7 h. ago CHRISTOPHER STEVENS: Louder, cruder and raunchier than the Oscar

The formula for Amadeus is simple: take the Oscar-winning 1984 movie as a template and turn every dial up to 11. This version is louder, cruder, gorier, angrier and raunchier.

Politics

9 h. ago Amadeus review – this Mozart series is a pale, petty version of the movie it’s based on

Will Sharpe and Paul Bettany’s new TV drama is flat, airless and banal. It’s a crass affair with a thin, half-hearted performance from SharpeHere’s my position. If you are going to create a miniseries about the life, death and music of one of the defining geniuses of the last 1,000 years of western civilisation, and if you are going to use as your source material a script for a great play that was made into a near-perfect film beloved by almost everyone for its wit and immense, profound themes rendered accessible and moving, and for the fact that it had two of the most extraordinary performances ever committed to what may still then have been celluloid – well, you had better be pretty damn sure that you are bringing something new, exciting, different, richer, cleverer, even more illuminating to the table. Otherwise you are going to look like a bit of a berk.And so, my friends, to the new six-part drama Amadeus, about the life, death and music of Wolfgang A Mozart, one of the definin...

Culture

14 h. ago Father Christmas is 'too white' and has no right to judge if children are naughty or nice, says woke museum

In a startling intervention ahead of Christmas, Brighton and Hove Museums argued Father Christmas must be 'decolonised' in the name of diversity.

Events

15 h. ago High street version of Kate Middleton's Royal Variety dress is perfect for Xmas

Princess Kate looked regal as she attended the Royal Variety Performance with Prince William, wearing a stunning emerald green velvet gown by Talbot Runhof, but you can get a similar style for a fraction of the price

Politics

16 h. ago Copy Kate Middleton's Royal Variety dress with high street version under £50

The Royal Variety Show is attended by senior members of the Royal Family, with the reigning monarch acting as the charity's patron. This year, the Prince and Princess of Wales were there

Politics

17 h. ago ‘God bless us, every one!’ The five best film versions of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

The classic festive tale of humbug and redemption has been adapted countless times for film and TV since the very first silent version in 1901 - but which ones are actually worth watching? The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Kevin E G Perry back to visit the top five

Politics

22 h. ago Strictly winner Chris McCausland shares sweet tribute to former neighbour Karen Carney after she's crowned champion as he says 'it's nice to keep the glitterball local!'

Chris McCausland has congratulated neighbour Karen Carney after she won Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night. 

Politics

24 h. ago EastEnders Christmas spoilers as Pat Butcher returns amid major Zoe Slater 'truth' twist

The BBC soap is in for a festive season none of the Walford residents will forget

Politics

34 h. ago Angry neighbour blasts 'sneaky coward' who complained to council about his hedge

“Everyone says how nice my hedges look and then we get a letter from the council."

Events

35 h. ago Danny Rohl has a ruthless streak but Rangers beating Hearts to re

DANNY ROHL handed out chocolate Santas to members of the media on Friday. It was a nice touch from a very decent guy, who has settled quickly into life at Rangers. Yet anyone thinking 36-year-old Rohl is all sweetness and light when it comes to football would be mistaken. There is a hard, ruthless edge to the...

Politics

37 h. ago Nicky Devlin insists Aberdeen will prepare for 'best version' of Celtic as he eyes first Parkhead scalp

The Dons head to Celtic Park to face the champions after their Conference League exit on Thursday

Politics

43 h. ago It’s the Stephen Collins Christmas cartoon challenge. Can you spot 20 people who made headlines in 2025?

Who’s propping up the bar with quizmaster Keir Starmer? Answers below (no cheating now!)Click here for a larger version of the puzzleSpotted all the famous faces? See how you did 1 Sydney Sweeney’s on the bar there, in her denims. Does this mean she is a eugenicist? No, it doesn’t. Are you OK? Continue reading...

Politics

45 h. ago Jim Carrey nearly quit The Grinch for 'torturous' reason fans always forget

Jim Carrey is known for his iconic adaptation of the role of The Grinch; however, he nearly quit his part in the Christmas classic after experiencing unexpected "torture"

Politics

47 h. ago Rab’s new Microlight Windstopper takes an already brilliant jacket up a gear

Rab’s Microlight has long been a go-to for versatile warmth, but the new Windstopper version adds Gore-Tex brilliance to create a jacket that’s noticeably tougher against the elements without losing its lightweight feel

Politics

49 h. ago Tesco doesn't sell a Baileys dupe, but what I found on the shelves is even better

Most supermarkets sell their own version of the festive favourite

Politics

49 h. ago Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in sixth round of heavyweight fight – as it happened

Joshua drops Paul four times in sixth-round knockoutBaumgardner, Dubois win as women’s champions shinePaul v Joshua is old logic in a louder digital ageThe Kaseya Center is filling up nicely as Alycia Baumgardner and Leila Beaudoin move into the back end of their scheduled 12-rounder. There are a few pockets of empty seats in the upper and lower bowls, but it should be pretty close to a sellout in the end.Down in the high-rent district, a small army of celebrities and influencers have started occupying the ringside seats as the main event draws closer. Among the more notable the five-time major champion Rory McIlroy, fresh off last night’s Spoty gong across the pond. Continue reading...

Sport

50 h. ago Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in sixth round of heavyweight fight – live reaction

Joshua drops Paul four times in sixth-round knockoutBritain’s Dubois defends 135lb title with masterclassBaumgardner, Dubois win as women’s champions shinePaul v Joshua is old logic in a louder digital ageGet in touch! Email Bryan with your thoughtsThe Kaseya Center is filling up nicely as Alycia Baumgardner and Leila Beaudoin move into the back end of their scheduled 12-rounder. There are a few pockets of empty seats in the upper and lower bowls, but it should be pretty close to a sellout in the end.Down in the high-rent district, a small army of celebrities and influencers have started occupying the ringside seats as the main event draws closer. Among the more notable the five-time major champion Rory McIlroy, fresh off last night’s Spoty gong across the pond. Continue reading...

Sport

50 h. ago My weirdest Christmas: I was flirting wildly with my crush – then a rogue wave ruined everything

At a Barbados beach barbecue, I attempted to attract the attention of handsome Dwayne. I ended up with drenched hair and no sunglasses or bikini topChristmas in Barbados is different. Forget snow and scarves – we do Christmas in flip-flops, sweating through church services and pretending to feel festive because there’s tinsel on a palm tree. Everyone’s singing Mary’s Boy Child as if they’re auditioning for Caribbean Idol, and someone’s auntie is halfway through a bottle of Mount Gay before 11am.But my weirdest Christmas was when I was about 19 – that magical age when you’re convinced you’re grown, but you still have braces. My mum had taken me “back home” to spend the holidays with family. I was excited because 1) I needed a break from university, 2) I could finally escape the British winter, and 3) I was ready to find a husband. Continue reading...

Politics

53 h. ago Welsh seaside village with 'drowned forest' known for summer holidays that's much better in winter

We really love visiting Wales' coastal spots at the height of spring and summer, but let's not forget them during the rest of the year, too as they make great winter escapes

Events

58 h. ago Celebrity MasterChef winner crowned after cooking 1970s dinner party menu

Alun Wyn Jones, Dawn O’Porter and Ginger Johnson were competing to be the 20th winner of the show’s celebrity version.

Society