43 h. ago ‘The crosser Jeremy Paxman got, the more we giggled’: what it’s like to come last on a TV show

From scoring so badly at Eurovision it made Terry Wogan resign to having Paul Hollywood call your cake ‘tough as old boots’, here are the contestants who lost big on the nation’s favourite showsWe often hear about the people who win TV contests. As well as the glory of victory, they might earn an enviable cash prize, a lucrative record deal or a life-changing career boost. But what about those who finish last? Are they philosophical in defeat or throwing tantrums behind the scenes? We tracked down five TV losers to relive their failure in front of millions, reveal how they recovered from humiliation and share what they learned. Continue reading...

Culture

62 h. ago Maxine Peake: ‘I have a healthy balance of inferiority complex and slightly prickly ego’

The actor on working with Mike Leigh, death by disco ball and drinking on the jobHas your northern accent helped or hindered your career? Eluned51They do call a group of actors a “moan” of actors. We like to have a good moan. When people hear a regional accent, they immediately make assumptions about your class, financial status and education. People generally think if you’ve got a strong regional accent, you can’t do much else. Obviously there are amazing actors like Jodie Comer who smash that to pieces because people don’t realise she’s from Liverpool. But because I came out the traps with the northern accent it’s probably helped.Do you ever suffer from impostor syndrome and think: “Why are people so fascinated by me?” RealEdPhillipsI don’t ever think people are – I think they are generally quite bored by me! Of course I have impostor syndrome. When you don’t get a job, you can’t help but think: “Why didn’t I get that job? Why don’t they think I’m good enough?” So there’s a health...

Politics

3 d. ago People aged 60 or over: tell us about your pets and what they mean to you

We’d like to hear from older people about their pets and how important they are to themWhether you have a two-month-old puppy or an ageing cockatoo, we’re interested in finding out more about people over the age of 60 and their pets.What type of pet do you have and how long have you had them? Is it your first pet or have you owned several over the years? We would also like to know what your relationship with your pet is like. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago How are you being affected by the heatwave in southern Europe?

We want to hear from people in the south of Europe who are experiencing high temperaturesA range of health and environmental alerts have been issued across Europe, particularly its southern part, as large parts of the continent continue to be gripped by a heatwave – with temperatures in mid to high 30s and low 40s Celsius.Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, especially for babies, children, pregnant women and elderly people. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Death Stranding fans just realising where they've heard famous character's voice before

The release of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach on June 26th will see the return of several characters from the original game, and fans of the franchise have only just realised where they know one of the actors from

Events

1 week ago Kelsey Parker said third pregnancy made her realise 'how precious life was' following death of husband Tom

The podcaster, 34, revealed the devastating news in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Sunday and confirmed she and boyfriend Will Lindsay had named the tot Phoenix.

Events

2 w. ago BBC Death in Paradise fans only just realise 'favourite detective' is in another crime series

Ardal O'Hanlon is best known for his role as DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise, but it seems fans are only just realising the actor also stars in another detective series

Events

2 w. ago Living in Israel: how have you been affected by the recent conflict?

We would like to hear from people living in Israel and those who are part of the diaspora on the situation in the regionIsrael’s attack on targets across Iran on Friday, has been followed by three days of escalating strikes, as both sides threatened more devastation in the biggest ever confrontation between the longstanding enemies.We would like to hear from those living in Israel and who are part of the diaspora on how they have been affected. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Living in Iran: how have you been affected by the recent conflict?

We would like to hear from people living in Iran and those who are part of the diaspora on the situation in the regionIsrael’s attack on targets across Iran on Friday, has been followed by three days of escalating strikes, as both sides threatened more devastation in the biggest ever confrontation between the longstanding enemies.We would like to hear from those living in Iran and who are part of the diaspora on how they have been affected. Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago 'It got stuck': Air India plane crash survivor reveals exact moment he knew something was wrong

The sole British survivor of the horrific Air India plane crash has spoken out on the terrifying final moments before the passenger jet plunged into a nearby building

Events

3 w. ago Horrifying final words people hear before death and no one realised

Scientific evidence has backed up what people hear just before they die

Events

3 w. ago Harrowing last words dying people all hear but no one knew until now

Some people have reported hearing their time of death being announced by medical professionals before coming back to life - and there's a scientific reason behind it

Events

3 w. ago Boos, cheers and a heavy dose of irony as Trump takes in Les Mis against backdrop of LA protests

The tuxedo-clad US president – accompanied by first lady Melania – promised a ‘golden era’ for America at his first Kennedy Center production in Washington“Do you hear the people sing? / Singing the song of angry men? / It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again!”When the rousing anthem of revolution filled the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night, Donald Trump may have had a Pavlovian response along the lines of “Get me Stephen Miller” or “Send in the marines”. We will never know. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Tell us: have your saving habits changed due to economic uncertainty?

We would like to hear from people who have started setting aside more cashUK households are increasingly setting aside physical cash amid extreme economic uncertainty and to provide a safety net for possible banking system outages such as the recent one in Spain, according to the Bank of England’s chief cashier.Victoria Cleland said on Tuesday that the Bank had tracked a significant increase in the number of banknotes in circulation in recent months, continuing a rising trend since 2022. Continue reading...

Economics

3 w. ago Share your experience of being scammed into buying fake concert tickets

We’d like to hear from people who have been scammed and ended up buying fake tickets for a live eventThere are plenty of high-profile headlining concerts in the UK this summer, from Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour to Oasis’ long-anticipated reunion shows. Besides the ongoing issue of ticket touting, concert-goers face the possibility of being scammed and discovering they’ve bought fake tickets.Earlier this year, Ticketmaster released an official warning to fans planning to attend any concerts this summer. They encouraged hopeful buyers to purchase tickets on official sites only. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Tell us how popular culture has prompted you to make a dramatic life change

We’d like to hear from people who have been inspired by a song, TV show, film or book to make a major change in their lifeWhether it’s leaving a loveless relationship after watching Sex and the City or a punk band inspiring you to quit drinking, we’d like to hear about your moments of cultural awakening for a column in the Guardian’s Saturday magazine.If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here. Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago Post Office choir founder says BGT stint was 'life changing' after depression battle

Mark Wildblood, the founder of Hear Our Voice - the choir made up of people impacted by the Post Office scandal - says the initiative has been 'therapeutic' after a battle with depression.

Events