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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Miranda Kerr has opened up about the highly personalised diet she follows, explaining why she has swapped eggs for meats such as bison and venison.
The 43-year-old Australian supermodel first attracted attention in August after discussing her unusual eating routine on US personality Kristin Cavallari’s podcast.
Kerr has since clarified that her food choices are not intended as a universal wellness plan, but are based on what best supports her own health.
In an interview with this week’s Stellar magazine, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel revealed that she has lived with an inflammatory bowel condition for years, making her particularly mindful of the foods she consumes.
Kerr said medical testing and years of health problems had led her to become very selective about her meals. She explained that she has proctitis, an inflammatory bowel disorder, and therefore needs to follow a diet tailored to her body.
She stressed that foods which cause inflammation for her may be perfectly suitable for someone else, urging people not to view her personal routine as general dietary advice.
Miranda Kerr has explained why her personalised diet excludes eggs and includes meats such as bison and venison
“Some foods inflame me, but that doesn’t mean they affect everyone in the same way,” Kerr said, noting that her children still eat eggs without issue.
The model, who is mother to Flynn, 15, Hart, eight, Myles, seven, and Pierre, two, said her children do not follow the same restricted eating pattern.
Kerr explained that while her children are not eating bison, the meat has become part of her own routine because it makes her feel better. She said prioritising her health helps her be the best mother, colleague and friend she can be.
Although Kerr believes the plan has benefited her wellbeing, she acknowledged that avoiding eggs has been one of the more difficult changes to maintain.
For Kerr, the key is being candid about what suits an individual rather than presenting one diet as the right choice for everyone.
She recalled being asked what she eats for breakfast and wishing she could simply answer “eggs.” Kerr said it would be far more convenient, as she genuinely enjoyed them and still misses eating them.
In August, Kerr also offered a glimpse into the broader wellness routine she credits with helping her maintain her health and signature supermodel glow.
During her appearance on Let’s Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari, she discussed her daily habits as well as life with her teenage son, Flynn Bloom.
Join the discussion
Should celebrities share strict diet plans publicly, or keep them private to avoid influencing their followers?
Speaking to this week’s Stellar magazine, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel said her inflammatory bowel condition means she must be highly selective about the foods she eats
Kerr also revealed that her morning routine includes a drink she has enjoyed since her teenage years.
She said she has been drinking noni juice since she was 13, meaning it has been part of her life for around three decades. The fruit, often described as a superfood, is native to Tahiti but can also be grown in places including Australia.
Miranda said she takes a 30ml shot every morning because it is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals – and even gives some to her youngest child.
The former Victoria’s Secret model then follows it with homemade tea made from marshmallow leaf, as it is ‘good for the gut lining’, which she says is good for her gut lining and supports her wellbeing.
Clint Eastwood’s career has included Oscar victories, major box-office successes and collaborations with some of cinema’s most respected performers. Still, even Eastwood would likely acknowledge that his public image remains inseparable from the Western. His breakthrough came as the mysterious Man With No Name in the spaghetti Westerns of the 1960s, and movies such as “The Outlaw Josey Wales” confirmed his natural authority in the genre. With the darker, more reflective “Unforgiven” in 1992, Eastwood cemented his reputation as one of the defining Western stars of the modern era—perhaps the genre’s most prominent leading man after John Wayne.
That iconic status does not mean every Clint Eastwood Western was a triumph. Considering the number of films he headlined, a few misfires were inevitable. Alongside his most celebrated Westerns—many of which rank among the genre’s essential classics—are five less successful entries, ranked here from the least disappointing to the weakest according to average Letterboxd ratings. Looking back at these movies offers an intriguing view of how audiences have assessed the less polished corners of Eastwood’s Western filmography.
None of these films is likely to appear on a list of the greatest Westerns ever made. Even so, they demonstrate just how extensively Eastwood worked within the genre that ultimately became his cinematic trademark.
5. Paint Your Wagon
Paramount Pictures
Movie musicals have never been short of baffling casting decisions, from Ben Platt playing a high school student in “Dear Evan Hansen” to the original “Rent” cast returning for the film long after aging out of their roles. James Corden’s work in “Cats” also remains a frequent source of bewilderment. Among the more surprising examples is Clint Eastwood taking a leading role in the Western musical “Paint Your Wagon.”
