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Colin Morgan Discusses Dark Humour in BBC’s Dead And Buried Reflecting Northern Irish Culture

Colin Morgan Discusses Dark Humour in BBC’s Dead And Buried Reflecting Northern Irish Culture

The actor highlights how the series’ dark humour adds authenticity to the portrayal of Northern Ireland’s coping mechanisms.

Colin Morgan, best known for his role in Merlin, has spoken about the “dark humour” in the new BBC drama Dead And Buried, saying it adds to the show’s authenticity. The Northern Irish actor, who plays Michael McAllister in the psychological thriller, explained that the type of humour featured in the series is a defining characteristic of his home country.

Morgan, 38, from Armagh, said: “A very Northern Irish trait is the ability to deal with pain with humour, often leaning towards the darker side. The greater the pain, the greater the need to offset it in whatever way you can.” His character, Michael, is part of a storyline where he unexpectedly crosses paths with Cathy McDaid (played by Annabel Scholey), who is unaware he has been released early from prison after killing her brother.

“The dark humour is a coping mechanism for Michael and many characters in Dead And Buried,” Morgan continued. “There’s a lot of it in Northern Ireland, and it only adds to the show’s twisted appeal and authenticity.”

In addition to the focus on humour, Morgan also reflected on using his own Northern Irish accent for the role, explaining it allowed him to connect with the character more immediately. “When an accent isn’t required, there’s a definite shorthand with a new character,” he said. “We speak a similar language already, so we’ve got off to a good start.”

Annabel Scholey, 40, who plays Cathy, also embraced the Northern Irish accent for her role. The actress, originally from West Yorkshire, worked with accent coach Brendan Gunn for weeks to ensure she portrayed Cathy authentically. “If I had been limited because I wasn’t secure in the accent, it would have been a disaster,” Scholey explained, adding that she found much of the character within the accent itself.

Scholey, who has spent significant time in Northern Ireland due to her daughter’s Northern Irish heritage, expressed her admiration for the region, calling it “vividly beautiful” and filled with “friendly, open and artistic people.” She praised the local crew, describing them as “excellent” to work with.

Dead And Buried, written by Colin Bateman, was filmed earlier this year in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The first episode airs on Monday, September 2 at 10.40pm on BBC One Northern Ireland, with the full series available on BBC iPlayer that evening. The show will also be available on Virgin Media in the Republic of Ireland.

Regulatory Failures Leave Homecare Services Vulnerable, Report Reveals

Regulatory Failures Leave Homecare Services Vulnerable, Report Reveals

Homecare providers in England face increasing risks due to outdated or missing ratings, with serious consequences for both services and care recipients.

A significant number of homecare providers in England are operating without up-to-date inspections, according to a new report by the Homecare Association, which highlights the dangers of a malfunctioning regulatory system. As of June 2023, 60% of homecare organisations were either rated out of date or had not been rated at all by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with 37% of providers last rated between four to eight years ago and 23% never having been assessed.

This situation has left many providers struggling with outdated or absent ratings, which could ultimately put vulnerable people at risk. The report from Dr. Jane Townson, the chief executive of the Homecare Association, stresses that some providers have even lost contracts or faced closures due to the lack of current ratings, while others are hindered by delayed registrations.

The situation has worsened over time as the number of registered community social care locations has soared from 2,303 in 2013 to 12,574 in 2023. However, the CQC’s resources have not kept pace with the expansion, further complicating the inspection process. Local authorities have also promoted the growth of small homecare providers, with 85% employing fewer than 50 staff, making inspections increasingly difficult to manage.

The report criticises the CQC for failing to fulfil its regulatory responsibilities, stating that this failure risks not only the safety of people receiving care but also the long-term sustainability of homecare services. “Without effective regulation, care providers face severe challenges, and the public’s confidence in the safety and quality of care diminishes,” Dr. Townson said.

This comes after a previous report in July found that the CQC has been struggling to identify poor performance in the sector, with inspections of hospitals, care homes, and GP practices also lagging behind. In some cases, organisations had not been inspected for years, leading to an environment where the safety and quality of care are not regularly assessed.

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the concerns raised in the report, calling the current situation “unacceptable.” It has already introduced measures to address the issue, including increased oversight of the CQC, which has committed to ramping up inspections. The government is also working on creating a National Care Service to improve the regulatory framework and ensure better care standards across the country.

The Homecare Association has called for urgent reform and additional resources to address the regulatory challenges. It has also recommended modernising the CQC’s systems to ensure that care providers are regularly assessed and that those receiving care are protected from potential risks.

