Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Broadcaster and journalist Mishal Husain has uncovered a surprising chapter in her family history, revealing ancestral links to the American Revolution, in the latest episode of the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?
Husain, 52, who stepped down from BBC Radio 4’s Today programme in December 2024 after more than a decade at the helm, made the discovery during her journey into her heritage for the long-running genealogy series. Her episode is set to air next Tuesday as part of a new series which also features actors Andrew Garfield, Diane Morgan and Ross Kemp.
During the programme, Husain explores both sides of her family, uncovering stories that span continents and generations, from the Indian subcontinent during the Partition to the early days of American independence. Speaking candidly about her experience, she described the revelations as mind-blowing and said they had deepened her sense of identity.
“It has given me a much broader sense of myself,” Husain said. “To realise I had a connection to the end of the British Empire in another part of the world was extraordinary.”
The investigation led Husain to her four-times great grandfather, Joseph Farley. Initially believed to be Irish, Farley was revealed to have been a trader who moved from the United States to India in the 1800s. Further research revealed that Farley’s father fought in the American War of Independence, specifically at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775.
Even more striking was the discovery that Farley’s grandfather, Michael, was believed to have been a political ally of George Washington and one of 92 men who opposed the early colonial taxation policies imposed by the British. These protests, famously summarised in the slogan “no taxation without representation,” helped ignite the Revolutionary War.
Husain expressed pride in the connection. “I could have never imagined having ties to the Revolution,” she said. “I’m so proud that my family were thinking about a different and better world.”
The BBC One series has long been known for revealing little-known aspects of public figures’ backgrounds, but Husain’s episode is particularly notable for how it connects her family story to key moments in global history—from colonial India to revolutionary America.
This exploration of her heritage builds on themes Husain examined in her 2023 memoir, which focused on the lives of her grandparents during the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. The book, which was praised for its blend of personal and historical narrative, touched on displacement, migration and identity—subjects that are further explored in the new programme.
Her participation in Who Do You Think You Are? comes just days after she commented publicly on the current direction of broadcast journalism. In a recent interview with Vogue, Husain critiqued what she described as a shift towards “bombastic” and personality-led presenting styles. Although she did not name individuals, the remarks were interpreted by some as a veiled reference to other prominent BBC figures.
“Personality-focused journalism doesn’t have to be bombastic,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be about the presenters centring themselves. Hopefully, if they’re a personality with journalistic integrity, they can be a conduit to the news.”
Reflecting on her own approach while on the Today programme, Husain explained that she always saw herself as part of a wider team and often avoided using the word “I” on air. “Broadcasting is a team effort,” she said. “So I would always say ‘we’ and very rarely use the word ‘I’. That’s just what came naturally to me.”
Husain, one of the UK’s most respected journalists, has not shied away from addressing the challenges she has faced during her career. In a speech last November, she revealed that she had experienced more racism in the past year than at any other point in her working life. She also commented on the social climate in the UK, describing it as “more febrile” than immediately after the September 11 attacks in 2001.
“Racism is part of many people’s everyday experience,” she said. “What I’ve felt in the past year is, sadly, not special or notable. It’s just that this past year was the moment where it came home to me.”
With her appearance on Who Do You Think You Are?, Mishal Husain brings historical depth and global perspective to a series that continues to uncover personal links to world events. Her episode promises a compelling narrative that blends scholarship, discovery and a powerful sense of identity.
The new series of Who Do You Think You Are? airs on BBC One this evening, with Mishal Husain’s episode scheduled for broadcast next Tuesday.
The Office universe expands with new Peacock comedy The Paper, premiering 4 September.
Domhnall Gleeson stars as a struggling newspaper’s new editor-in-chief.
Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office.
Series co-created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman; to stream in India on JioHotstar from 5 September.
The long-awaited return to The Office’s mockumentary world is here, but with an all-new workplace. Peacock has released the first trailer for The Paper, an offshoot series set in the same universe as the hit sitcom, this time turning the cameras on a failing local newspaper in Toledo, Ohio.