Eastwood had already become famous for playing the enigmatic Man With No Name in bold, revisionist spaghetti Westerns such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Against that background, seeing him headline a traditional Hollywood musical felt especially strange. The casting was even harder to understand given that Eastwood was not known for his singing voice. Set during the California Gold Rush, “Paint Your Wagon” follows men competing to purchase Elizabeth Woodling (Jean Seberg), the wife of a Mormon. The 164-minute film currently holds a 3.2 average rating on Letterboxd, although some viewers appreciate its fearless commitment to its wildly unconventional concept.
For many others, however, watching Eastwood and Lee Marvin sing their way through the Old West was not enough to justify the movie’s lengthy running time. “Paint Your Wagon” has nevertheless lived on through its memorable afterlife in pop culture, including a memorable “The Simpsons” joke years after its release.
4. Joe Kidd
Universal Pictures
In “Joe Kidd,” the title character believes his days as a bounty hunter are behind him. As Western heroes often discover, though, the past has a way of returning. Frank Harlan (Robert Duvall) pressures Kidd into tracking down Luis Chama (John Saxon), sending him back into the saddle and into another series of shootouts across the frontier. The film brought together an impressive creative team: John Sturges, director of “Bad Day at Black Rock” and “The Great Escape,” Elmore Leonard as screenwriter and Lalo Schifrin providing the score.
With that much talent involved, “Joe Kidd” seemed positioned to become a major Western. Instead, its reputation has remained relatively muted compared with the genre’s most acclaimed films. Its 3.2 Letterboxd average indicates that the movie still has supporters and works as a straightforward entertainment for some viewers. Many critics on the platform, however, describe it as merely adequate, pointing to a script that lacks a distinctive voice.
For some Letterboxd users, the film’s accomplished cast and crew mainly highlighted the stronger movies those artists had made elsewhere. “Joe Kidd” is not necessarily painful to watch, but its routine storytelling keeps it well below the essential Westerns that serious fans are encouraged to see.
Eastwood’s best-known films represent only part of his long screen career. He began acting in the 1950s, including a supporting appearance in the Western comedy “The First Traveling Saleslady.” The Ginger Rogers vehicle stars her as Rose Gillray, a corset-business owner who attempts to rebuild her company and pay off debts by selling steel wire—a vital corset material—to Texas cattle ranchers. During her journey, she crosses paths with Lieutenant Jack Rice, played by Eastwood, while Barry Nelson portrays her eventual love interest, Charles Masters.
For audiences accustomed to seeing Eastwood dominate a Western, his role as one member of a larger comic ensemble in “The First Traveling Saleslady” can feel unusual. So too can the idea of the typically stoic star appearing in a broad, joke-heavy comedy. That novelty may interest dedicated Eastwood fans, but the film’s 3.0 Letterboxd average reflects its limited appeal. Flat characters, dated and troubling gender politics, and weak humor all contribute to its lackluster reputation.
The most enthusiastic Letterboxd reactions often come from viewers surprised to learn that Eastwood appears in the movie at all. That discovery makes for an amusing piece of trivia, but it cannot carry an entire film. “The First Traveling Saleslady” ultimately fails to stand out on its own merits.
2. Ambush at Cimarron Pass
Regal Films
Eastwood has been candid about his dislike of “Ambush at Cimarron Pass,” the 1958 Western directed by Jodie Copelan. Running just 73 minutes, the film stars Scott Brady as Sergeant Matt Blake, who joins forces with cowboys while attempting to survive hostile territory controlled by Indigenous people. Eastwood appears as Keith Williams, with Margia Dean playing Teresa Santos, the story’s principal female character. Disappointed by the movie and unhappy with his own performance, Eastwood once feared the experience might force him to give up acting altogether. Fortunately, he would go on to find considerably greater success in the Western genre.
The small number of viewers familiar with “Ambush at Cimarron Pass” generally share Eastwood’s negative assessment. Its 2.9 average Letterboxd score reflects complaints about the movie’s visibly limited budget. Low resources can sometimes encourage inventive filmmaking, but here they mostly leave the production looking drab and underdeveloped. Reviewers have also criticized the stiff acting and Copelan’s lack of visual energy.
What prevents “Ambush at Cimarron Pass” from sinking even lower among Letterboxd’s worst-rated Westerns is the curiosity of watching Eastwood at such an early stage of his career. Even that historical interest, however, cannot transform the film into a particularly engaging Western.