Molly-Mae Hague Thanks Supportive Fans After Split from Tommy Fury

Molly-Mae Hague Thanks Supportive Fans After Split from Tommy Fury

Influencer expresses gratitude to her online community in emotional post following breakup announcement

Molly-Mae Hague has shared a heartfelt message of thanks to her “online friends” in her first social media post since announcing her split from Tommy Fury earlier this month. The influencer, who rose to fame on Love Island alongside Fury, took to Instagram on Tuesday to express her gratitude for the support she’s received from fans.

In the post, Hague shared a serene image of herself leaning against a wooden railing, gazing out over a body of water. The 25-year-old wrote: “Thank you for being the best online friends I could’ve ever wished for.”

Hague and Fury, who became the runners-up of Love Island season five in 2019, had been together for five years and became engaged in July 2023. They also share a daughter, Bambi, who was born earlier this year. However, the couple announced their split in separate Instagram posts earlier this month.

On August 14, Hague broke the news in an emotional Instagram story, stating: “Never in a million years did I think I’d ever have to write this. After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way.” She continued, expressing her sadness over the end of their relationship and reinforcing her priority would always be their daughter. Hague also requested privacy during this challenging time, saying she would return to social media when she felt ready.

Tommy Fury followed up with his own post, stating he was “heartbroken” to share the news and emphasised that their daughter Bambi would remain their “priority.” The couple’s relationship had previously been featured in the Netflix reality series At Home With The Furys, alongside Tommy’s half-brother, boxing champion Tyson Fury.

Ryanair CEO Calls for Two-Drink Limit to Tackle Rising In-Flight Violence

Ryanair CEO Calls for Two-Drink Limit to Tackle Rising In-Flight Violence

New Measures Urged as Drunken Aggression on Flights Reaches Alarming Levels

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has proposed a two-drink per passenger limit at airports to combat the rise in alcohol-fueled violence aboard flights. Speaking to The Telegraph on Tuesday, O’Leary warned that aggressive behaviour on flights is now a weekly occurrence, with both passengers and cabin crew becoming victims of violent outbursts.

According to O’Leary, flights from the UK, especially those heading to popular party destinations like Ibiza and certain Greek islands, are most vulnerable to such incidents. Regional airports like Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh are particularly affected. In response, Ryanair has started inspecting passengers’ bags for alcohol before boarding, particularly on flights to Ibiza.

O’Leary highlighted a disturbing trend, noting that it’s no longer just excessive drinking that contributes to violence in the air. “In the past, people who drank too much would just fall over or fall asleep. Now, passengers are combining alcohol with tablets and powders, leading to much more aggressive behaviour that’s difficult to manage,” he explained. This mix, he added, results in fights not only between passengers and crew but also among passengers themselves.

Sinead Quinn, Ryanair’s head of cabin crew training, also commented on the situation, mentioning that the airline has had to implement passenger bans due to the increasing frequency of violent incidents, particularly in the UK. “There’s no particular profile,” Quinn said. “It could be young groups, families, or those you’d least expect.”

Currently, Ryanair allows passengers to bring duty-free alcohol on board but enforces a strict no-drinking policy during the flight. The airline has also implemented bans on certain duty-free items for flights from the UK to destinations like Ibiza, Alicante, and Barcelona, following incidents such as the removal of 15 drunk passengers from a Ryanair flight at Manchester Airport in April, which caused a five-hour delay.

Passengers caught concealing alcohol or bringing it on board against the rules face removal from the flight, with no refund or compensation. O’Leary’s call for a two-drink limit comes as part of Ryanair’s ongoing efforts to address the growing problem of in-flight disturbances.

Chelsea Eyeing Ivan Toney Transfer Amid Intense Deadline Day Activity

Chelsea Eyeing Ivan Toney Transfer Amid Intense Deadline Day Activity

Blues Consider Late Bid for Brentford Striker as Talks Intensify Over Other Targets

Chelsea are weighing up a potential move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney as the summer transfer window nears its deadline. With just days to go before the window closes on August 30, the Blues are exploring various options for strengthening their attack, with Toney emerging as a key target.

Though no formal bid has been made for the England international yet, Chelsea have shown interest in securing his services before the deadline. Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, however, are currently the only club to have submitted an offer for Toney. The Saudi club, managed by Chelsea’s former sporting director Michael Emenalo, has offered £25m for the 28-year-old, although the deal has yet to be finalised. Brentford, originally seeking £50m for their star forward, may now be open to a bid closer to £40m due to Toney’s contract expiring next summer.

With Al-Ahli’s offer still on the table, Chelsea are reportedly keen to explore the possibility of signing Toney, though any potential deal would need to align with their financial structure. The Blues have also had links with Toney’s fellow striker targets, including Victor Osimhen and Jadon Sancho, as they seek further reinforcements in attack.

