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A chilling BBC film has been labelled as “beyond grim” after first airing in the 80s.

Threads, a British-Australian post-apocalyptic war drama television film, is described by the BBC as: “Grim drama telling the story of a nuclear strike on Britain through the eyes of two families, tracing the events leading up to the war and the decade of devastation that follows.”

Penned by Barry Hines and produced by Mick Jackson, the film offers a science-fiction dramatic portrayal of a nuclear exchange between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, resulting in a narrative centred around the medical, economic, social and environmental consequences experienced by the characters.

With a running time of one hour and 52 minutes, Threads first aired on 23 September 1984 on BBC Two, with a second broadcast following a year later on 1 August 1985. The film was made on a budget of just £400,000 and is reportedly “the first of its kind to depict a nuclear winter”.

Fans branded the movie ‘traumatising’ ( 
Image:
BBC)

Threads first aired on 23 September 1984 ( 
Image:
BBC)

The BBC production received nominations for an impressive seven BAFTA awards and won Best Single Drama, Best Design, Best Film Cameraman and Best Film Editor. Threads was once again broadcast on BBC Two on 9 October 2024, sparking a flurry of conversation on social media, reports the Daily Star.

On X/ Twitter, eager fans of the film prepared to watch the 40 year old war film. One viewer commented that “a bit grim might be an understatement,” while another joked: “Understatement of the century? Amazing TV though, i just remember how powerful it was and how happy I was that my parents let me watch it. I was only 12.”

One cheeky commenter quipped that Threads is a “family favourite”, while another took to Twitter to say: “[…] There will be some traumatised people tomorrow. A great example of the power of drama.”

A BBC enthusiast recalled: “I was 19 when this was first broadcast and it scared the s*** out of me. I remember crying and not being able to sleep that night. It was powerful,” they then confessed they are “not sure they can watch it again” after so much time.

Described as “a harrowing watch,” the film has been known to “scare the bejesus” out of those who see it, being called “disturbing” and “terrifyingly realistic”. Another viewer commented with disbelief: “[shocked emoji] I still haven’t recovered from watching it the first time (many years ago) […].”

One EastEnders regular announces they are leaving the BBC soap for good next week after recent drama.

An exit could be confirmed for Penny Branning as she decides to flee Walford, as she’s still blamed over the recent crush at the nightclub. Of course viewers know it was Chelsea Fox who accidentally caused it and not Penny, and there could be a second exit being lined up.

Spoilers reveal Penny announces her exit from Albert Square next week to her family, with her deciding to move on. But there’s drama when the truth about the crush finally comes out – but is it enough to make Penny stay?

Jack Branning’s daughter could be leaving the show less than a year on from her big return, with her unable to prove her innocence. Spoilers do not reveal whether Penny does leave or if she decides to stay, so her soap future is up in the air.

But she isn’t the only one who could leave the soap next week. As Chelsea’s guilt is finally revealed, there’s a showdown between her and Penny.

A number of characters urge Chelsea to hand herself in at the police station. Given Chelsea has been in trouble with the law before and given the severity of the crush incident, could Chelsea be sent to prison resulting in an exit for Denise Fox’s daughter?

One EastEnders regular announces they are leaving the BBC soap for good next week ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
It all kicks off is Penny’s sister Amy, who was injured in the crush, is left frustrated over her long recovery. An argument between Penny and Amy breaks out, with Penny still being believed.

As a result, Penny makes the decision to leave Walford and she soon breaks the news to her family that she will be leaving as soon as possible. But the situation escalates between the Brannings and Penny as they row over Penny’s exit announcement.

Things get heated and Denise ends up spilling the beans about her daughter, confirming Chelsea was to blame for the crush and not Penny. Everyone in the room is left reeling and demanding answers, while it’s not known if Penny will still leave after events take their toll.

As for Chelsea, Penny heads over to No.20 to demand an audience with her and Jack urges her to hand herself in at the station. Chelsea refuses to do this, having allowed Penny to take the blame for weeks.

Soon more than one character will have it out with Chelsea, including injured Amy and Lauren. Chelsea does eventually decide to hand herself in to the police, so will she be leaving the show?

Gavin and Stacey fans have been left “devastated” after Joanna Page shared a photo of the final script of the British sitcom.

The actress, who plays Stacey Shipman, posted an image of her script, dated August 14, 2024, on Instagram, with the caption: “And that’s a wrap.” She published the post after the BBC confirmed it has wrapped up filming for the much-awaited episode of the comedy drama, which will air on Christmas Day.