1. Cry Macho
Warner Bros. Pictures
Eastwood has directed many outstanding films, but his output became noticeably more restrained and sluggish during the 2010s. Movies such as “Jersey Boys” and “The 15:17 to Paris” were marked by muted gray visuals and few bold creative decisions. Even strong performers, including Paul Walter Hauser and Sam Rockwell, could not fully rescue the plodding “Richard Jewell” in 2019. The energetic violence and visual flair of Eastwood’s spaghetti Westerns had largely given way to a much flatter late-career style.
That criticism followed “Cry Macho,” his 2021 drama about former rodeo star Mike Milo, who travels to Mexico to bring his former employer’s son home. The movie earned a 2.8 average rating on Letterboxd, with viewers objecting to its basic visual design and unnatural dialogue. Several reviewers also found the ending overly manipulative and easy to predict. Others, however, welcomed the film’s relaxed pace and understated warmth as an alternative to the noisy spectacle of many contemporary releases.
Overall, “Cry Macho” received nowhere near the widespread acclaim associated with Eastwood’s earlier work. It was fitting that one of his final directing projects returned him to the Western, the genre that launched and defined his career. Unfortunately, that sense of closure was not enough to earn the 2021 film a stronger critical response on Letterboxd.
Emmy-nominated actor Tim Matheson, best known for playing Eric “Otter” Stratton in the 1978 comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House, was spotted during a rare outing in Los Angeles.
The 78-year-old star began his entertainment career as a teenager in the early 1960s, landing small roles in television shows including Window On Main Street.
Over the decades, Matheson has shared the screen with stars such as Lucille Ball, Anne Bancroft, Dick Van Dyke, Carrie Fisher, Aubrey Plaza and Ryan Reynolds.
His extensive career has included roles in both major motion pictures and a wide range of television series.
Since 2019, he has most recently portrayed a doctor on a popular Netflix series.
Can you guess who it is?
An Emmy-nominated actor known for his role in the 1978 comedy Animal House was spotted during a rare outing in Los Angeles. Can you guess who it is?
The 78-year-old star began his entertainment career in the early 1960s with small television roles, including an appearance on Window On Main Street.
The actor is Tim Matheson, who famously played Eric “Otter” Stratton in the 1978 comedy classic National Lampoon’s Animal House.
Matheson opted for a laid-back look last week when he visited the Verdugo Aquatic Facility in Burbank for a relaxing swim.
He wore a plain, short-sleeved black shirt with blue sweatpants and black sneakers.
Carrying a backpack and a colorful towel, Matheson walked toward the entrance before heading into the cool water for a dip.
Later, he was seen sitting beneath the bright sunshine and looking through his phone while relaxing on a chair.
Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Matheson for comment but has not yet received a response.
Matheson was born in Glendale, California, in December 1947 and began acting professionally during his teenage years.
At 13, he earned his first acting credit with a 1961 episode of Window On Main Street.
Tim Matheson notably played Eric “Otter” Stratton in the 1978 comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House, pictured above.
The actor kept things casual while visiting the Verdugo Aquatic Facility in Burbank last week for a swim.
He wore a plain short-sleeved black shirt, blue sweatpants and black sneakers.
Matheson was later seen browsing his phone while relaxing on a chair in the bright sunshine.
Matheson was born in December 1947 in Glendale, California and began his professional acting career as a teen
He went on to appear with other minor roles in shows including Leave It To Beaver, My Three Sons, Jonny Quest and Ripcord
In 1967, he starred in the satirical comedy film Divorce American Style alongside Dick Van Dyke and Debbie Reynolds
Join the discussion
What classic TV or movie role do you think defines Tim Matheson’s legacy best, and why?
He went on to appear with other minor roles in shows including Leave It To Beaver, My Three Sons, Jonny Quest and Ripcord.
‘Back in the day, Lucy would go into her trailer,’ he recalled. ‘Back then, every actor stayed on the… you had a chair you stayed on the set, you know, and you just stayed until you were called.’
Matheson added, ‘And Henry was trying to quit smoking so he was doing needlepoint so he’d sit on the set you know but he was a totally different kind of actor.
‘He wasn’t trying to do Lucy, he wasn’t trying to do broad comedy. He was just so centered and so real.’
Throughout the late 60s and 70s, Matheson continued to take on small roles in television shows such as Adam-12, The Virginian, Here’s Lucy, Bonanza, Police Story, The Quest and Hawaii Five-O.
