whiskey buyer.

“We’re not just creating a new line of whiskies, we’re taking the traditional, the non-traditional, the circus ‘freaks’ and the classic entertainers, all the diverse ingredients and processes to pay homage to tradition while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with modern science. This is where tradition meets innovation,” Weerakoon added.

Whether the idea of lab modified booze is up your street, is another matter entirely.

Those wanting to get their hands on a bottle will have to wait until early 2024 for the bottles' release across Asia, Europe and the US.

• While you're here, discover the best whiskey taste tested to crack open this Autumn

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton has his sights set on an entirely different kind of record.

Doing right by the rules of the road, the British driver - and more recently entrepreneur, looks set to take on the drinks business courtesy of his new non-alcoholic agave 'spirit' Almave.

Proving that life really is all about balance, Hamilton - whose spirit of choice is tequila, has teamed up with Mexican spirits group Casa Lumbre for the release.

Explaining his desire to launch a non-alcoholic alternative that channeled the delightful notes served up by the Blue Webber Agave plant, Almave comes in two rather unique expressions.

While Almave Ámbar Distilled Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit has been created for sipping just like its alcoholic counterpart, Almave Blanco Distilled Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit has been designed with mixing in mind.

Claiming that non-alcoholic alternatives allow him to "live a busy life without restraint", the star

“I’m excited to introduce people to Almave – it’s a project I’ve been working on for a long time with Casa Lumbre,” said Hamilton.

“There’s a huge appetite for quality alternatives for those times when people don’t want to drink alcohol but also don’t want to compromise on flavour, which is why it was important that our product includes agave to reflect the taste of conventional Tequila."

The non-alcoholic alternative is created in a similar way to Tequila, using the very same raw materials but skipping the all important fermentation process.

As such, the final product can't legally be defined as tequila, but the team notes you can expect the same distinctive flavour you'd expect from similar alcoholic-based agave products.

The venture follows Casa Lumbre's successful tequila venture with rockstar Lenny Kravitz, with this latest no-low concept aligning with the F1 star's clean lifestyle.

“I think it tastes amazing and what we have created is unlike anything else on the market, so I can’t wait to see what you all think,” Hamilton adds.

With the sipping expression, Almave Ámbar, available for £34 per 700ml bottle (the UK price is yet to be determined), the mixing alternative, Almave Blanco, will come in at £34 per 700ml.

Containing just 20 kcal per 20ml serve, it's a pretty sweet low-cal alternative to high ABV spirits.

Available to buy from the Almave website now, the spirit looks to hit retailers worldwide in 2024.

• Why not discover the best tequila available right now.

First it was Diddy, then Clooney, followed close behind by Dylan.

With an ever-growing list of A-list names venturing into the booze business, Matthew McConaughey is but the latest Hollywood star to add his name to the lengthy roster of alcohol aficionados.

Launching all-new tequila brand Pantalones – yes, that really does translate as ‘pants’ in Spanish, the Dallas Buyers Club and Dazed & Confused star is now side-stepping into the world of agave.

Technically he’s done it all before, having previously been appointed creative director for Campari Group’s Wild Turkey Bourbon brand and named as the co-creator of its Wild Turkey Longbranch.

But after parting ways with the company early in 2023 following nearly six years together, McConaughey felt ready to start anew.

Now, the US star, alongside wife Camila McConaughey, are taking on the likes of George Clooney and Justin Timberlake courtesy of his Pantalones tequila.

Complete with a suitably deadpan ad that perfectly encapsulates the brand – plenty of sarcasm, a handful of agave, strictly no trousers – the actor can be seen riding aboard a vintage motorcycle at sunset.

Uploaded to his instagram page – as well as a YouTube short, the video sees the camera pan out to reveal a trouserless McConaughey and his wife concealed only by pixels.

Breezy from the waist down, the tongue-in-cheek video sees the star announce: “When did Tequila stop being Tequila?” as wife Camila responds: “Right? Where’s the fun?”

Both sipping Margaritas, the couple, who met in 2006, can be seen slouched beneath a tree – with the drink a nod to their beginnings.

Allegedly meeting at the Hyde club in Los Angeles, the Hollywood star bagged himself a date after purportedly mixing up the perfect margarita.

Made with 100% Blue Webber Agave, each sip reveals hints of citrus and honey

Made at the family owned Tequilera Tap (NOM 1614) in the Jalisco region of Mexico, the distillery is better known for producing Tres Agaves Tequila.

Sound enticing? You bet it does.

Those wanting to get their hands on a bottle can pick up Pantalones Blanco for US$44.99, the Reposado at US$49.99 and the Añejo at US$54.99 from the official Pantalones web store, as well as quality retailers.

Please note: trousers not inclued.

• While you’re at it, discover the best tequilas around.

With just 60 days to go until Christmas, it’s finally time for Michael Bublé to make his seasonal return – and this time, he’s quite literally bringing the festive spirit with him.

The Grammy-winning Canadian crooner, who captured the hearts of music fans the world over with hits including Just Haven’t Met You Yet and Everything, is now swapping the mic for the bottle with the launch of Fraser & Thompson.

A release that was first teased back in August, the all-new American whiskey sees Bublé join forces with master distiller and blender Paul Cirka.