Just yesterday, the BBC shared a clapperboard emblazoned with “Gavin and Stacey: The Finale” and said: “And that’s a wrap…for the last time ever. See you on Christmas Day.” Fans were left emotional after the announcement and many took to the comment sections on the BBC official page, as well as Joanna’s profile, to share their thoughts.

Fans were left emotional as filming wrapped up for the last time ( 
Image:
Instagram)

James Corden and Ruth Jones holding a script for ‘Gavin and Stacey: The Finale’ ( 
Image:
PA)
One wrote: “So excited but sad also this will be the end! I will need to wait until Boxing day to watch it as I cannot watch it without my son! We loved visiting Barry in the summer of 2022.” Another added: “Can’t wait to see it but at the same time, that’s it.” A fan said: “Oh, it’s going to be emotional.”

Another one agreed, saying: “Can’t wait for Christmas just for this… but so sad it will be the last one.” A person added: “Bittersweet! So excited for the final episode but devastated for it to finish! It will never leave our hearts though, truly great forever!” Someone else said: “Mentally and emotionally not ready for this.”

After the nail-biting cliffhanger of the previous Christmas special, where Smithy’s proposal to Nessa was left hanging, fans have been desperate for closure. Fans had been swarming to the filming locations in hopes of catching a glimpse of their favourite characters for one last time.

The final episode will air on Christmas Day ( 
Image:
Instagram)Don’t Miss
The group ended filming at Pam and Mick’s “Essex” home, which is actually in South Wales, with James Corden (Smithy) telling fans: “Today is our last day in ‘Essex’. Everyone in Dinas Powys has been so great to the show and all of you that have come out here today, so thank you very, very much. It means more to us than you will ever know and we really, really hope you like the show.”

Ruth Jones (Nessa) added: “Thanks so much for being such dedicated fans and for being here every day and watching us even though we were there hid in the house. We hope that you will enjoy our little episode on Christmas Day.”

Ruth and James announced the show would be back for one more Christmas special earlier this year. Taking to social media, the pair shared: “Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James.”

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were not all keen on some huge news shared on Wednesday, as some complained about an announcement.

A big show shake-up was confirmed to celebrate 20 years of the BBC series. In a huge twist there’s a brand new theme to contend with, with the show confirming a new week.

It Takes Two host Janette Manrara shared the news with fans on Wednesday night, announcing couples would have a brand new theme in an upcoming episode, with it being the first time the show has featured this particular theme. The pro dancers and their celebrities will be taking part in Icons Week, if they remain in the competition that is.

In November, the remaining pairings will take to the ballroom floor to honour their music icons. Each pair will dance to a song from their favourite music heroes, and it’s thought some of the contestants may even be shown emulating their chosen icon.

Janette could barely contain her excitement, after teasing some exclusive news at the start of the latest episode. She then revealed all during the show, confirming the special new theme.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were not all keen on some huge news shared on Wednesday ( 
Image:
PA)
But not everyone was keen on the idea, desperate for a different theme or not feeling it is needed at all. While some viewers were excited to see Icons Week hit screens, others complained the theme had nothing to do with dance.

Others were annoyed over the hype about an announcement they already knew. One fan said: “Icons week? Cos we’ve never had dances to Gaga, Beyonce, Whitney, Tina, Mariah, Elton, Nina, Madonna etc before.”

A second viewer said; “Not the Strictly ‘exclusive’ being something we already knew.” Another fan commented: “Another bloody theme week. Do they really hate us that much?” as a fourth said: “The ‘nooooooo’ I just came out with when they announced another new theme week!

“And even though it’s to mark the 20th anniversary it has nothing to do with ballroom or latin!” A further comment said: “Oh deep joy (NOT) – another theme week added to the #strictly line up. Let’s not forget the ‘success’ of last one they added a few yrs ago ( BBC tv show themed one).” But some viewers admitted they were thrilled over the news.

Some fans believed it could work, with one writing: “Icon week!!!! I actually LOVE it!!!” Another said: “I called it! Music Icons week, let’s gooooo!”

A new documentary delving into the British Royal Family’s fascination with UFOs and otherworldly phenomena explores some rather outlandish allegations, including one that King Charles piloted a genuine UFO in Canada back in 1975.

‘The King of UFOs’ spotlights an interview with Canadian diver Dan Costello, who asserts he saw the King at the time still the Prince of Wales at the helm as one of three pilots guiding what appeared to be a prototype UFO at Sandy Point in Nova Scotia. Costello maintains that the vehicle was UFO-esque and discharged a bluish ionic flame which singed the earth beneath it, consequently altering the ground cover to grass.

