admin

Huge period drama starring Stephen Graham renewed for second series – before first has even aired

HUGE period drama starring Stephen Graham is renewed for a second series before the first season has even aired on our screens.

The Disney+ show, which starts this month, comes from Steven Knight, the writer behind acclaimed BBC thriller Peaky Blinders as well as current BBC hit SAS Rogue Heroes.

Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow Goodson in A Thousand Blows.
PA
Huge period drama period drama is renewed for a second series before the first season has even aired on our screens[/caption]
Stephen Graham as Sugar Goodson in A Thousand Blows.
Stephen Graham as Sugar Goodson in new show A Thousand Blows.
Erin Doherty as Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants gang, in a boxing ring.
PA
Erin Doherty plays Mary Carr leader of the forty elephants[/caption]

The epic new series – A Thousand Blows – is set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London.

Now, ahead of the show’s debut this week, it’s been revealed that it’s been recommissioned for a second series.

In the 1800s Londoners had to contend with two very different criminal gangs — a group of East End boxers and another of West End shoplifters.

The Forty Elephants were a band of women who robbed, burgled and swindled their way around the capital’s poshest parts including top end shops like Selfridges.

Meanwhile at the other end of the city were the gangs who ran boxing fights which was the only alpha male entertainment of the day.

Coming between the factions were Jamaicans Hezekiah Moscow and his pal Alec Munroe, and both got sucked into the dangerous but lucrative underworld of bare-knuckle fighting.

Now, these incredible stories have been brought together in new drama A Thousand Blows, which features Line of Duty’s Stephen Graham and The Crown actress Erin Doherty.

The thrilling series follows Hezekiah (Malachi Kirby) and Alec – played by Francis Lovehall – two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End.

Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets.

As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson (Stephen), a seasoned and dangerous boxer and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.

This month we exclusively revealed that despite rave reviews and top ratings, the BBC cancelled Stephen’s other show Boiling Point.

The four-part series followed the 2021 film of the same name and picked up eight months after the movie’s cliffhanger ending that saw irate chef Andy Jones, played by Stephen, collapse with a heart attack.

A source told The Sun: “It’s not often a drama gets such love from viewers and critics but Boiling Point was such a rarity the team has been left disappointed that there’s no news on a second series.

“The fact is there’s still an appetite for more, it’s just making that happen.

Peaky Blinders series guide

Series One (2013)

The series started in 1919 just after the end of World War I. The ambitious Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) runs the Peaky Blinders street gang. They attract attention from Royal Irish police detective chief inspector Major Chester Campbell (Sam Neil). He’s been sent by Winston Churchill (Andy Nyman) from Belfast. He has been given the task to crack down on the Irish Republicans and the Communist Party. It ended on “Black Star Day” at the Worcester Races as the gang tried to take over Billy Kimber’s betting pitches.

Series Two (2014)

The series begins in 1921 and culminates with a huge climax in May 1922 at the Epsom racecourse on Derby Day. The Peaky Blinders try to expand their criminal organisation in the “South and North” of the city. This is while they maintain their stronghold in their Birmingham ‘heartland’.

Series Three (2016)

In 1924, Tommy and the gang once again look to expand their operations, but this time they want to go international. Father John Hughes (Paddy Considine) is involved in an anti-communist organization, whilst Polly (Helen McCrory) enlists Ruben Oliver (Alexander Siddig) to paint her portrait.

Series Four (2017)

Christmas Eve 1925 is when the fourth series kicks off. The gang receives word that the leader New York Mafia, Luca Changretta (Adrien Brody), wants to avenge his father’s murder that was committed in series three. At the end of the instalment, Tommy becomes elected as a Member of Parliament in 1927 after the general strike of the previous year. This is after he used communist leader Jessie Eden for information.