The result is a smooth 42% ABV blend, combining both Canadian whisky and Kentucky Bourbon.

Hitting all the right notes – albeit this time where taste is concerned, the singer-songwriter’s new dram features vibrant hints of fig and blood orange on the nose, with a warming yet subtle caramel and vanilla finish.

“I spent many summers with my grandfather at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson rivers in British Columbia,” said Bublé.

“When I heard Paul’s vision for creating a new kind of whiskey, I knew instantly what I wanted to call it," he continues.

“For the past three years, we worked together to perfect a whiskey blend that is equally elegant and approachable. We can’t wait to pour you a glass.”

Coming in at $29.99 (around £17) for a 750ml bottle, the price point is certainly an accessible one.

Complete with a tongue-in-cheek ad that sees Bublé half-heartedly push his new product, the result appears to take a blanket approach, targeting both his loyal female fanbase as well as their partners.

A concept brought to market by WES Brands – the incubator behind Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul Tequila and Jamie Foxx’s BSB-Brown Sugar Bourbon, Fraser & Thompson looks to tap in to that very same celeb-centric audience.

Speaking of the release, Cirka added: “Michael and I bonded over our shared passion for whiskey, and wanted to create a blend that was flavourful but more light-hearted than the category at large can be known for.”

Fraser & Thompson is available to buy at selected outlets - including their own webstore, now.

• While you’re at it, take a look at the best whiskey deals around.

Kung-fu hero and Hollywood mega-star Jean-Claude Van Damme has announced the launch of his very own Irish Whiskey brand, Old Oak Whiskey.

Named after Oak Leaf County in Derry, Northern Ireland, this brand new venture sees the movie star unleashing an entirely new kind of power courtesy of this flavourful dram.

Known to many as the "muscles from Brussels", Van Damme is the latest star to dip his toe into the whiskey pool, becoming a co-founder of the Belfast-based spirit brand.

Switching from on-screen icon to out-and-out businessman, the actor has long voiced his love of the popular spirit, choosing to become a partner in the brand after sampling the spirit for himself following a chance encounter.

Serving up to blended offerings, Old Oak's signature 3-year-old blended whiskey is finished in a carefully selected mixture of bourbon and new oak barrels.

Meanwhile, the brand's second offering, a 5-year-old blended whiskey, draws its distinctive notes from its maturation in rum reserve barrels.

Speaking of the launch, Van Damme, said: “I was looking for my own brand of whiskey possibly an American bourbon and then one of my close friends and business associates asked ‘why an American whiskey when you can go back to the roots of whiskey and find an Irish whiskey?’

“He then introduced me to the Old Oak whiskey label which had yet to be launched and had been put together by some Whiskey aficionados in Ireland.”

Famed for films including break-out hit Bloodsport and subsequent hits including Universal Soldier, the Belgian action star has joined forces with Derry native Kevin Carson as part of the project.

It now appears as though the man who once said "I am the Fred Astaire of karate" is now set to challenge for the title of Irish Whiskey titan.

The star added: “It was also the perfect opportunity to combine two things with which I feel a close connection …whiskey and its rich heritage and the charisma and warmth of Ireland and its people.”

“I loved its aroma and the smoothness on the palate compared to the more heavier whiskies I had tasted from different parts of the world.”

Describing the brand as a "craft premium whiskey", Old Oak is produced at a craft distillery situated just outside of Belfast.

Using what it describes as "some of the purest water in Ireland" sourced directly from a 300 foot deep well located on-site at the distillery, the brand is also said to be introducing a Pot Still for a more exclusive range of older whiskey in the near future.

A feast for film fans and dram disciples alike, the two expressions of Old Oak - three-year-old (£34.95) and a five-year-old (£39.95) - are available to purchase now from the Old Oak Whiskey site.

• While we have you, discover the best whisky, taste tested.

When spirit and lifestyle brands join forces for a limited-edition collaboration, the outcome is bound to look sharp.

So, naturally, when ShortList caught wind of a McCartney-Maccallan crossover, our interest was piqued.

Joining forces for the first time, sisters Stella and Mary McCartney have unveiled an exclusive collection in partnership with whiskey maestros The Macallan.

Marking the third edition of The Macallan Harmony Collection — comprised of Amber Meadow (42.2% ABV) and Green Meadow (40.2% ABV) whiskies — the two new releases coincide with an all-new 11 piece lifestyle collection named Together, that will see you sipping in style.

The two new limited-edition whiskies, hand crafted by The Macallan Whiskey Mastery Team, use a combination of sherry-seasoned oak and bourbon casks – inspired by natural Scottish grasslands.

Steven Bremner, The Macallan Whisky Maker, said: "There is so much to discover with The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow. It is a single malt redolent of warm meadows and mature barley fields, with a rich, citrus scented finish."

"The 100% natural summer evening color derived from our exceptional sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks reflects the richness of the flavor which awaits.”

With hints of fresh citrus fruits and honeysuckle on the nose, whiskey lovers will also be able to detect vanilla, coconut and ripe barley. On tasting, distinctive notes of oak, lemon, melon shine through. Not to mention the toasty flavors of classic scone and almond with green tea.