In 1978, he played Eric ‘Otter’ Stratton in the comedy film Animal House with John Belushi, John Vernon, Thomas Hulce, Verna Bloom and Donald Sutherland.
The following year, Matheson was cast in the family comedic-drama Yours, Mine And Ours with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda; seen above top row left
During an appearance on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, the actor recalled working on set of Yours, Mine And Ours
In 1978, he played Eric ‘Otter’ Stratton in the comedy film Animal House with John Belushi, John Vernon, Thomas Hulce, Verna Bloom and Donald Sutherland
The movie was a critical and box office success, raking in around $141 million on a budget of $3 million.
Other films Matheson starred in are the 1979 war comedy 1941, To Be Or Not Be (1983), Impulse (1984) and Fletch (1985).
During the 90s, Matheson continued to take on roles in a number of TV movies as well as the 1996 comedy A Very Brady Sequel.
In the early 2000s, the actor starred in shows including Wolf Lake, The King Of Queens and Without A Trace.
From 1999-2006, Matheson portrayed the character of Vice President John Hoyes in The West Wing.
The star received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series based on his performance.
He played Dr. Brick Breeland on the CW series Hart Of Dixie and appeared in additional shows such as The Good Fight, The Affair, The Goldbergs, Madame Secretary, This Is Us and Quantum Leap.
Matheson began playing Dr. Vernon Mullins on the beloved Netflix series Virgin River. Last year in July, the show was renewed for an eighth season.
Throughout the late 60s and 70s, Matheson continued to take on small roles in television shows such as Adam-12, The Virginian, Here’s Lucy and Bonanza; seen (left) in Shadow Of A Name
The star received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series based on his The West Wing; seen in 2019 in Hollywood
Matheson began playing Dr. Vernon Mullins on the beloved Netflix series Virgin River (seen above). Last year in July, the show was renewed for an eighth season
While talking to Parade earlier this year about the show, the star explained, ‘You have friends, family, and loved ones to support you through the hard times and celebrate the good times.’
He added, ‘People think posting on Facebook is a relationship – but it’s not.
‘Our show is a throwback to The Andy Griffith Show – to Mayberry – where people are truly there for each other. It’s refreshing, and it’s something we all wish we had more of.’
Most recently, the actor appeared in five episodes of 9-1-1: Nashville.
A runaway emu sent a California neighborhood into chaos, weaving through traffic and turning Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputies into unlikely bird wranglers.
Deputies were seen pursuing the fast-moving bird through local streets, just days after another loose emu created a traffic disturbance in the same area.
“When we say no two days are the same in this line of work, we really mean it,” the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office wrote Saturday. “Just another day on the job… apparently ‘keeping the peace’ sometimes translates to keeping an emu out of traffic long enough for its owner to come get it.”
The office also made clear that the bird was not connected to the earlier incident. “And no this is not a repeat offender from the CHP Santa Cruz emu incident. Different bird, same agenda: wreak havoc,” officials added.
The latest emu escape happened only days after California Highway Patrol officers responded to a separate bird on the loose, drawing several calls from worried drivers.
The emu’s owner arrived soon afterward, allowing officers to safely contain the animal. “Fortunately, the Emu’s owner quickly arrived on the scene, and we managed to safely corral their feathery friend,” CHP Santa Cruz posted Wednesday. The agency also thanked everyone who called to report the unusual situation.
The incidents quickly became a source of amusement on Facebook, where users compared the emu sightings to a familiar insurance commercial.
“It was just making sure that homeowner had car insurance,” one commenter joked. Another wrote that the bird was searching for an audition for the Liberty Mutual car insurance commercial.
Liberty Mutual launched its LiMu Emu advertising campaign in 2019. The commercials feature the feathered mascot alongside his human partner, Doug, promoting the insurer’s “Only pay for what you need” slogan.
Getting ready for Hallmark Channel’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story came naturally to Marsha Mason, who praised the “extraordinary” former and current Chicago Bears players and staff members who joined the cast.
“It was a different world to them,” Mason said of their onscreen experience. “They were curious about it. But within the scenes, they were completely natural and immediately began responding to and connecting with one another. That was really exciting for us.”
Warning! Light spoilers ahead for Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, which will stream on Hallmark+ tomorrow.