Series Five (2019)

The hit series became so popular that it switched over to BBC One. It’s the morning after Black Tuesday and the Wall Street Crash of 1929, and the Great Depression looms large. Tommy faces new dangers as he is warned that there’s a traitor in his circle. However, his plan for fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin) springs into action. Meanwhile, Ada Shelby (Sophie Rundle) embarks on a romance with Colonel Ben Younger (Kingsley Ben-Adir), who happens to be Tommy’s contact from the British Intelligence. She quickly falls pregnant with his baby before he is dramatically killed by a car bomb.

Series Six (2022)

The sixth and final series of the show starts in 1933, just as the US repeals the prohibition. Tommy is set with more danger as Mosley grows the British Union of Fascists after the Nazis seize power in Germany. However, events get complicated as he also has to deal with plots from both the Irish Mob and the Anti-Treaty IRA.

“Boiling Point is on the shelf, so to speak, but if the right story or idea comes along then there’s every chance it could be back on screens one day.”

The series aired in October 2023 and landed a perfect score on ratings site Rotten Tomatoes.

It followed Andy, as he tried to find his place in the world without running a restaurant, and Carly, played by Vinette Robinson, who took over the reins at Jones & Sons.

A Thousand Blows airs Friday 21 February on Disney+.

Read More »

‘Shut the f*** up,’ fumes Rory McIlroy after fan’s unwanted advice following missed putt

RORY MCILROY had some choice words for a spectator after they tried to help him out with his short game.

The four-time Major winner carded an even-par final round at the Genesis Open on Sunday to finish joint-17th at Torrey Pines.

Rory McIlroy walking on a golf course after making par.
Getty
Rory McIlroy fell out of contention at the Genesis Open after a disappointing weekend[/caption]
Rory McIlroy holding a golf ball on a golf course.
Getty
The 35-year-old reportedly hit out at a fan’s criticism of his putting game[/caption]
Rory McIlroy and his caddie on a golf course.
Getty
McIlroy has previously defended his caddie Harry Diamond (left) from fan criticism[/caption]

McIlroy, 35, cut a frustrated figure after falling out of contention over the weekend.

He had gone into Saturday’s Round 3 just three shots behind then-leader Davis Thompson.

The Northern Irishman failed to mount a challenge, eventually finishing 12 shots back behind winner Ludvig Aberg.

McIlroy’s putting game abandoned him on Day 4 in Los Angeles.

And one fan thought they would offer some advice from the gallery.

McIlroy rolled a ten-footer wide of the mark on the 3rd green, missing out on birdie.

According to golf insider Dan Rapaport, the fan shouted to McIlroy: “Blame your caddie.”

McIlroy immediately fired back: “Shut the f*** up.”

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Without a major win since 2014, McIlroy linked up with current caddie Harry Diamond eight years ago.

He has won multiple titles on the PGA Tour alongside Diamond, but is yet to claim that illusive major as a pairing.

McIlroy has previously defended his friend and “easy target” Diamond from fan criticism.

He told the BBC in 2022: “I wouldn’t have him on the bag if I didn’t think he was good at what he did.

“He’s grown into his role really well. I think our record speaks for itself. We’ve won a ton.

“Harry’s a really calming presence to have by my side.

“I love having him on the bag. I’m a different person. And I’m never going to give him s*** even if something goes wrong. It would not be worth it.”

Inside Rory McIlroy's whirlwind love life

RORY MCILROY enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.

The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.

Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations.

She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.

The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.

McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.

Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.

The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.

Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix’s Full Swing documentary series.

However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.

The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida.

However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce.

McIlroy told the outlet: “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

Aberg’s triumph in Los Angeles was the most lucrative of his short career.

The 25-year-old Swede scooped $4million (£3.1m) for winning at Torrey Pines.

He pipped Maverick McNealy to the title after holing four birdies in his final six holes.

A beaming Aberg said: “It felt like I was in control of the ball flight all day and really proud of the way that I finished, it was really cool.

“It was so much fun coming down the last few holes trying to win a tournament, it is a really special feeling.”

Read More »

Conor Maynard rushed to hospital after nasty accident as he’s pictured being wheeled away by paramedics

CONOR Maynard has revealed he was rushed to hospital after a nasty accident – sharing a snap of him being wheeled away my paramedics.