Drawing inspiration from the McCartney sisters’ love of the Scottish countryside and the tranquility of nature, this sharp looking whiskey drop features photography of The Macallan Estate captured by Mary McCartney.

The whiskies’ presentation boxes and bottle labels have also undergone a McCartney revamp, created using discarded meadow cuttings which embrace the reuse of natural materials.

Bristling – or should we say thistleing, with creativity, these two distinctive expressions are paired with 11 lifestyle pieces which make up the Together collection.

Think vibrant colours and bespoke pieces, with hand-blown glassware, ceramic flasks encased in apple leather (yes, that really is a thing) and brass ice stamps for the finishing touch – all in vibrant shades.

Inspired by nature the green hues represent The Macallan Estate, the amber tones offer a nod to the natural color of the whisky, and the colour red, which is synonymous with The Macallan, honors the brand's deep respect for tradition and craftsmanship.

Mary McCartney said: "This range wouldn't be what it is if we weren't able to spend that time with The Macallan. I felt really proud to bring my little sister with me to The Macallan Estate on Speyside, as I knew Stella would fall in love with this just as much as I did."

"We feel really lucky to be launching our first collaboration and making this range of pieces with The Macallan."

Stella McCartney added: "We all – The Macallan, Mary and I – wanted to create a collection that celebrated the highest quality of materials and incredible craftsmanship that would be fitting of the shared values between us all.

“We envisaged pieces that were limited, yet would work together as a family. The idea was to have it live in your home, stand out, and of course be of the highest quality."

The Together collection will be exclusively sold as a complete set available to purchase for £10,000 from The Macallan Estate.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow is available to purchase at Harrods, Selfridges and The Whiskey Exchange The Whisky Exchange now for £160. The Macallan Harmony Collection Green Meadow will be available in The Macallan Airport Boutiques and key airports around the world from February 2024.

• While we have you, discover the best whisky, taste tested.

As any self-respecting Harry Styles fan will know, the Adidas Gazelles glued to his feet have become just as synonymous with the British pop star as his musical back-catalogue.

In light of this, Adidas has decided to take things one step further, by renaming their best-selling trainers in honour of the platinum-selling British pop star.

Renamed 'Satellite Stompers', the name was first coined by Styles fans who took inspiration from the former One Direction star’s Top 20 single, Satellite.

A publicity stunt which no doubt looks to boost sales for the trainer giant, footwear fanatics hopping over to the Adidas site will now discover the distinctive design's history - complete with a paragraph on Styles' favoured 'Satellite Stompers'.

First launched in 1966 as the brand's first suede design, the Gazelle has undergone something of a resurgence in recent years.

The sneakers' popularity has spawned in part from viral unboxing videos on social media platforms including TikTok, as well as stans purchasing the trainers to wear at the pop star's live shows.

Now, according to the refreshed description on the Adidas website, the trainers hold the "ability to elevate any ensemble".

"The Adidas Gazelle has become a staple in Harry Styles’ wardrobe, leaving a lasting impression on his dedicated fans, who affectionately refer to them as Satellite Stompers,” reads the page.

The site continues: “The shoe’s timeless design, featuring a sleek silhouette and iconic three stripes, perfectly complements his unique aesthetic. Its versatility and comfort make it an ideal choice for both casual and formal outfits.”

It's a move that can only be described as the brand's latest bid to boost sales following adidas' fallout with US rapper Kanye West.

The sportswear giant dropped West back in October following a slew of anti-Semitic remarks posted online, with his Yeezy designs still available for purchase on the site.

• Ready to rank? Discover the best trainers in 2023

John Wick: Chapter 4 only landed on cinema screens in early 2023, but John Wick 5 is already in development. For those who have seen the fourth instalment of the John Wick franchise, this news is bound to raise a few questions. But we know by now that anything is possible in the Wick-iverse.

The news that John Wick 5 is on the way isn’t a huge surprise. The fifth film has been rumoured for some time now with Lionsgate execs revealing on an earnings call way back in 2020 that the recently-released John Wick 4 and John Wick 5 will be shot back-to-back.

However, that didn’t go as planned, and details about the fifth instalment have since been few and far between. Even John Wick franchise director Chad Stahelski told The Hollywood Reporter in March 2023 that “Keanu and I are done for the moment” when he was asked about the possibility of a fifth film.

Fast-forward to May 2023 and during an earnings call Lionsgate’s motion picture chair Joe Drake confirmed that a fifth John Wick film is in development. According to ComicBook.com, Drake said:

"What is official is that, as you know, Ballerina is the first spinoff that comes out next year. We're in development on three others, including [John Wick 5] and including television series, The Continental, will be airing soon. And so, we're building out the world and when that five movie comes, will be organic – will be organically grown out of how we're starting to tell those stories. But you can rely on a regular cadence of John Wick."

Although John Wick 5 is officially confirmed, it’s difficult to say when it’ll land on our screens. It’s clear that Ballerina, a spin-off movie starring Ana de Armas, and The Continental, a spin-off TV series about the early days of the infamous hotel, are the studio’s top priorities for the next twelve months.

Regardless of what we get and when we get it, “a regular cadence of John Wick” sounds like it can only be a good thing. After all, the franchise has proved to be incredibly fun for fans and fruitful for the studio up until now. We just hope Lionsgate doesn’t overdo it and stays true to what we all loved about the first four films.