In the final days of the transfer window, Chelsea have rekindled talks with Napoli for Osimhen, despite the striker’s preference for a move to Paris Saint-Germain, who are now no longer in the running. At the same time, Chelsea’s interest in Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho has sparked surprise, as the Blues look to bolster their attacking options before Friday’s deadline.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also offloading several players to trim their squad further, with Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, and Armando Broja among those potentially leaving, alongside a number of players already out on loan.

Chelsea’s busy summer has already seen 11 new signings, including a £17m deal for goalkeeper Mike Penders from Belgian side Genk, and a £45m move for Joao Felix. The club continues to work to balance their squad ahead of a new season and looks to secure further signings before the deadline passes.

Protests in Dublin Demand End to Gaza Violence and Criticise US Support for Israel

Protests in Dublin Demand End to Gaza Violence and Criticise US Support for Israel

Activists Rally Outside Leinster House Urging Global Action Against Genocide in Gaza

A passionate demonstration was held outside Leinster House, Ireland’s parliamentary building, where activists voiced their opposition to US support for Israel amidst ongoing violence in Gaza. The protest, which took place while a US delegation was visiting the parliament, was organised to demand an immediate cessation of the killing of civilians, particularly in Gaza, where over 40,000 Palestinians have died in the past year.

Chants of “Stop the genocide” echoed through the streets as participants expressed outrage over the US government’s backing of Israeli military actions. Protestors carried signs such as “I’m a mother, not a target” and “I’m a child, not a target,” alongside critical slogans like “Genocide Joe,” referencing President Joe Biden.

The demonstration was also a call for solidarity with the people of Gaza, with many expressing frustration over the ongoing destruction in the region, which has left much of Gaza’s infrastructure, including healthcare services, in ruins. There are growing fears of a health crisis, with polio outbreaks being reported due to the collapse of sanitation and medical systems.

Brid Smith, a TD from People Before Profit, joined the protest, stating that the current situation in Gaza represents one of the worst genocides in recent history. She criticised the US for continuing to fund Israel’s military operations, arguing that if this financial support stopped, the violence would cease. Smith also highlighted the importance of global solidarity movements, such as the boycott of Israeli goods, drawing parallels with the international anti-apartheid campaigns that ultimately helped end apartheid in South Africa.

Though the protest was smaller in scale, it was noted for its youthful energy and commitment to raising awareness. Activists made it clear that they would continue to rally until the US delegation departs, urging stronger international action to end the conflict and protect Palestinian lives.

Bradford House Fire: Headteacher Pays Tribute to ‘Lovely Pupils’ Tragically Killed in Blaze

Bradford House Fire: Headteacher Pays Tribute to ‘Lovely Pupils’ Tragically Killed in Blaze

Heartbroken headteacher remembers children as “full of character” following tragic house fire

A tragic house fire in Bradford has left a community in mourning, with tributes pouring in for Bryonie Gawith and her three children, who lost their lives in the blaze. Bryonie, 29, died at the scene, while her children, Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, later passed away in hospital from their injuries.

The two older children attended Home Farm Primary School, where headteacher Joanne Poole described them as “lovely pupils” who were “full of character” and had “bright futures ahead of them.”

“Our hearts are broken by the tragic passing of Denisty, Oscar, Aubree, and their mum, Bryonie,” said Ms Poole, who spoke on behalf of the school community. “We are a close-knit family at Home Farm, and this is devastating news that is hard to comprehend.”

Denisty and Oscar were remembered as happy children who embraced school life, and the school was eagerly anticipating Aubree joining them in the future. Ms Poole reflected on Bryonie’s positivity and cheerfulness, saying, “Mum Bryonie was always cheerful and positive – even first thing in the morning.”

The school has pledged to support children, staff, and families affected by the tragedy. “Our thoughts are with the relatives and friends of Denisty, Oscar, Aubree, and Bryonie,” Ms Poole added.

West Yorkshire Police are investigating the fire, which is believed to be “domestic-related.” A 39-year-old man, the ex-partner of a woman visiting the family, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in critical condition in hospital.

Elderly Residents of Notting Hill Given Seaside Getaway During Carnival

Elderly Residents of Notting Hill Given Seaside Getaway During Carnival

Over 20 vulnerable locals receive respite from the lively celebrations with a trip to the coast

In a heartwarming initiative, over 20 elderly residents from Kensington and Chelsea will be taken on a seaside trip this weekend, offering them much-needed respite from the vibrant chaos of Notting Hill Carnival. This annual outing, organised in partnership with Age UK, has been a tradition since 2017.

To participate, residents must be over 65 and live directly along the Carnival route. The council prioritises those most in need of a break, particularly individuals who may find it difficult to arrange a getaway on their own. The outing, which costs the council approximately £24,000 this year, offers an opportunity for those who may otherwise be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of one of the UK’s largest and most energetic street festivals.

