46 h. ago What is Britain's elusive 'national character'? The Ballad of Wallis Island might just tell us | Gaby Hinsliff

Rain, cardigans and puns: a melancholic new romcom set on a windswept island hints at a relatable British identityIt is, according to no less an authority than the romcom king Richard Curtis, destined to be “one of the greatest British films of all time”. But don’t let that put you off. For The Ballad of Wallis Island – the unlikely new tale of a socially awkward millionaire who inveigles two estranged former halves of a folk-singing duo into playing a private gig on his windswept private island – isn’t some floppy-haired Hugh Grant vehicle, but a reflection on our national character that is altogether more of its times.It’s a lovely, melancholic comedy about the acceptance of failure, loss and the slow understanding that what’s gone is not coming back: an ode to rain and cardigans, lousy plumbing and worse puns, shot in Wales on a shoestring budget in a summer so unforgiving that a doctor was apparently required on set to check for hypothermia. Its main characters have not only all...

Politics

3 d. ago iPhone 15 deal drops to just £680 as prices tumble on the UK’s most popular phone

This iPhone 15 deal from Mobiles.co.uk offers big data and big savings, as newer models drive down the price of one of Apple’s most popular handsets.

Economics

8 d. ago Boden drops 'very flattering' summer dress that 'looks good with any shoes'

The much-loved Eloise Tiered Jersey Dress now comes in a summery purple hue and can be snapped up for £11.40 less - but only for a limited time

Politics

8 d. ago The four precautions Blue Badge holders must take when parking to avoid £130 fine

Experts say that, contrary to popular belief, the blue badge scheme does not allow drivers to park anywhere

Economics

1 week ago UK tourists driving in certain footwear issued warning in Spain, France and Greece

Brits have been urged to brush up on local driving rules, as experts warn wearing two types of holiday footwear while behind the wheel could result in a hefty €344 (£282) fine

Events

1 week ago This number plate checker can help avoid risking DVLA's £80 VED tax fine

Failing to renew your car's VED tax can result in an £80 fine, and it can also void your car insurance

Economics

2 w. ago Comfy Boden sliders with 25% off are easy to walk in and look brilliant

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Politics

2 w. ago Drivers are only just realising that popular car has 'secret compartment'

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Transport

2 w. ago Drivers of popular car are only just realising they have a 'secret compartment'

A TikTok user has revealed how to open a hidden compartment on a Fiat 500 - and it's left drivers astounded. She said she stumbled upon this covert compartment after having her car for "over a year"

Transport

2 w. ago If You Visit London This Summer, Prepare to Spot This Polished Shoe Trend On All the Locals

If You Visit London This Summer, Prepare to Spot This Polished Shoe Trend On All the Locals  Who What Wear

Politics

2 w. ago These £65 espadrilles are the perfect summer office shoes and look just like Ralph Lauren's £320 pair

If you're looking for a smart and practical shoe to wear this summer, espadrille Mary Janes are the perfect option - and this £65 pair look almost identical to Ralph Laurens £320 ones

Society

2 w. ago These £65 espadrilles look just like Ralph Lauren’s £320 pair and are ideal for summer office shoes

Ralph Lauren’s espadrille Mary Janes are the perfect pair of summer shoes for the office, but if you’re looking for a budget friendly alternative this £65 pair are a winner

Economics

2 w. ago River Island's £52 'sparkling' starfish heels 'look like' £1.2k Cavalli version

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Economics

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Transport

2 w. ago How gardening clogs overtook trainers to become the 'It' shoe of summer 2025

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Politics

2 w. ago Next shoppers race to buy £44 Skechers sandals 'so comfortable you'll forget to take them off'

"My favourite summer go-to shoes for any attire. Casual and classy. So comfortable you will forget to take them off"

Economics

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Events

2 w. ago This £27.99 Zara shoe is the pick of the summer, says fashion expert SHANE WATSON. It reminds me of my favourite Pradas and will sell out quickly!

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Science

3 w. ago I hate everything about my husband's horrible shapeless footwear. Here's why ALL men's summer shoes should be banned: ANGELA EPSTEIN

When I met my husband Martin nearly 40 years ago, what really snagged my attention was his choice of footwear...

Events

3 w. ago Driving in these popular shoes this summer could result in a £5K fine

Motorists are being warned to be cautious when driving in certain footwear.

Economics