He suggests that King Charles was positioned at the adjacent HMS Endeavour serving as a helicopter pilot and was summoned for a clandestine endeavour known as Project Serpico. In his eye-opening claim, Costello remarked: “The craft had dual rotor blades like a helicopter, but it would also just sit and hover in the sky with the blades not on and with no sound of propulsion just a faint crackle of electromagnetism.

“I don’t think it was extra terrestrial but might be technology developed by Nikolai Tesla who had a facility here and now this was being used by the US, Canadian and British Military.”

The King of UFOs writer and director Mark Christopher Lee ( 
Image:
BANG Showbiz.)

Mark Christopher Lee, the director of the film, rigorously examined Costello’s extraordinary narrative and unearthed supporting information, suggesting that the techno-wizardry in question could be akin to what American military personnel like David Grusch have purportedly encountered firsthand.

Lee suggested a tantalising theory, questioning: “What if what we are all seeing in the sky and thinking are extra-terrestrial spacecraft are actually just a secret highly advanced earthbound technology? What if Prince Charles was involved with this project – does King Charles know the truth about UFOs? If so he should release this truth to the public. We deserve to know! “.

Despite reaching out to the Royal household, Lee has yet to receive a response after writing to King Charles regarding the mysterious 1975 event at Sandy Point. Lee admitted his initial doubts, saying: “I was quite skeptical about Costello’s claims at first but since the film has been released numerous witnesses have come forward to state that they remember this Sandy Point incident and that there were weird craft flying in this area.”

He also offered an alternative explanation for another well-known mystery, stating: “This may also explain the infamous nearby Shag Harbour UFO incident which people have suggested was a UFO – the truth is probably that it was an experimental technology that the US, Canadians and British wanted to keep secret and the UFO alien story was a good cover for this.”

The documentary ‘The King of UFOs’ featuring these revelations is currently available on Amazon, Tubi, Apple, and GAIA.

Strictly Come Dancing fans spotted a recognisable face among the audience during the BBC show on Saturday night, with one left wondering if it was “bring your husband to work day”.

Fans of the dance series saw Tess Daly’s husband Vernon Kay, 50, sitting in the first row at Elstree Film and Television Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, last night. A screenshot shared on X, formerly called Twitter, shows the BBC Radio 2 presenter, dressed in an all-white outfit paired with a light brown jacket, smiling as he looks at his wife Tess.

The Strictly presenter, 55, wore an elegant sparkly blue dress as she introduced the celebrities taking to the dance floor. Sharing an image that shows Vernon among members of the public, a person wrote on X: “Bring ur husband to work day I assume.”

Fans spotted Tess Daly’s husband Vernon Kay in the audience last night ( 
Image:
BBC)
Some people in the comment section said they had also spotted Vernon, with one writing: “Spotted him making faces as she talked.” Another commented: “He’s a proud husband.”

But some complained about Vernon being there, saying this contributes to members of the public not being able to get tickets to watch the show live. A person said: “I’ve never managed to get a ticket from series 1.” One more tweeted: “Glad he managed to get a ticket in the ballot.”

Two weeks ago, after the first Strictly live show, Tess was spotted with her eldest daughter as they headed home in a taxi. Tess, 55, looked in high spirits after receiving support from her daughter Phoebe, 19. The cherished TV star also has another daughter, Amber, born in 2004, whom she shares with her husband Vernon. The mum-of-two looked stunning in the red jumpsuit she wore for the show, while Phoebe looked chic in a white outfit.

On the show last night, Tess and co-presenter Claudia Winkleman addressed Nick Knowles’ sudden exit from the show. Telly favourite Nick, 62, was forced to pull out of the live show on Saturday after sustaining another injury. Nick and professional dancer partner Luba Mushtuk were due to perform the Charleston to Rain On The Roof from the film Paddington 2 for the Movie Week special.

Nick had already suffered a shoulder injury that left him in a sling, just days after the first live show. But it was reported on Friday that the DIY SOS star fell and injured his knee during a dress rehearsal, and is now using crutches to walk. During the live episode on Saturday night hosts Tess and Claudia were quick to speak out about Nick’s absence.

Tess said: “As you can see, Nick Knowles and his partner Luba are not here. In rehearsals yesterday, Nick sustained an injury and is not able to perform tonight.” Claudia then said: “As per rules of the competition, he will receive a bye into next week’s show. Nick we are sending you love and wishing you a speedy recovery.”