• While we wait for John Wick 5, check out our guide to the top cult movies on Netflix

The Sony PlayStation is 27 years old. And that, frankly, is enough to make anyone feel old. But, what a 27 years it has been for Sony and gamers alike - as this best PS1 games list proves

While we all currently enjoy 4K gaming, donning virtual reality headsets and travelling to far off lands, the PlayStation One may feel a little quaint by today's standards but it was perhaps the most groundbreaking console ever built, seeing off the likes of SEGA (in hardware terms) and taking on the might of Nintendo and Microsoft head on.

The PlayStation is the console that made gaming cool- though it's still hard to really say "sitting around in your pants all day watching the digital backside of a superpowered man as you shoot endless waves of alien beasts in the face" is cool, per se...

Still, the original PlayStation is a true legend of gaming; one of the best consoles ever released, and with one of the widest selections of ten-out-of-ten games on offer.

Here are 20 of the best PS1 games we played on the console.

Best PlayStation One games

• These are the best retro games of all time

SOMETHING MISSING FROM OUR SHORTLIST?

Tell us about it, and if enough people agree we'll add it in.

Netflix has dropped the first trailer for highly anticipated docu-series Break Point - and it looks set to be a smash.

Created by the producers behind hit Formula 1 series Drive to Survive - a show that spawned a brand new global fanbase for F1, the brand new series takes a peak into the highly competitive world of professional tennis.

The first trailer for the series is packed full of the greats - from Marina Navratilova and Andy Roddick to Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

There's also more than a handful of appearances from the fiery Nick Kyrgios, who looks to be a driving force where this tense and über competitive series is concerned.

It stands to reason, given Drive to Survive's producers focussed on big characters, bitter rivalries and created engrossing narratives that differentiate the series from just another sports doc.

As you might expect, things start with a bang, as the first episode of the series focuses on Kyrgios and his unrivalled attitude.

“His massive serve is matched only by his short fuse," says Netflix of the 1.93m maverick.

A marmite character who regularly disregards the rule book, the Aussie - who's currently ranked world number 22 - is described by Netflix as "one hell of an entertainer".

“Once seen as the sport’s next superstar, he hasn’t played for months, and no one is certain if he’ll even be on the Tour next year," adds Netflix.

Shot around the world at tournaments including the US open and Wimbledon, it features a soundtrack that truly ramps up the tension.

The trailer certainly gives a taste of what's to come, and whether you're a fan or a newcomer to the sport, there looks to be something for everyone.

Headphone connoisseurs JBL have some MAJOR news to announce, as the wearable tech company prepares to unleash their new JBL Tour PRO 2 True Wireless Earbuds.

Not satisfied with creating banging earbuds and crisp sound, the company has now announced their latest product is set to feature the world's first touchscreen case.

Sure, technology has brought us all kind of wonders over the years - but a touch screen charging case? That's something new.

Featuring a 1.45-inch LED touch display, the smart case boasts a pint-sized colour screen that allows you to tweak your listening experience.

Allowing users to change their music, customise earbud audio (including ANC), receive calls, and view social media notifications, it removes the need to get out your phone whilst on the move.

It sounds great from a safety standpoint, with the bonus of an ear canal test allowing for optimised ANC.

It also coincides with the release of JBL's new Tour One M2 headphones as part of their expanding tour series.

Bursting with features, the cans also follow in the footsteps of Sony by introducing what they call a Speak-to-Chat tool.

In simple terms, when you start speaking the headphones automatically pause any music playing whilst simultaneously switching to ambient sound mode.

Pretty handy, huh?

The JBL Tour PRO 2 and the JBL Tour ONE M2 will be available in two colour ways - Black and Champagne.

Available from the end of this month (the date still hasn't been confirmed) from the JBL website, you can pick up a pair of these groundbreaking buds for £220 or the headphones for £279.99 respectively.

IO Interactive has announced its rolling all three instalments of the popular Hitman gaming franchise into one expansive game as part of a huge relaunch.

The game developer announced the news on Tuesday via a blog post, explaining that from the end of this month, Hitman 1, 2 and 3 will fuse together into one Hitman instalment called Hitman World of Assassination.

Taking effect from 26 January 2023, the new singular game will see 47 worlds from across the series rolled into one succinct package.

It's a concept that was initially pitched by the game developer in 2015, combining individual games into one ever-expanding world.

The popularity of the video game is undeniable - selling over 15 million copies worldwide and attracting over 50 million players as of November 2021.

The news means that from the end of January, buying the individual games will no longer be an option.

The two new purchase options will be the World of Assassination for $70 USD (around £58) or the World of Assassination Deluxe Pack priced at $30 USD (around £25).

It also suggests that Hitman 1 and 2 are set to be delisted and will no longer available as standalone games.

The post describes how gamers buying Hitman 3 - soon to be renamed World of Assassination, will effectively be getting Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 thrown in for free, the developer said.

Accessed through the existing Access Pass system, the developer has ensured those who have already purchased Hitman 3 won't be short changed.

Existing owners will get a free upgrade to Hitman World of Assassination on all platforms, which is useful to know.