Led by Domhnall Gleeson and featuring the comeback of Oscar Nuñez as The Office’s fan-favourite accountant Oscar Martinez, the comedy premieres 4 September on Peacock, with Indian audiences able to stream it on JioHotstar from 5 September.
The Paper trailer reveals chaotic newsroom comedy with Oscar Martinez Instagram/domhnallgleeson_haven
What is The Paper about?
In The Paper, the same documentary crew who filmed life at Dunder Mifflin now follows the Toledo Truth Teller, a once-proud Midwestern newspaper now past its prime.
Domhnall Gleeson plays Ned Sampson, the ambitious new editor-in-chief determined to drag the publication back to relevance. His challenge? A newsroom staff whose “journalism” credentials are questionable at best. When asked about their writing experience, one says, “I wrote a paper in junior high,” while another offers, “I’ve tweeted.”
The office itself shares space with a toilet paper company, adding to the absurdity. From budget cuts to eccentric colleagues, Ned must navigate chaos while trying to inspire a team unused to serious reporting.
Oscar Nuñez makes a surprise return as Oscar Martinez, the character he played across nine seasons of The Office. In the trailer, Oscar’s first reaction to seeing the documentary crew again is pure exasperation: “Not again. I’m not agreeing to any of this!” He even threatens to ruin the footage by swearing on camera.
This marks the first on-screen appearance of a The Office character in the spinoff, giving fans a nostalgic hook while introducing a new cast of oddball personalities.
The Office spinoff The Paper debuts September with Oscar Martinez’s comeback Ask ChatGPTInstagram/ hotchka2015
Who’s in the cast and creative team?
Joining Gleeson and Nuñez is The White Lotus breakout Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmerelda Grand, the Truth Teller’s dramatic and manipulative managing editor, demoted when Ned takes over. The ensemble also includes Chelsea Frei (The Cleaning Lady), Melvin Gregg (Snowfall), Gbemisola Ikumelo (A League of Their Own), Alex Edelman, Ramona Young (Never Have I Ever), and Tim Key (The Witchfinder).
Behind the scenes, the series is co-created by Greg Daniels, the showrunner of the U.S. The Office, and Michael Koman (Nathan for You), both serving as executive producers alongside Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, creators of the original British The Office. The production is backed by Universal Television, part of Universal Studio Group.
The Paper premieres on Peacock on 4 September with four episodes. Two new episodes will follow every Thursday until 25 September. Indian viewers can catch the series on JioHotstar from 5 September.
The show’s mix of small-town absurdity, eccentric workplace humour, and sly nods to The Office aims to attract both loyal fans of the original and newcomers looking for a fresh mockumentary fix.
Whether The Paper will match the cultural impact of The Office remains to be seen, but with Oscar Martinez’s return, Greg Daniels’ involvement, and a sharp, satirical premise, it’s already generating significant buzz in TV circles. Fans now have just one question: will this new workplace be as unforgettable and dysfunctional as Scranton?
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Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice features Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman in lead roles
• Netflix shares first image and complete cast list for Pride and Prejudice series • Emma Corrin stars as Elizabeth Bennet, with Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet • The diverse ensemble includes newcomers and veteran actors • Series written by Dolly Alderton, directed by Heartstopper’s Euros Lyn
Netflix has officially kicked off production on its six-part limited series Pride and Prejudice, offering fans a first glimpse at its fresh interpretation of the Jane Austen classic. The first-look image features the Bennet sisters and their mother in full period costume, combining veteran star power with a rising, diverse cast. With Emma Corrin leading as Elizabeth Bennet and Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet, the series is set to reintroduce Austen’s story to a new generation with a contemporary lens.
Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice features Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman in lead roles X/Netflix
Who stars in Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice adaptation?
The confirmed cast boasts a mix of celebrated names and new talent. Emma Corrin takes on the lead role of Elizabeth Bennet, joined by Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy, though notably absent from the first released photo. Olivia Colman plays the eccentric Mrs Bennet, while Rufus Sewell joins as Mr Bennet.