Notting Hill Carnival, now in its 56th year, attracts nearly a million visitors and celebrates Caribbean culture with a dazzling parade, music, and dancing. While the festivities bring joy to many, the council recognises that some older residents may need a quiet space away from the noise.

Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith, lead member for culture, explained, “There are some older vulnerable residents who require respite from Carnival weekend, and we work with Age UK to provide a seaside break for those most in need.”

In addition to the trip, the council has set up three drop-in sessions throughout the Carnival weekend where residents can discuss concerns with local authorities, police, and Transport for London (TfL).

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also praised the event for its inclusive spirit, saying, “It embodies everything that makes London the greatest city in the world and is a wonderful celebration of our capital’s diversity and unity.”

Disney+ Chose Rivals for its ‘Downton-esque’ Appeal, Says Executive

Disney+ Chose Rivals for its ‘Downton-esque’ Appeal, Says Executive

Lee Mason discusses the platform’s commitment to escapism and diversity in content commissioning

Disney+ decided to commission an adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals because it aligns with the platform’s strategy of offering “traditional, British, premium soaps,” according to Lee Mason, the streaming service’s director of scripted originals. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Mason explained that the show was created with the understanding that global audiences are drawn to period dramas like Downton Abbey.

The forthcoming series, set in 1986, focuses on a group of wealthy media professionals in the Cotswolds and is packed with rivalries, affairs, heartbreak, and the glamorous yet dramatic lifestyle of the era. Mason described Rivals as an escapist experience aimed at offering viewers a break from the stress of modern life, particularly in a time when “watching the news is hard.”

Mason reflected on how Disney+ approaches British drama, seeking to represent an authentic version of British culture while ensuring the content resonates internationally. He noted, “We know that audiences around the world love things like Downton and that sort of thing. So again, it was like, ‘How do we do that? How do we export that kind of traditional, kind of British, kind of premium soap’?”

When discussing the platform’s commitment to diversity, Mason acknowledged that Disney+ actively seeks content that represents a range of communities. However, he also shared his personal perspective on working-class representation in the TV industry. Mason revealed that being from a working-class background was a more significant challenge in his career than his sexuality, particularly given the financial barriers to entering the industry.

“If I was starting in TV now, I couldn’t afford to come to London. I couldn’t afford to live here, so it just wouldn’t be an option,” Mason said. He added that the working-class experience is rarer in the industry and emphasized the need for broader representation at both the commissioning and writing levels.

Mason also reflected on his experiences as a gay man in the industry, acknowledging that his background has influenced his commissioning decisions. He said that while he has been mindful of including LGBT+ content, he has also recognized the importance of commissioning content that represents experiences outside his own. “We definitely need to do more,” he concluded.

avid Beckham Unaware of Media Vitriol During Career Due to Lack of Social Media

avid Beckham Unaware of Media Vitriol During Career Due to Lack of Social Media

Nicola Howson, co-founder of Studio 99, discusses Beckham’s coping mechanisms and the challenges of modern-day players

David Beckham was largely unaware of the media vitriol directed at him during his football career, thanks to the absence of social media at the time, according to Nicola Howson, who co-founded Studio 99 with the football icon.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Howson explained that Beckham’s manager and father advised him to avoid reading media coverage about himself. As a result, Beckham was shielded from much of the negativity, including the infamous effigy incident in 1998, when he received heavy criticism following England’s World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. Howson revealed that Beckham only learned about the effigy after watching the 2023 documentary series Beckham, when director Fisher Stevens showed it to him.

Howson stated, “He didn’t know what was being said about him back then because he had a manager that said don’t read it, and the dad who said it’s all nonsense.” She added that Beckham had never seen much of the vitriol, as social media didn’t exist during his playing days.

Reflecting on the pressures faced by modern-day players, Howson expressed her concerns about how athletes cope with the constant negativity on social media. “I don’t care who you are, and how strong a person David Beckham is mentally. I don’t know how he would have done that,” she said.

In discussing the Beckham documentary, Howson explained how she persuaded Fisher Stevens to direct the series. Initially, Stevens had turned down the offer three times, but ultimately agreed after hearing encouragement from Succession creators Jesse Armstrong and Tony Roche. Howson added that Victoria Beckham played a pivotal role in convincing Stevens, stating, “If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it once, we’re going to do it properly.”

She also revealed how Beckham had to confront many of his blocked memories during the interview process. “David blocked so many of the memories… They put it in a box and move on,” Howson explained, noting that Beckham’s former teammate, Gary Neville, helped him unlock these memories, sometimes challenging Beckham’s version of events.