A bid to streamline the game, the abolition of add-ons and the condensing of six different versions currently available to buy on Steam, the developer hopes, will make the world of Hitman that bit easier to navigate.

• While you're at it, check out the best video games worth picking up your controller for

Christopher Waltz has finessed the art of playing the bad guy, which is handy, given the nature of his latest skin crawling role in new Prime Video thriller The Consultant.

The first official trailer has now dropped ahead of its launch, with the eight-episode series led by the boss from hell, Regus Patoff - played by Waltz.

A sociopathic manipulator, Waltz's character can be seen intimidating (and sniffing) employees at a leading games development company as he takes control of the company.

Opening with Waltz aggressively sharpening a pile of red pencils, The Consultant declares all-out psychological warfare on viewers.

It's a series that poses a simple question: how far will a boss go to get ahead in an über competitive industry?

Set to land on the streaming platform on February 24, the Amazon series is written by Servant creator Tony Basgallop and based on the best-selling novel by Bentley Little.

Starring Mainstream and Palo Alto actor Nat Wolff, The Consultant also stars The White Lotus' Brittany O'Grady as two of Patoff's wary employees.

The 66-year-old Austrian-German actor cuts a terrifying figure as he strolls around the company, terrifying employees and orchestrating mind games.

Famed for his roles as Blofeld in No Time To Die and Colonel in Inglorious Bastards, the actor's penchant for dark and twisted characters is clear to see.

With his character setting out to 'improve the company', Waltz can be heard saying "my purpose is to improve the business".

Adding: "If it helps you to see me as a monster, so be it."

A dark and deliciously sinister watch, The Consultant arrives on Prime Video on February 24.

• While you're at it, check out the best Prime Video series to binge watch.

Famed Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin has said some of the spin-offs from his bestselling creation now face being "shelved" as HBO continues to reshuffle its roster of new content.

The news comes amid ongoing restructuring at Warner Bros. Discovery - and it seems one of the world's most popular franchises looks set to be directly affected.

Taking to his blog, the GoT creator attributed the delays to “all the changes at HBO Max".

Martin went on to explain that he’s currently working on “several of the other [Game of Thrones] successor shows that we’re developing with HBO."

Although he did not specify which possible GoT spinoffs were set to be affected, only a selected few were ever specifically destined for stand-alone streaming platform HBO Max.

Those possibly affected are a trio of animated series - one focussing on the Golden Empire of Yi Ti, set on the continent of Essos, given they appear to be the only HBO Max exclusive show.

The projects stands hero series' Game of Thrones and House of Dragons, which were instead both housed on HBO's US cable channel.

When asked for comment on the claims, HBO did not respond to The Hollywood Reporter.

Martin to went on to say that "some of those are moving faster than others, as is always the case with development", with the writer adding: "none have been greenlit yet, though we are hoping … maybe soon."

"A couple have been shelved, but I would not agree that they are dead.

"You can take something off the shelf as easily as you can put it on the shelf. All the changes at HBO Max have impacted us, certainly).”

• The best NOW TV shows worth watching right now

Main image credit: HBO

We are barely into 2023, but Netflix is at it again, canceling one of its biggest-ever shows despite its makers hoping for a three-season arc.

1899 was the most expensive show Germany had ever produced. Made by the folks that created the critically acclaimed time-bending sci-fi show Dark, there were high expectations for the series.

For a start, the head honcho of Netflix has name checked 1899 before its release, praising its use of an all-digital set, which was one of the first of its kind and "the most technologically advanced ever".

The anticipation for 1899 was decent, then, despite no one really knowing what the mystery show was about.

Then it was released and the reviews were... okay. While Dark was something of a slow-burner, it has superb reviews from the off.

While many loved 1899's mystery, it was too slow for some. The use of myriad languages throughout was inspired but it also lead to confusion, with some not turning on the subtitles and this meant things got lost in translation.

All of these were just niggles, though, as 1899 moved closer to its conclusion, it was clear that Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar were creating something that was on a par with the mysteries of Dark.

This will disappoint millions of fans

Unfortunately, their world building has come to a premature end, with the pair releasing a statement which notes:

"With a heavy heart we tell you that 1899 will not be renewed. We would have loved to have finished this incredible journey with a 2nd and 3rd season as we did with Dark. But sometimes things don't turn out the way you planned. That is life. We know this will disappoint millions of fans out there. But we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts that you were part of this wonderful adventure."

Working with Netflix does mean that a show's future will always be uncertain. But it was felt that, with 1899, the show would at least run its course. The streaming giants had faith in Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar with Dark and that was a masterpiece.

We are certain 1899 would have been a masterpiece, too, despite the slower start. Netflix never shares its reasoning for cancelling a project but the issue here seems to be that the stakes were higher - more budget, more focus on the bottom line.

Whatever the reason, fans aren't happy. They took to Twitter to note the following:

Netflix is in a precarious position right now. Despite the mountain of content that's on the service, it's the shows it is not renewing that are causing its viewers to question why they are subscribing.

The likes of Warrior Nun, Archive 81 and Cowboy Bebop may be genre shows but they have a rabid fanbase that wants to see more. For every Emily In Paris you need a counter to make sure the service is working for the masses.