EastEnders’ David Wicks made his big comeback this week, and he was soon reunited onscreen with Walford legends Ian and Cindy Beale.

Contains spoilers from Tuesday’s iPlayer episode. The trio soon got talking about the past and some historic moments between them, as David spoke of his brother Ian’s reunion with ex-wife Cindy being a shock. But with Ian fearing what David’s return could mean for his relationship, what exactly went on between them?

How is David related to Ian, and why did Cindy have Ian shot all those years ago? David was revealed to be the half-brother of Ian years earlier. David’s mother is Walford icon Pat Butcher, while fans know Kathy Beale is Ian’s mum.

But Ian and David share a father, Pete Beale who died on the BBC soap in 1993, offscreen. Despite the family link, David had no issue with having an affair with Ian’s wife Cindy.

He was left shellshocked when he found out Cindy had hired a hitman to have Ian killed amid their fling. Cindy ended up asking David to run away with her and her kids before she was sent to prison, but he declined and things ended there.

After this Cindy seemingly died in prison, while fans now know this was not the case. David only found this out this week as they came face-to-face for the first time in 20 odd years.

EastEnders’ David Wicks made his big comeback this week ( 
Image:
BBC)
As the pair caught up, David couldn’t hide his shock that Cindy and Ian were back together. He reminded her that the last time they saw each other she’d just had Ian shot and almost killed.

So why did Cindy try to kill Ian? David was losing interest in their affair so Cindy took drastic action to get rid of her husband. She did change her mind but it was too late and Ian was injured.

Ian had already found out at this point about his brother’s affair with his wife, after hiring a private investigator and seeing evidence. He vowed to take Cindy to court and get custody of their children, so at risk of losing them and David she made the ultimate betrayal and hired a hitman.

Cindy ended up fleeing while David stayed behind. Eventually Cindy was caught though and the rest is history. Fast-forward almost 30 years on from her offscreen demise, and David finally found out Cindy was alive the whole time. Fans are now convinced the pair could end up back together, amid Cindy’s affair with Junior Knight.

Dying Nish Panesar is on the warpath against his ex-wife Suki but could he use his own grandson to get a rise out of her?

After attacking his own son Vinny Panesar, Nish (portrayed by Navin Chowdhry) was left to die by Suki and was saved seconds away from death by his granddaughter Avani. But as a new week begins in EastEnders, Nish hatches another plan to get revenge on Suki.

In recent scenes aired over on BBC One, Nish named both Avani and her brother Nugget as his main beneficiaries, prompting multiple soap fans to wonder if he would ever bond with his forgotten grandchild, Tyrion.

As regular watchers of the London-based programme know, Tyrion is the son of the late Jags Panesar and in scenes due to air next week, Nish finds a way to use the young boy against Suki (Balvinder Sopal), causing harm to her relationship with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace).

Suki spends time with her grandson Tyrion next week ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Nish’s bitter revenge continues next week when he asks Vinny (Shiv Jalota) to reach out to Jags’ ex-girlfriend, Habiba Ahmed to arrange for Tyrion aka Tye, to visit them in Walford, ahead of Suki’s engagement party with Eve.

While there, Suki is touched to learn that Nish has arranged Tye’s visit and, urged by Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) and Avani (Aaliyah James), she asks him to join the celebrations with a hint of reluctance. Nish is touched to have his family together but the harmony is short-lived as he soon overhears Eve and Suki talking about his demise.

In later scenes, Eve makes last-minute plans for a romantic getaway to Yorkshire, where she is originally from. Unfortunately for her, Nish strikes again and resorts to another manipulative tactic to have the upper hand and Suki decides to stay home to see Tyrion.

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) gives Eve some food for thought in other scenes, and when she eventually softens, Eve calls Suki to apologise. But what will Nish plan to do next? Could he drip more poison in Suki or Eve’s ear to rip them apart?

Diehard EastEnders fans will need no reminder – making his first appearance in Walford in October 2019, Jagvir “Jags” Singh Panesar was portrayed by actor Amar Adatia and first arrived in the Square with Kheerat when the pair decided to confront Ben Mitchell for stealing the latter’s car.

During his time in Walford, Jags embarked on a romantic relationship with Habiba Ahmed, to which Suki was firmly opposed to. After keeping their relationship a secret, Jags spilled the beans and Suki tore them apart by framing him for a robbery at Ruby’s (which was staged by his own brother Vinny).