Freya Mavor appears as Jane Bennet, Rhea Norwood (from Heartstopper) as Lydia, and newcomers Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery step into their debut roles as Mary and Kitty. Additional cast includes Jamie Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats) as Mr Collins, Daryl McCormack (Knives Out 3) as Mr Bingley, Louis Partridge as Mr Wickham, and Siena Kelly as Caroline Bingley.
Supporting roles are filled by a richly diverse lineup including Anjana Vasan (We Are Lady Parts), Sebastian Armesto (Gangs of London), and Saffron Coomber (Three Little Birds).
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What makes this adaptation different from past versions?
This new Pride and Prejudice series promises to be a faithful retelling of Austen’s novel but filtered through a modern production approach. The inclusion of actors from varied backgrounds, such as South Asian actress Anjana Vasan and Black British actors like Saffron Coomber, adds a refreshing layer of representation not often seen in period dramas.
Writer Dolly Alderton, best known for Everything I Know About Love, aims to balance authenticity with accessibility. Speaking about her vision, she said, “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy. It’s been a joy to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life.”
Director Euros Lyn, who helmed Heartstopper, brings a nuanced understanding of character-driven storytelling that resonates with younger audiences. The creative team also includes executive producers Laura Lankester, Will Johnston, and Louise Mutter, with Corrin herself taking on a co-executive producer role.
How are fans reacting to the new cast and first look?
The first image, posted by Netflix on X, features the Bennet women in a pastoral setting, draped in Regency fashion. Reactions have poured in, with many applauding the casting of Corrin and Colman. While some long-time Austen fans expressed nostalgia for earlier versions, especially the 1995 BBC adaptation, most expressed curiosity and excitement about the show’s direction.
A popular sentiment on social media was summed up by a fan post: “Where’s Mr Darcy? But in Olivia we trust!” Others welcomed the broader representation, hoping the series includes inclusive storylines that reflect today's social realities.
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When will Pride and Prejudice premiere on Netflix?
While no official release date has been announced yet, production has started in the UK as of July 2025. With its six-episode format, the series is expected to wrap filming later this year, likely setting the stage for a 2026 global premiere on Netflix.
Until then, fans of Austen and period dramas alike will be keeping a close eye on every update. With its fresh cast, ambitious vision, and loyal base of Janeites worldwide, Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice may well become one of the most talked-about adaptations yet.
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All past and future South Park episodes will now stream exclusively on Paramount+
South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone sign a new five-year deal with Paramount Global.
The deal, worth £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore), includes 50 new episodes and exclusive streaming rights.
All 26 past seasons will move from HBO Max to Paramount+.
Season 27 premieres 23 July on Comedy Central, followed by streaming on Paramount+.
After months of negotiations and behind-the-scenes legal tension, South Park will now officially stream on Paramount+. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have signed a massive £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore) deal with Paramount Global, ensuring the future of the long-running adult animation for another five years.
The agreement includes 50 brand-new episodes, with all 26 previous seasons moving to Paramount+ globally. The show's 27th season, which was delayed due to contractual disagreements, premieres on Comedy Central this week, followed by streaming availability the next day.
South Park fans call out Paramount Plus for pulling the show worldwide Variety
Why is South Park moving to Paramount+?
The shift from HBO Max to Paramount+ marks a significant win for the latter in the streaming wars. With HBO Max previously holding domestic streaming rights in a £385 million (₹4,000 crore) deal, Paramount’s move regains control of one of its most valuable franchises.
The company now has both the back catalogue and future episodes, giving it exclusive streaming control worldwide. According to industry insiders, the deal’s high valuation also acts as an advance against streaming revenue, making it a strategic long-term investment for Paramount and its global platform.
Under the terms of the agreement, Comedy Central will remain the first broadcaster of new South Park episodes. Each episode will then stream on Paramount+ in the US and globally the following day.
In total, the deal guarantees 50 new episodes across five seasons. Parker and Stone’s studio, Park County, also retains a unique clause entitling it to about 50% of streaming revenue, one of the main reasons why the duo continue to secure record-breaking deals.
Despite previous legal threats and public frustration over delays, the new contract aligns the show’s creative future with Paramount+ as the central hub.
