Matthew Pearce

3 days ago | theguardian.com | Matthew Pearce

Mr Bates vs the Post Office took centre stage at the Bafta television awards on Sunday, winning an award and being praised for showcasing the power of television to “change hearts and minds” and forcing positive change. The show won best limited drama, ITV was given a special award for commissioning the show, and BBC One won the current affairs gong for a Post Office special on BBC Breakfast.

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Matthew Pearce

The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey has said awards shows should preserve separate prize categories for male and female entertainers. The British star, who identifies as non-binary, said it was important to distinguish performers, as “a lot of women wouldn’t get nominated” if there was one category for all actors. Speaking on the Louis Theroux Podcast, Ramsey said: “I think it’s so important that recognition for women in the industry is preserved.

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Matthew Pearce

JK Rowling has said she will not fire actor Paapa Essiedu from the forthcoming Harry Potter TV series over his support for transgender rights. Essiedu has been cast as key character Severus Snape in the HBO drama, which is designed to run for more than a decade and will be one of the most expensively produced television shows of all time. In a post on X, Rowling wrote: “I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did.

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Matthew Pearce

A Palestinian activist who appeared in a Louis Theroux documentary about settlers in the West Bank has reportedly had his home raided by Israeli soldiers. Issa Amro, co-founder of the non-violent activist group Youth Against Settlements, shared videos on social media of confrontations with Israeli military at his home, and another of a group of Israeli settlers forcing entry to the property.

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Matthew Pearce

Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa has been confirmed as the UK’s spokesperson for the Eurovision song contest 2025. Gatwa will announce the British jury’s points for each participating country’s song. Previous spokespeople include Joanna Lumley, Fearne Cotton, Nigella Lawson and fellow Whoniverse star Catherine Tate. The confirmation cements a Doctor Who and Eurovision “fabulous collision” this year, with a Eurovision themed episode of the hit sci-fi series airing the same day as the competition.