Habiba was devastated to discover he had been sentenced to four years in prison and left Albert Square for Leeds in October, 2020. It was later revealed she was pregnant with Jags’ baby. Kheerat and Vinny payed for her rent and, months later, Habiba gave birth to a boy.

Jags was stabbed to death in prison shortly after the baby’s birth, while Habiba was hoping to discuss names with him. Habiba went on to call their son Tyrion, based on his father’s favourite Game of Thrones character.

Brendan Cole has shared his thoughts on Nick Knowles’ Strictly performances.

Last week, Nick, 62, was unable to perform due to a “quite painful” knee injury after falling during rehearsals. But despite the sore setback, iconic Strictly pro Brendan – who left the show back in 2018 – insists Nick needs to up his game.

Nick looked glum over the weekend when he was forced to watch the dancefloor antics play out from the sidelines. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share a photo of himself sitting on a sofa watching the show, Nick said: “Gutted not to be out there with everyone tonight on the @bbcstrictly dance floor, but still suited up and cheering them on from the sofa.”

But despite his previous efforts on the dancefloor, Brendan, 48, reckons Nick needs to up his game. When asked by Sky Vegas who he thinks deserves to leave Strictly next, Brendan said: “Nick Knowles hasn’t been particularly brilliant so far, but maybe with a week off he might come back and surprise everybody.”

Last week wasn’t the first time Nick had experienced an injury since starting his Strictly journey just weeks ago.

Last week, Nick, 62, was unable to perform due to a “quite painful” knee injury ( 
Image:
PA)
On September 23, two days after the series’ first live show, Knowles said in a video that he had been injured while changing a tyre. He later told BBC2’s It Takes Two, while wearing a sling, that he had suffered the “painful” injury on the way to a family party on September 22 to celebrate his birthday. However, he received medical clearance to perform on that week’s show.

Then, confirming his second injury and the news it was severe enough to temporarily stop him from performing, Nick shared days later: “During our first dress rehearsal today, or run-through of the dance number on the stage, unfortunately I damaged my knee and it’s quite painful. So the physios have decided I need to go for a MRI.”

His professional partner Luba Mushtuk added: “Unfortunately we will not be dancing tomorrow but we really, really hope that the knee will be better for the next week and we’ll be back on the dancefloor. Fingers crossed, we really hope that we’ll be back and see you guys very soon.” Knowles said that “even if we have to glitter up the crutches, I am determined to get back and try and dance for you next week.” The pair are expected to be back on the dancefloor on Saturday.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enjoyed a lavish trip to Jamaica this week, which came after their surprise appearance at a glitzy film premiere in Jamaica.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a rare public appearance earlier this year when they attended the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in Kingston, Jamaica. The couple were seen posing on the red carpet together, with them even posing with Bob Marley’s family. The CEO of Paramount Pictures was also in attendance, with the Sussexes posing for a snap with him. According to The Times, it is understood that “the Sussexes were flown to the island by private jet courtesy of Paramount Pictures, the production company behind the new biopic Bob Marley: One Love”.

It has now been revealed that prior to the premiere taking place on Tuesday night, the Sussexes spent the night at the five-star Half Moon resort in Montego Bay. At this lavish resort, four-bedroom villas are reported to set you back an eye-watering $4,300 (£3,400) per night.

According to MailOnline, the couple stayed in the Eclipse section of the resort, which is reported to have an opulent private beach, intimate swimming cove, and security. On the resort’s website, it states: “Framed by the glistening Caribbean Sea to the north and the lush hillsides to the south, Eclipse at Half Moon is one of the most luxurious additions to the Caribbean in a generation.

“The new property features 57 luxurious and spacious accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a market café, Fern Tree – a Salamander Spa, a sweeping infinity-edge swimming pool, and private beachfront with a natural swimming cove.”

The Sussexes then spent Tuesday daytime enjoying a private tour of the Bob Marley museum, with them reported to have spent an hour inside the exhibition. Harry and Meghan then attended the premiere that evening, where they endured an awkward moment and met with Ziggy Marley, where what Harry said to him was revealed by a lip reader.And then after the premiere, the Sussexes are reported to have joined 60 other attendees for an afterparty at the five-star Terra Nova hotel in Kingston. According to MailOnline, the pair were in “high spirits” and enjoyed cocktails while partying the night away.

This comes after the Sussexes were flown out to Jamaica by Paramount Pictures. The Paramount CEO, Brian Robbins, is reportedly friends with the Duke and Duchess, with him and his wife owning a $17 million home in Montecito, which happens to be extremely close to the Sussexes’ Montecito mansion that they have resided in since 2020.