The singer, 32, took to Instagram to share the update and reassured fans he was back home after the accident.

Singer Conor Maynard issues health update after being rushed to hospital, https://www.instagram.com/conormaynard/
Conor revealed he was rushed to hospital
Instagram
Singer Conor Maynard issues health update after being rushed to hospital, https://www.instagram.com/conormaynard/
He later revealed the reason for his hospital stay
Instagram
Conor Maynard wearing a Jil Sander t-shirt.
Getty
Conor later reassured fans he was at home recovering[/caption]

Opening up on the reason for his hospital stay, Conor wrote: “I’m doing OK guys.

“You’re not allowed to laugh but… I fell down the stairs.”

Although Conor appeared to shrug the accident off, an earlier post showed him with his head strapped to a stretcher.

He added: “But nothing too serious, you can all breathe now.”

Last year Conor became a dad for the first time when The Traitors star Charlotte Chilton gave birth to their child.

Conor and Charlotte, 32, are not together and are currently not on speaking terms.

Charlotte fell pregnant after a one-night stand following a champagne-fuelled wrap party for the second series of Claudia Winkleman’s BBC murder mystery game.

Charlotte was introduced to TikToker Conor by The Traitors winner Harry Clark.

A month after their child was born, Charlotte took to Instagram to reveal she was considering taking Conor to court over financial support.

She posted a WhatsApp message to Conor that read: “I am killing myself to pay for what she needs and deserves.

“So with that I can talk to you face to face or we can do court … take your pick. It’s time to grow up.”

Read More »

‘I knew you was thinking about me,’ says Luke Littler as James Maddison sends Man Utd fan apology

JAMES MADDISON sent pal Luke Littler a tongue-in-cheek apology after scoring Tottenham’s winner against the darts star’s beloved Manchester United.

The midfielder, 28, was making his return to action following three weeks out with a calf injury.

James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrating a goal.
Getty
James Maddison performed his darts throw celebration[/caption]
Luke Littler celebrating a 170 checkout during a darts match.
Getty
Luke Littler is a boyhood Man Utd fan[/caption]
Soccer player celebrating a goal in a stadium.
Littler re-posted James Maddison’s Instagram story

He made it a comeback to remember, scoring in the 13th minute to earn Spurs an important 1-0 win.

After scoring, Maddison performed his trademark “throwing a dart” celebration.

He then made a shushing gesture, potentially directed at Roy Keane following the Irishman’s comments about him earlier in the week.

After the game, Maddison posted a picture of his darts celebration his Instagram story.

He captioned it: “Sorry son @lukethenukelittler”.

Littler, 18, subsequently re-posted the image to his own story, writing: “I knew u was thinking about me.”

The pair’s friendship dates back to Littler’s run to the World Darts Championship final as a 16-year-old last year.

After the Warrington wonderkid reached the quarter-finals, Maddison invited him to a Spurs match.

BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS

James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates a goal.
Getty
Maddison, 28, also shushed towards TV cameras[/caption]

Littler sat in the England international’s plush box at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs beat Bournemouth 3-1 in December 2023.

A fortnight later, he met Sir Alex Ferguson and Bruno Fernandes as he attended Man Utd’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford.

In September, Littler was cheekily trolled by Spurs’ social media team after the North Londoners defeated United 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Posting a screenshot of Littler following their official account, they wrote: “You finally seen the light @LukeTheNuke180?”

During the week, Man Utd icon Keane said Maddison “got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs”.

After netting the winner and performing a shushing celebration, Maddison told Sky Sports: “There was a little bit of outside noise this week.

“People will have their opinions, but I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. I hope there is a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today.”

Keane had also asked: “People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate?”

Maddison’s goal on Sunday was his ninth in 23 Premier League appearances this season.

In total he has scored 10 and laid on six assists in all competitions during Spurs’ difficult season.

James Maddison's 2024-25 Tottenham Hotspur EPL stats.

Read More »