South Park creators ink a multi-billion deal following delayed Season 27 premiere Amazon
What caused the delay in South Park season 27?
Season 27 was originally slated for 9 July but was pushed to 23 July due to delays in finalising the contract. A major source of friction was the involvement of incoming Paramount president Jeff Shell and the influence of Skydance Media, which is in the process of acquiring the company.
Park County accused Shell of interfering with negotiations involving Warner Bros Discovery and Netflix. The creators even brought in high-profile attorney Bryan Freedman during the dispute, showing the seriousness of the standoff.
Paramount reportedly settled for a shorter, five-year term at £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore) after shelving a larger, 10-year proposal due to Skydance’s reservations about long-term streaming investments.
Fans can expect new weekly episodes starting 23 July on Comedy Central. This deal also paves the way for more South Park content to live exclusively on Paramount+, potentially including new specials or spinoffs.
In a joint statement, Parker and Stone said they were “grateful for the trust placed in us” and promised to “build something special” with the extended deal. Chris McCarthy, Paramount’s co-CEO, hailed them as “creative forces” who continue to push boundaries and deliver global hits.
With this agreement in place, Paramount+ strengthens its library and stakes a major claim in the adult animation space, while South Park remains one of the most profitable and culturally resonant TV shows of its generation.
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Angel the new Love Island bombshell set to dump a contestant in shock twist
New bombshell Angel Swift, 26, enters Love Island as part of a shock twist
The aesthetics practitioner from Kent says she’s ready to turn heads and split couples
Her arrival could immediately send another girl home
Fans speculate Angel will target Ty, threatening Lauren’s place in the villa
A dramatic shake-up is on the horizon for Love Island as Angel Swift, a bold new bombshell, is set to enter the villa, bringing with her the power to send one contestant packing.
The latest episode of ITV2’s hit dating show ended with a cliffhanger as Shakira read out a surprise text announcing that “the party was far from over.” Moments later, a teaser revealed Angel’s imminent arrival, with narrator Iain Stirling hinting at an explosive twist. The 26-year-old salon owner from Maidstone is not only joining the game late but may be replacing someone the moment she steps in.
Angel Swift enters Love Island with power to dump rival as dramatic twist stuns villaInstagram/ angeliqueswift
Who is Angel Swift and what does she do?
Angel Swift is a 26-year-old aesthetics practitioner and entrepreneur. She owns AngelFace, a salon in Maidstone, Kent, that offers services like fillers, microneedling, and hair extensions.
Known for her confidence, Angel calls herself a “20/10” and insists she’s ready to shake things up. “That’s what I’m in there for,” she said when asked about breaking up couples. “I do feel like I have quite a good chance of turning someone’s head.”
With her ambition and unapologetic energy, Angel seems determined to make an impact from day one, and she’s not worried about stepping on toes to get what she wants.
Angel’s arrival isn’t just another bombshell entry, it’s tied to a ruthless elimination. According to insider reports and fan speculation, she’ll be asked to choose one of the male Islanders to couple up with immediately. That decision will leave the boy’s current partner single and instantly dumped from the villa.
This unexpected format has viewers on edge. One fan posted on X, “Oh damn, I feel like it’s either Toni or Shakira leaving tomorrow ‘cause the bombshell is gonna have to steal one of the boys.”
Others expressed their anxiety about who might be going home. “Apparently a girl has already left the villa today, and I’m very concerned that this new bombshell is going to couple up with Harrison and leave Toni dumped,” one viewer shared.
Angel has her eyes on Ty, a tall, athletic Islander currently coupled with Lauren. Their relationship has been shaky following Harrison’s decision to ditch Lauren for Toni, leaving Lauren emotionally vulnerable.
Angel’s interest in Ty could be the final blow to that connection. “I’m looking for someone family-oriented, with a nice smile and good body,” Angel said. “I’ve been single for a year. I’m ready for something real.”
Whether Ty is open to the new arrival remains to be seen, but with Angel’s confidence and the villa’s volatile energy, things could change fast.