1899 was that counter and now it is no more. Heck, even Wednesday is still waiting for a renewal despite it being a Stranger Things sized hit for Netflix.

We understand the caution but for every show that's lost, there's a subscriber inching closer to a new streaming service, of which there are plenty.

• These are the best canceled Netflix shows of all time.

Classic game console fans are poised for a brand new release, as Polymega this week announced a new groundbreaking console addition is on the horizon.

The gaming manufacturer has opened up pre-orders for its hotly-anticipated Ultra Module EM05 release, which allows gamers to add an additional module to its classic retro console design.

Already incorporating a host of best-selling NES, SNES, Genesis, Neo Geo, Sega CD and PlayStation titles compatible with its previous model, gamers can now enjoy playing their favourite Nintendo N64 titles to boot.

Yes, you heard that correctly, the classic N64 cartridges are set to make a comeback.

The latest addition to the manufacturer's console range, the Element Modules EM05 has proved a must-have for classic cartridge fans.

The new module is compatible with classic N64 game cartridges and controllers for North America, PAL and Japan.

Now available to pre-order, the new release also includes both the EM05 Ultra Module and the RC05 Ultra Controller.

According to the Polymega site, the console will cost £74.89 (around $89 USD) and will ship in 12 - 18 weeks, meaning fans won't have to wait too long to get their hands on it.

The console can also run Polymega's Memory Pak, Rumble Pak, with the console's Expansion Pak automatically enabled.

Available to pre-order now, gaming fans can get in line over at the Polymega website.

• While you wait, why not check out the best retro games around?

Adidas has always positioned itself at the forefront of footwear design, but its latest project looks set to be a bit of a gamble.

Introducing adidas' new off-duty essential: the adiForm Superstar.

The sneaker brand's latest endeavour looks set to channel the popularity of the undeniably divisive croc - a plastic slip on clog that took over catwalks worldwide despite looking more at home in your back garden.

With the line's first endeavour replicating the iconic Superstar silhouette, the lace-less design is available in two distinctive monochromatic colour-ways - Core Black/Cloud White and Core White/Core Black.

The adiFom Superstar is definitely distinctive - with its slip-on, shell-toe silhouette emulating the original sneakers made famous by their popularity among NBA basketball players.

The Superstar initially gained traction in 1969 as a new take on the classic basketball shoe, subsequently becoming a must-have streetwear design.

The all-new slip-on design also retains the chunky look made famous by the Superstar, with the new design constructed from a foam-like material that's made using 50% natural and renewable materials.

Think clog-meets-urban-wear when it comes to these slick sneakers (or are they sneakers?).

It follows a surge in popularity for the distinctive and divisive croc, with their parent company seeing profits nearly double in 2021 compared to sales figures from 2017.

Featuring the Superstar's emblematic three stripes, the brand new adiForm design stays true to the original, even going as far as embossing the trefoil on the trainers' heel tabs.

Available on adidas' Singapore website for $‎109 (approximately £67 GBP), the adiFom Superstars can currently be purchased from select adidas websites and look set to be rolled out worldwide shortly.

• Discover the best fashion trainers around.

What's a Netflix password between friends? Well, quite a lot, actually.

Streaming fans beware, for Netflix look set to shake-up the rules around sharing passwords by cracking down on the practice in 2023.

Although the popular streaming platform has never spoken out or condoned the widely accepted practice, it has been open about its recent attempts to recoup money from viewers.

It's believed the surge in subscriptions that stemmed from lockdown in 2020 allowed the company to avoid addressing the issue, but now, with Netflix experiencing a dip in subscribers and pressure to increase profits, it's now taking a hard stance.

It follows subscription costs being raised by £1 in 2022 - with basic and standard Netflix plans coming in at £6.99 and £10.99 respectively.

In recent months Netflix has said it wanted to "make it easy" for people borrowing others' accounts to set up their own or transfer their profile to a new account.

It also made mention of the introduction of "sub-accounts" for an extra fee to cover family or friends, indicating the platform would start rolling out the features in early 2023.

Netflix has already been testing add-on payments for password sharing in a number of Latin American countries. For around $3 extra, primary account holders provide a verification code to anyone outside the household who tries to access the account.

Although single accounts are widely used by families and friends living in different households, Netflix has never indicated it would take legal action against those sharing login details.

Now though, things look set to change.

It coincides with a statement on Tuesday from the UK's Intellectual Property Office (IPO) - think of them as the mighty overlords of the copyright world - which said the practice of account sharing breaks copyright law.

The intellectual Property Office (IPO) has since removed the wording from its website but said password sharing was both a civil and criminal matter.

"There are a range of provisions in criminal and civil law which may be applicable in the case of password sharing where the intent is to allow a user to access copyright-protected works without payment," it said.

"These provisions may include breach of contractual terms, fraud or secondary copyright infringement, depending on the circumstances.

"Where these provisions are provided in civil law, it would be up to the service provider to take action through the courts if required."

It is currently common for people who don't live together to share login details for streaming platforms, despite this typically being outlined as a big no-no in the fine print of the terms of service agreements.

• Discover the best Netflix Christmas movies available to stream.

If there's something we love more than a LEGO launch, it's having not one but TWO brand new sets to get our hands on.

