51 m. ago Andor season two review – the excellent Star Wars for grownups is as thrilling as ever (and funnier too)

Comedy spacecraft thefts, passive-aggressive in-laws and a planet being fracked to death – the revolution just got playful, comrades!Comrades! Welcome back to the revolution. Andor is the Star Wars TV show with the sharpest political acumen: yes, like everything in the franchise, it’s about an underdog rebel movement fighting against a totalitarian empire in space, and it has plenty of thrilling battle sequences, but here there are no Jedi mind powers or cute green backwards-talking psychics. Under the hard-nosed stewardship of writer Tony Gilroy, Andor bins the magic and myth and replaces it with the reality of anti-fascist struggle, where the good guys are ready to risk their lives for freedom. It’s the Star Wars spin-off with the strongest claim to being a proper drama – but, in season two’s opening triple bill, it shows it can do sly, wry comedy too.We’re a year on from where we left off, which is four years before the Death Star blows up at the end of the original movie – the p...

Events

52 m. ago Shakespeare did not leave his wife Anne in Stratford, letter fragment suggests

Professor says text shows Hathaway lived with playwright in London, upending the established idea of an unhappy marriageIt has long been assumed that William Shakespeare’s marriage to Anne Hathaway was less than happy. He moved to London to pursue his theatrical career, leaving her in Stratford-upon-Avon and stipulating in his will that she would receive his “second best bed”, although still a valued item.Now a leading Shakespeare expert has analysed a fragment of a 17th-century letter that appears to cast dramatic new light on their relationship, overturning the idea that the couple never lived together in London. Continue reading...

Politics

57 m. ago Readers' letters: Pope Francis had a rare gift – he was greater than his office

Readers pay tribute to Pope Francis following his death at the age of 88 on Easter Monday

Politics

4 h. ago How Liz Hurley's son Damien played a key role in her new romance with Billy Ray Cyrus

While their relationship may seem strange from the outside, the rugged, tattooed country singer is proving to be a positive presence not only for his new celebrity partner but also her son.

Politics

4 h. ago Freddie Mercury's sister 'secretly spends £3M to get back singer's memorabilia amid battle with his 'wife' Mary Austin over star's possessions'

Mary Austin was the woman who won the heart of the rock legend and has been the beneficiary of his fortune since his death from AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991.

Economics

4 h. ago UK hosting latest round of peace talks with Ukraine’s allies

Wednesday’s gathering comes as Donald Trump’s administration continues to drive efforts to find peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Politics

4 h. ago Davina McCall 'is not in a rush to marry partner Michael Douglas' after receiving cancer all clear

Davina McCall is reportedly not in any rush to tie the knot with her partner Michael Douglas, after she received the all clear from her brain tumour.

Politics

5 h. ago Camilla storms out of event after King Charles 'goes on and on' about BBC actress' legs

Charles, then Prince of Wales, complimented Carli Norris, of EastEnders and Doctors fame, at a function - but it is said Camilla was unhappy he continued to talk about the star

Events

5 h. ago Camilla storms out of room after King Charles 'goes on and on' about BBC actress' legs

Charles, then Prince of Wales, complimented Carli Norris, of EastEnders and Doctors fame, at a function - but it is said Camilla was unhappy he continued to talk about the star

Events

5 h. ago DANIEL HANNAN: We must not sell Britain's fishermen as the price of being allowed to join the new EU defence pact

We should be willing to contribute to the defence of our European allies. But we should in no circumstances pay for the privilege, writes DANIEL HANNAN.

Politics

5 h. ago Girl, 10, left unable to walk or talk by incurable condition

Poppy Allard was a seemingly healthy baby, when, at around 15 months, her behaviour suddenly changed

Politics

5 h. ago Ukraine’s allies gather in London for latest round of peace talks

Wednesday’s gathering comes as Donald Trump’s administration continues to drive efforts to find peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Politics

5 h. ago Birmingham bin strike talks to resume as minister calls for union to accept ‘fair deal’

The dispute over pay and job security has seen both sides locked in a bitter standoff

Politics

5 h. ago Inside Justin Bieber's shrinking inner circle amid his former best man's fears over his 'cult

Justin Bieber and his longtime business partner, Ryan Good, have reportedly been estranged for over a year.

Politics

6 h. ago The incredible house hidden in plain sight that thousands of people walk past each day but have 'no idea it's there'

In the centre of the city of Porto in Portugal is a fascinating house - but thousands walk past it every day without noticing. 

Politics

6 h. ago Trump says he is ‘entitled’ to deport people without trials – live

President says it’s not possible to have trials for everyone he wants to deport and that US would otherwise be a ‘very dangerous country’Hegseth blames ousted officials for leaksSpeaking in India, JD Vance has warned that the 21st century could be “a very dark time for all of humanity” depending on the decisions made over global trade and global partnerships at this juncture.The US vice-president said “We are now officially one quarter into the 21st century, 25 years in, 75 years to go. And I really believe that the future of the 21st century is going to be determined by the strength of the US-India partnership. Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago Pete Hegseth did share classified information with wife and brother despite White House’s claims, report says

Defense secretary accuses media of trying ‘to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations’

Events

7 h. ago Welsh Tory to quit at next Senedd poll to fight general election betting charges

Russell George, who is among 15 people under investigation, says he wants to focus on clearing his nameA Welsh politician who is among 15 people charged after bets were placed on the timing of the 2024 general election is to quit at the next Senedd election. Russell George, the Conservative member for Montgomeryshire, said he was withdrawing his candidacy to stand in next year’s election to focus on clearing his name. The Senedd member was one of a number of people linked to the Conservative party reported to have made bets on the election date, which was called by then-prime minister Rishi Sunak. Senedd Conservative leader Darren Millar withdrew the whip from George last week after the Gambling Commission announced the charges, meaning he now sits as an independent within the Welsh parliament.George, 50, said in a statement on Tuesday: “I was shocked and surprised to have been informed by the Gambling Commission that I am facing charges for cheating. “To be clear, I have never chea...

Politics

7 h. ago Russia thrilled as Donald Trump plans to 'hand Putin Crimea' in bid to force Ukraine peace deal

Donald Trump's plans to recognise Crimea as part of Russia are expected to be put to Ukraine at crunch talks in London tomorrow - despite Volodymyr Zelensky insisting it will 'not happen'

Politics

7 h. ago Chancellor vows to defend British interests ahead of meetings in Washington

Rachel Reeves will meet American counterpart Scott Bessant for talks on an economic deal between the US and UK.

Politics