Earlier in the episode, the Islanders took part in a rodeo-themed challenge where they ranked themselves based on viewer opinions. Questions included who the most attractive couple was and who seemed the most strategic or inactive.
The results ruffled feathers, especially for Dejon and Meg. Emma emerged as the voice of reason during the task and even offered Dejon some advice on coming across as more genuine.
But all that drama faded into the background once the text about the bombshell dropped, marking a new, unpredictable phase of the show.
With Angel’s arrival and an imminent dumping, Love Island is heading into stormy waters. Who will stay, who will go, and who’s about to fall for the new girl? Friday night’s episode holds the answers.
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Bookish brings postwar London to life with gripping weekly mysteries
Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book, a crime-solving bookshop owner in post-war London in Bookish.
The detective drama premiered on U&Alibi on 16 July 2025, with two episodes airing weekly.
Critics praise the series for its smart plotting, rich period detail, and modern queer representation.
A second season has already been confirmed, with filming set to begin this summer.
Mark Gatiss, best known for co-creating Sherlock, is back with another brainy sleuth, and this time, it’s personal. Bookish, a 1940s-set detective drama written by and starring Gatiss, follows the eccentric Gabriel Book, a former intelligence agent turned antiquarian bookseller who helps the police crack cases in bombed-out postwar London. The six-part series, which debuted this week on U&Alibi, has already garnered praise for its clever plots, layered characters, and strong sense of time and place, with some calling it “the next best thing to Sherlock.”
Mark Gatiss brings queer detective drama Bookish to life as fans call it the new SherlockInstagram/uandalibi
What is Bookish about? Inside the premise and setting
Set in 1946, Bookish introduces Gabriel Book, a tea-loving, ginger snap-baking bibliophile who runs a bookshop on Archangel Lane. Behind his mild-mannered exterior lies a sharp intellect honed by wartime service. With a quirky filing system and a special “Churchill letter” granting him access to investigations, Book works alongside the police while navigating a double life as a gay man in a repressive era.
His domestic arrangement is just as unconventional: he lives with his best friend Trottie (Polly Walker), in a lavender marriage that hides both their truths. Alongside them is Jack (Connor Finch), a young ex-con taken in as a shop assistant, and Nora (Buket Kömür), a war orphan with a flair for sleuthing.
Each pair of episodes follows a standalone case, from skeletons in plague pits to arsenic-laced murder, while teasing out larger mysteries about Book’s past and Jack’s true identity.
How Bookish compares to Sherlock, and why fans are on board
Though comparisons to Sherlock are inevitable, Bookish offers something distinct. It trades fast-paced modern twists for rich historical textures and a gentler pace, drawing inspiration from classic whodunits à la Agatha Christie. Critics have noted that Gatiss “plays fair” with his audience, offering tightly woven mysteries that reward attention to detail.
But it’s the characters, not just the crimes, that are drawing viewers in. Gabriel Book’s sexuality isn’t just a character note; it’s interwoven with the story, giving Bookish a rare kind of queer visibility in the genre. Gatiss has said the show’s concept came from imagining a bookshop as a kind of analogue search engine: “The answer is in there somewhere.”
What do reviews and social media say about Bookish?
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Times praised it as “deceptively multifaceted,” while The Telegraph described it as “a witty, well-plotted sleuther.” The Radio Times went so far as to call it “a breath of fresh air” in a market crowded with detective dramas.
On social media, fans have expressed delight at the show’s mix of charm and darkness, praising its performances and historical authenticity. The casting of Daniel Mays as a jovial butcher-turned-killer in the first case had viewers hooked, especially as the storyline spiralled into revelations about murder, plague bones, and mistaken blackmail.
Yes. Before the first episode even aired, Bookish was greenlit for a second season. Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025, with a likely release in mid-2026. Gatiss and the core cast, including Walker, Finch, Kömür, Elliot Levey, and Blake Harrison, are all set to return. While no new guest stars have been announced, the structure of the series means fresh faces are expected to appear in each new mystery.
Gatiss expressed his excitement in a statement: “I’m thrilled that the team at U&Alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve.”