The Yorkshire Dales were buzzing with film crews and famous faces recently as Hollywood descended on the moors for a fresh take on Wuthering Heights. Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and director Emerald Fennell were spotted shooting scenes for the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic in North Yorkshire’s scenic landscapes.
Between takes, the cast found comfort at Simonstone Hall in Hawes, a historic country house hotel that became their temporary home. Known for its scenic views and old-world cosy charm, the hotel hosted the likes of Robbie and Fennell, who were seen enjoying everything from hot tubs and firepits to traditional afternoon tea. Robbie reportedly left a handwritten thank-you note for staff, calling them “the best.”
The historic Simonstone Hall in Hawes, where Margot Robbie and the cast of Wuthering Heights stayed during filmingSimonstone Hall
The hotel, which has recently earned a spot on The Times & Sunday Times list of the UK’s best places to stay in 2025, was praised for its warm hospitality and stunning setting. Staff described the stay as lively and memorable, with the actors and crew making the most of their downtime, complete with Sunday roasts and chats by the fire.
The production wasn’t limited to one location, though. Scenes were filmed across Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, and Low Row, with Robbie even spotted in a wedding dress while shooting a key scene. Though the gown drew criticism for being out of sync with the era, fans remain excited to see her interpretation of Cathy Earnshaw opposite Elordi’s Heathcliff.
Leaked on-set photo shows Margot Robbie in a period wedding gown while filming Wuthering HeightsVogue
Also joining the cast is rising actor Owen Cooper, who plays the younger Heathcliff. Director Fennell, known for Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, returns to familiar territory with Elordi, having worked with him before.
Local residents caught glimpses of the stars between scenes, from Robbie introducing her baby to the hotel’s peacocks and pigs to rumours of her driving a vintage tractor. Other crew members stayed at the nearby Charles Bathurst Inn and reportedly brought a friendly buzz to the usually quiet villages.
The cosy Yorkshire country house hotel that hosted Hollywood stars for their countryside retreatSimonstone Hall
The film is expected to release in February 2026, with hopes that it sparks renewed interest in Emily Brontë’s legacy. Nearby Haworth, home to the Brontë Parsonage Museum, is already anticipating a new wave of visitors. Museum director Rebecca Yorke said adaptations like this one help introduce Brontë’s work to new generations, ensuring her writing continues to resonate nearly two centuries on.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.