The new year always brings with it a slew of hotly anticipated brick releases - think Marvel characters to Star Wars galaxies - and this year is no exception, with LEGO announcing the launch of its Lunar New Year and Lunar New Year Parade sets.

Both intricate designs feature a traditional Asian detailing and nods to the traditional lunar calendar.

Set to take place on Sunday, January 22, 2023, the event is widely celebrated across Asia and beyond.

It's but the latest holiday to be embraced by LEGO, who are serving up a parade box and a display set to celebrate the event.

The Lunar New Year Parade set is packed full of traditional characters and symbols, built into a float formation that's as eye-catching as it gets.

Priced at £89.99, the set is is available to purchase from Christmas Day (December 25) in time for the Lunar New Year.

Comprised of 1653 individual pieces, characters include a giant rabbit and dragon, as well as an oversized drum carried on the back of parade floats.

It's safe to say it's a wholesome blend of tradition and creativity.

The release follows the launch of LEGO's Lunar New Year Traditions set earlier this year, featuring 6 brick-built scenes portraying traditional activities and 12 mini figurines.

LEGO's Lunar New Year Display is available to purchase from Christmas Day (December 25) and will cost £69.99.

The set will include miniature versions of many of the traditional decorations and symbols associated with the holiday, including symbols, floral arrangements and swimming carp on square tiles.

The perfect gift or display item, it might just be the ideal present for the LEGO fan in your life.

• Check out the best LEGO deals around

If getting to the gym just isn’t possible for you right now, don’t fret - there’s plenty of alternative ways to fight the flab and that is with the best online workouts.

Thanks to the internet, we’re no longer limited to bricks and mortar fitness studios when it comes to working out and staying in shape.

UPDATE: England is back in lockdown, which means finding the best online workout is essential. It also means PE With Joe is back - you can watch, and take part, on YouTube 9am Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. He also has a new The Body Coach app which features live workouts everyday from the fitness superstar.

With the recent explosion in fitness streaming platforms, we can now take part in high-quality workout classes - live streamed or on-demand - in the comfort of our own homes. Better yet, these are brought to us from highly trained PTs and instructors that are just as engaging as in real life.

Whether it’s yoga, cardio, pilates or body weight training, here are some of the best fitness streaming platforms you can sign up and workout to at home right now.

• Need some basic fitness equipment? Take a look at our round-up of the best home gym essentials
• And if yoga is your thing, upgrade your gear with the best yoga mats, the best yoga blocks and best foam rollers

Best online workouts

SOMETHING MISSING FROM OUR SHORTLIST?

Tell us about it, and if enough people agree we'll add it in.

If there's a positive to take from our nation's current lockdown situation, it's that we now have plenty of time on our hands to learn new skills. It's also the precise reason why we’ve collated this round-up of the best online courses that, in our opinion, aren’t complete rubbish.

With all of the courses being either entirely free or massively discounted, they're just the kind of bargain we like. Yes, it turns out you really can learn something new from the comfort of your sofa.

We’ve trawled the internet to find an eclectic mix of skills that are set to impress your friends once all of this is over, with a few that might even help you out in day-to-day life. Ever fancied becoming a magician? No problem. Been meaning to learn how to code or hone your lacklustre Excel spreadsheet skills? We’ve got it covered.

There are even a few surprises thrown in for good measure, because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to visit an art gallery with enough knowledge to walk around like they own the place? MoMa are currently offering free contemporary art courses, while you can even attempt to give Mary Berry a run for her money courtesy of some great online cooking courses.

• It might also be worth taking a look at the best online workouts to help you get fit at home.

Just because you’re stuck at home, it doesn't mean your fitness needs to suffer. With the help of these home gym essentials, this may well be the best chance you’ve ever had to focus on your body.

UPDATE:With England now in its second lockdown, it's essential that your fitness doesn't suffer as a result. Here we detail some of the best home gym essentials that have been chosen by an expert.

With that in mind, we spoke to Iontrop Fitness PT Josh Portnoi to find out what are the ten most important pieces of gym kit you need for the ultimate home workout.

To learn more about training at home, visit Josh’s Instagram or Facebook.

• For more fitness equipment, check out our best treadmills and best exercise bikes round-ups
• If yoga is your exercise of choice, take a look at our best yoga mats, best yoga blocks and best foam rollers

1. A Kettlebell

Ah, the kettlebell. Your tried and tested one-stop shop for a total body workout. “You can do a huge variety of exercises with a kettlebell,” says Josh. “Due to the shape and dynamics of a kettle bell they work more muscles in the body at the centre of which is your core which has to work hard to stabilise through all KB movements.”

2. Resistance Bands

Not only are resistance bands incredibly helpful, but they also come in loads of pretty colours! “These are great for injury rehab and prevention,” says Josh. “Your power is one of the first things you can lose if you can’t get to a gym or train properly, but resistance bands can be used to enhance power, and maintain the effect of weight on the body.”

3. Adjustable Dumbbells

Dumbbells can give you a more even workout than barbells, according to Josh. “Dumbbells work each side of the body evenly – sometimes that might not happen with a barbell where you can overcompensate with one side. You can also perform a huge range of exercises with them from upper to lower body.”

