2 h. ago Experts talk realism of Conclave movie: ‘Gets a lot of the details right’

After the death of Pope Francis, experts weigh in on how much the real-life papal election will mirror the hit Oscar-winning movieI confess: my first thought this morning, when I heard the news that Pope Francis died at the age of 88, was of Conclave. As in both the lowercase, technical meaning – the sequestration of cardinals to elect a new pope with a two-thirds majority – and the capital-C film of the same name from last year, which allowed viewers to vicariously participate in a process long shrouded in secrecy and reverence. (And premiering during the US vote, to experience election thrills without grim disappointment.)The film, directed by Edward Berger, luxuriated in process both sacred and profane – the orderly processions and cafeteria run-ins, the ceremonial burning of paper votes and security screenings, the white smoke and the complimentary toiletries bags. The hallowed halls of the Vatican and the gossip that flits among them, especially as different factions compete to...

Politics

18 h. ago ‘Ours was inspired by the Empire State Building!’ The chaotic brilliance of the UK’s biggest self

It is a place where a Disney-ish castle, complete with turrets, sits near a scaly ‘pangolin’ house. But is Graven Hill now straying from the DIY vision that made its anarchic jumble of styles so mesmerising?What would the world look like if Kevin McCloud had his way? What if each of us had the chance to build our very own Grand Design, letting our streets be lined with personal visions, liberated from the identikit brick boxes offered by the usual big housebuilders?A glimpse of this world exists, sort of, on the outskirts of Bicester in Oxfordshire, where the country’s biggest self-build experiment has been under way for 10 years. Graven Hill is a place where rooftops tilt, zigzag and bulge, where windows come in circles, squares and triangles, or poke out from unexpected places. There are balconies fashioned from glass, steel and rustic timber clinging to facades of stone, brick, wood and render, along with every type of fibre-cement board available. Wandering the freshly tarmacked...

Politics

38 h. ago Martin Lewis MSE warning to anyone who has moved home since 1993

If you've moved house in the last 31 years, especially to a different council area, you could be one of the 800,000 households eligible for a Council Tax refund worth £100s

Events

69 h. ago Gossip, gowns and Agas: could Ladies of the Cotswolds be reality TV’s next big thing?

Grand Designs team to make show set in wealthy English countryside that promises to be part glittering social whirl and part bloodbath The Cotswolds had better steel itself: reality television is upon it. A series is planned (rumoured working title: Ladies of the Cotswolds) and it sounds posher than most. It’s made by the company behind Grand Designs and set in the “chocolate box” town of Charlbury, in the Evenlode valley.Names are being proposed for the series, such as Gabriela Peacock (nutritionist entrepreneur married to hedge fund banker David Peacock, and pals with Joan Collins and Princess Beatrice). Plum Sykes (author of last year’s Cotswolds-set novel Wives Like Us) is thought to be scripting the voiceover. Then there’s “Suzie Jet” (Suzannah Harvey), CEO of the local airport. How marvellously down to earth and relatable they all sound. Though of course they don’t, and that’s the point. Continue reading...

Events

4 d. ago Chelsea progress but fail to impress as Legia Warsaw win on the night

The Blues were beaten 2-1 at Stamford Bridge but reached the last four of the Conference League with a 4-2 aggregate victory.

Events

4 d. ago Grand Designs' Kevin McCloud says he's working on 'related' new TV show that's 'yet to be announced'

The Channel 4 presenter has shared some exciting news for fans of the property show

Culture

4 d. ago Virgil van Dijk's net worth, wife, new Liverpool contract, house rented from Man Utd icon

After months of uncertainty, Virgil van Dijk has finally put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with Liverpool. Here we take a closer look at the Reds captain's life

Society

5 d. ago Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud left shocked as he revisits show's 'most heartbreaking house' after two years

In the latest episode of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud reunited with Graeme and Melanie, who appeared in the 2023 season with the hopes of turning a garage plot in Hackney into dream home.

Events

5 d. ago BOTB’s latest prize is a dream for campervan lovers – the Volkswagen Grand California 600

BOTB is offering the chance to win a luxury VW Grand California 600 – packed with clever design, sleeping space for four and its own bathroom.

Politics

6 d. ago Texas judge throws out rule that would have capped credit card late fees

A Texas judge has thrown out a federal rule that would have capped credit card late fees

Events

8 d. ago Manchester United's Premier League debutants shed light on 'disappointing' Newcastle defeat

Manchester United handed full Premier League debuts to Altay Bayindir and Harry Amass in the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday

Politics

1 week ago Brits told to stop storing milk in fridge door for important reason

Experts say that UK households bin about £250 worth of food per person in a typical year, or £1,000 for a family of four - and the way you organise your fridge is part of that

Politics

1 week ago Mo Salah's net worth, wife, new Liverpool contract and house that 'looks like hospital'

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been in electric form this season, and here is everything you need to know about the Egyptian's wife, net worth and lifestyle

Society

1 week ago Grand Designs viewers astonished by woman's 'crazy overspend' on her north London semi

During last night's episode, Kathryn attempted to build a modern and accessible home on the same street in Barnet, north London , where she's lived for the past 60 years.

Politics

1 week ago Grand Designs host admits 'I'm staggered' over 'unbelievable' project setback

Channel 4 Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud will meet 82-year-old Kathryn as she builds her new accessible and ultra-sustainable home in North London.

Politics

1 week ago Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud 'staggered' as build hit with setback that will cost thousands

On Wednesday's instalment of Grand Designs, Channel 4 viewers will see host Kevin McCloud meet recently widowed Kathryn with big plans.

Events

1 week ago Chesney Hawkes' real age and net worth as he joins Celebrity Big Brother house

Chesney Hawkes made an epic return to screens across the nation as he took part in the brand new series of Celebrity Big Brother, we've taken a deeper look inside his life

Politics

2 w. ago Manchester United vs Man City LIVE: Premier League result, latest updates and reaction after goalless derby

Disappointing Manchester derby rounds of the day’s Premier League action

Politics

2 w. ago Could you have a 90s toy worth £60,000 in your house somewhere? Brits urged to check for four popular toys that could be sitting in your attic

Brits have been urged to search their homes for popular toys which could now be worth up to £60,000 

Economics

2 w. ago Grand Designs couple forced to halt £450k renovation after 'terrifying' mistake

Sarah and Pip risked a eye-watering fine during their appearance on the Channel 4 show

Economics