76 m. ago Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks review – the sheer number of pornographic drawings is a big shock

JMW Turner left behind some 37,000 sketches when he died, many of which have rarely been seen. Do they – including a huge collection of explicit sketches – reveal truths about the elusive man?The hook for Turner: the Secret Sketchbooks is meant to be that many of the 37,000 sketches left behind by the great British painter JMW Turner have rarely been seen and never been filmed; therein may be hints at the nuances of his elusive character that his main oeuvre kept hidden. Equally remarkable, though, is the documentary’s bold choice of contributors. As well as the art historians and present-day British artists who would dominate a standard art film, there are famous laymen, from the obviously somewhat qualified – Timothy Spall played the artist in Mike Leigh’s biographical film Mr Turner; Chris Packham is well placed to comment on Turner’s reverence for the natural world – to the more surprising hire of Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones.Neither the sketchbooks nor the celebs turn th...

Events

80 m. ago Andrew most named Brit in Epstein files as stars, royals and politicians referenced

Disgarced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor tops a list of British figures repeatedly named in the explosive 23,000-strong cache of Epstein-linked documents handed to the US House Oversight Committee

Politics

1 hour ago Tyson Fury and Chelsea legends John Terry and Dennis Wise join campaign to free Britain's most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson

Former Chelsea and England footballers John Terry and Dennis Wise have joined a campaign to free notorious British prisoner Charles Bronson from prison.

Events

2 h. ago Royal Variety Performance red carpet outfit drama as horrid weather ruins moment

Celebrities were caught in the chaotic British weather as they attended the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Wednesday

Events

2 h. ago Love triangle secret of Florida man charged with murdering suicidal British woman... as pretty cabin where horror unfolded is revealed

GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: Sonia Exelby, 32, was reported missing by her loved ones in the UK after arriving in the states seeking out a violent death.

Events

2 h. ago British architect who claimed Dubai government stole his eco

British architect Baharash Bagherian, who claimed the Dubai government stole his eco-design and tried to lock him up, has been cleared of all criminal charges following a 16-month 'living nightmare'.

Politics

4 h. ago Steve Borthwick: Elliot Daly will be key for England at 2027 World Cup

Daly starts the final match of the autumn against Argentina on Sunday, his first appearance since the British and Irish Lions tour in July.

Politics

4 h. ago Tributes paid to British woman who died in 'freak severe snowstorm' while hiking in South America

'She was adored by all who knew her'

Events

4 h. ago White Stuff has reduced every single item online for Black Friday including sparkly Christmas party cardigan

"Fantastic quality cardigan with beautiful design. Can be worn during working week or on a night out"

Events

4 h. ago China’s power play: MI5 warns of relentless espionage attempts in Britain

Alert says Beijing trying to recruit British sources in parliament, even if potential gains may be unclearAn unexpected connection on LinkedIn. An offer of work from a headhunter, most likely a young woman, based in China. The chance to earn perhaps £20,000 part-time writing a handful of geopolitical reports for a Chinese company peppered with “non-public” or “insider” insights. Payment in cryptocurrency or cash preferred.It may seem obvious, on this telling, that something about this approach would be amiss. Nevertheless, China’s powerful ministry of state security (MSS) still considers it worthwhile to deploy recruitment consultants to try it – leading MI5 to warn repeatedly about their activity online. Continue reading...

Events

5 h. ago Russia mocks Britain hours after warning saying UK suspicions 'raise a smile'

The Russian embassy has hit out against the 'suspicions of British leadership' after defence secretary John Healey called a Russian spy ship in UK waters 'deeply dangerous'

Events

5 h. ago Dick Van Dyke, 99, breaks silence on the legendary role he now regrets turning down

Dick Van Dyke nearly added '007' to his legendary résumé, but says a hilariously bad British accent kept him from stepping into the role.

Politics

5 h. ago Morrisons reveals new £6.50 item shoppers say they 'need' for Christmas

Shoppers described the item as the "most beautiful sight"

Economics

6 h. ago RAF pilots targeted with lasers by Russian spy ship off British waters in Putin's 'grey warfare'

‘Military options’ may be ordered against the vessel if it gets close to the UK, says Defence Secretary

Events

7 h. ago American desert city that's home to rebuilt London Bridge is magnet for Californians fleeing high cost of living

The city first gained notoriety in 1968 when inventor Robert McCulloch Sr had the decommissioned London Bridge brought across the Atlantic and rebuilt brick by brick.

Politics

7 h. ago Europe’s best airlines ranked as easyJet and Ryanair fail to make the top spots

The World Airline Awards rank the best airlines for each continent, and its top list for Europe includes a number of surprises, including a strong ranking for British Airways and a winner that few have heard of

Events

7 h. ago Lainie Williams' heartbroken mum says memories of 'murdered' teen will replay in her head

Rhian Stephens was injured in a knife attack at her South Wales home which left her 'beautiful' daughter, Lainie Williams dead - 18-year-old Cameron Cheng has since been charged with murder

Politics

7 h. ago British Gas urges UK households to use £1 item to keep homes warm this winter

It's important that radiators are working properly ahead of dark nights and colder weather

Society

7 h. ago Marks and Spencer shoppers say 'soft and cosy' £3 cardigan is 'great value'

"This cardigan feels soft and cosy, fits beautifully and belies the price point. I also have it in other colours"

Economics

7 h. ago British wind power hits new record as operator eyes zero carbon grid milestone

Wind turbines generated a new high of 22,711 megawatts on November 11, providing enough power for 22 million homes.

Events