4. TRX/Suspension Trainer

Do you have a door where you live? Thought so. Because that’s all you need when it comes to suspension training. “Once attached to a door, this can be used for every part of the body, works the core, and helps build muscular endurance through constant time under tension,” says Josh.

5. Pull Up Bar

“The ultimate upper body strength move is being able to pull up your own bodyweight,” says Josh. Enter the pull-up bar (also attached to a solid door frame). “You get a full upper body workout, and it’s great for building shape to your back including that ‘v’ taper,” he adds. Even better, it barely takes up any storage space and is great value.

6. Ab Wheel

Sometimes, if we’re completely honest, crunches and sit-ups can get a bit boring. Even if you’re as dedicated to fitness as Josh. “This is a great addition to your ab workout as it works more of your core muscles in one movement than traditional flexion exercises. Especially if you already have a reasonably strong core.”

7. Skipping rope

If you thought cardio was going out for a run and pounding the pavements (on your own, of course) then it’s time to think again. “Skipping is one of the best forms of cardio you can do,” says Josh. “It’s great for building stamina and endurance, and you can use it for steady state cardio as well as HIIT.”

8. Swiss Ball

Not just an absolutely massive football, but also a wonder aid for improving your core stability, just by sitting on it - and probably by doing a few other things too. “This is great for strengthening your core including your abs and lower back muscles,” says Josh. “It also improves balance and can be used for yoga, pilates and general resistance work.”

9. Yoga Mat

A proper stretch before and after any workout has always been de rigueur, but way better to do it on a proper mat than on your wooden floor. “It’s ideal for stretching, or for any ground exercises, will stop you slipping, and will save your knees and elbows,” says Josh. “It’ll also prevent you sweating all over your floor or carpet during your workout.”

10. Foam Roller

Not for the faint of heart, a decent foam roller will leave you wincing and whining if you use it properly after a workout - but it’s all for a good cause. “This is an ideal tool for post-workout recovery at home, as you can massage yourself with it, and get right into those tight muscles and knots,” says Josh.

A Spider-Woman movie is in the works, according to reports, and Olivia Wilde is directing.

While it's not been confirmed which Marvel franchise Wilde will be helming, Deadline is reporting that she's on board to direct a female-led Marvel movie for Sony, with Wilde tweeting the news as well as a spider emoji.

Sony had no comment to Deadline's story but tweeted a clapping of hands to the news as well, so we're guessing that they know what's going on.

And if that wasn't enough conjecture, Marvel released a 7 Things You Need To Know About Spider-Woman article last night, acting as a primer to the character for anyone who isn't up to speed with her comic-book exploits.

Until it's officially official all we can do is speculate, but the hiring of Wilde is fantastic news for any Marvel franchise. Her directorial debut Booksmart is a must-watch for all and she's teaming up with writer Katie Silberman again for the Marvel movie she will make.

If it is Spider-Woman, then it's likely that the character will be Jessica Drew but both Gwen Stacey and Mary Jane Watson have played Spider-Woman in the comics.

This isn't the only female-lead Spider story to come from Sony, either. The studio is also thought to be making a Madame Webb movie, as well as films based on Black Cat and Silver Sable.

Sony's relationship with Marvel and Spider-Man has proved to be fruitful. The two movies (so far) where they've linked the character with the rest of the MCU have been a lot of fun and while Venom is a strange watch, it was a big hit for the film studio.

Although there was a wobble as to whether Spider-Man would be back in the MCU, that's all sorted now so it looks like the future of the Spiderverse is looking rather decent.

• Here are the best Spider-Man comics of all time
• The best Marvel movies, ranked.

A new Bill & Ted Face The Music UK release date has been revealed - and it looks like we will all have to head to the cinemas to watch it.

There was us thinking that we can get under a duvet, pretend this strange world doesn't exist for a few hours and watch Bill & Ted Face The Music in our pyjamas, but it now looks like we are going to have to head to an actual cinema to watch the movie... in the UK at least.

That's according to the latest information from Warner Bros, which has revealed that the UK release date for the movie is now 23 September and it will be available to watch only in cinemas.

"Warner Bros will release Bill & Ted Face The Music theatrically in UK and Ireland on Wednesday 23rd September," says the release.

Now, this is all well and good - and we can't wait to see the movie - but unless an on-demand date is also released soon, then the UK is getting a little short changed. That's because near the tail-end of July, it was revealed that the movie would be available in the US 1 September and would be able to watch at home on that day as well.

Bill & Ted Face The Music isn't the only big movie to head to the cinemas first, despite Covid-19 fears. Chris Nolan's Tenet will be debuting on the big screen in the UK from 26 August.

The official synopsis for Bill & Ted Face The Music is as follows: "Directed by Dean Parisot with returning franchise writers Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon and starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, Bill & Ted Face The Music will continue to track the time-traveling exploits of William Bill S. Preston Esq. and Theodore Ted Logan.

"Yet to fulfill their rock and roll destiny, the now middle-aged best friends set out on a new adventure when a visitor from the future warns them that only their song can save life as we know it. Along the way, they will be helped by their daughters, a new batch of historical figures, and a few music legends — to seek the song that will set their world right and bring harmony in the universe."

To get you in the mood for the movie, watch the third and final trailer below.

• These are the best 80s movies of all time, ranked.