The latest movie is the third entry in Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown franchise, following 2024’s Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and last year’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. This time, the series heads to Chicago for a whimsical Windy City romance between freelance journalist Avery (Lyndsy Fonseca) and firefighter Matt (Robert Buckley). The pair are brought together with a little help from Matt’s grandmother, Darlene (Mason), who is preparing to attend her 500th Bears game.
Beyond celebrating the Bears and their devoted fan base, Buckley highlighted Chicago’s food as one of the major perks of filming in the city. He even shared his recommendations for tavern-style pizza and Italian beef sandwiches.
“The way I like to experience cities is by eating my way through them, and Chicago was heaven for me,” he said. “Tavern-style pizza gave me a reawakening — a spiritual experience, if you will. It was incredible. And Italian beef dip sandwiches, which I’d never had properly before visiting Chicago, were incredible too.”
Mason, Fonseca, and Buckley were far less enthusiastic about another Chicago staple: the city’s famously divisive Malört liqueur.
“Pretty gross,” Fonseca recalled. Mason agreed, calling it “terrible.”
Buckley offered his own comparison: “It’s like if Jäger had a cousin. Right?”
In the rest of our conversation, Mason reveals whether she has ever played matchmaker in real life, Fonseca discusses her cornhole skills, and Buckley recalls being starstruck by Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland, who is technically now his co-star.
DECIDER: I’d love to start with Marsha, because the love story at the center of this movie between Avery and Matt would not have happened without Darlene’s very obvious matchmaking. Marsha, how much fun was it to play someone who was determined to bring Lyndsy and Robert’s characters together?
MARSHA MASON: I had such a good time, because they’re very difficult people to work with. So I had a wonderful time nudging them together.
Photo: Hallmark Media
Have you ever had the opportunity to do something similar for people in your own life?
MM: Oh, that’s interesting. I certainly had opinions about who my daughters were dating and who my grandchildren were dating. So yes, I think I would have strong opinions about those things.
ROBERT BUCKLEY: If I can jump in with a question: If one of your daughters were dating someone you didn’t like, how would you tell her — if you told her at all?
MM: I would ask her what she liked about him and then go from there.
RB: Respectful.
MM: I am respectful — with the exception of you, of course. Yes.
RB: Yes. I haven’t seen that side of you, but I believe it’s there.
Lyndsy and Robert, what was it like bringing Avery and Matt’s love story to life on screen?
MM: Yes, what was that like?
RB: It was easy because Lyndsy is infinitely likable and so fun to hang around with, so the flirty banter and ribbing each other, there was no effort required. It was just a joy.
LYNDSY FONSECA: Yeah. Also, I feel like there were no stereotypical tropes with our characters. It wasn’t like we hated each other at first. It was just a very honest kind of meet-cute that kept growing. So that was nice to play.
This movie is the second new movie of this year’s Countdown to Christmas slate on Hallmark and it’s the third of the network’s collaborations with the NFL. What was your experience like leading one of these tentpole projects and what is it about this matchup between Hallmark and the NFL that really speaks to fans?
RB: Who wants to jump in on this thing?
LF: I think at first if you don’t know the previous NFL movies, you’re sort of like, “What do sports and Hallmark have in common?” I honestly, truly believe it is the most perfect match. Your love for the holidays, your love for sports, families coming together, watching together, a little bit of something for everyone. So that part of it was really exciting.
RB: You know when a good invention comes out and everyone’s like, “Oh my gosh, how was this not invented 20 years ago?” When I first heard about the Hallmark and NFL joint production with the Chiefs [Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story], on the very first one of those, I had that moment where I was like, “How has this not been done 20 years ago?” It makes so much sense. Because Hallmark movies bring people together, the NFL brings people together, and it was sort of this, I thought, a very sneaky synergy. Say if your partner doesn’t watch Hallmark movies but they’re a sports fan, there’s the entry point for them, and vice versa.
LF: A little something for everyone.
MM: Yeah, and on a personal level, as we all experienced, because we had scenes with either retired or present players. These guys, these men, they were extraordinary. It was a different world to them. They were curious about it. But also within the scenes themselves, they had a total kind of naturalness and immediately were responding and relating. It was really exciting from that point of view for us.
Outside of Soldier Field, the film takes us to the Irish Nobleman in Chicago, which I didn’t realize was an actual real bar. Did you get to shoot at thereal location? And I have to ask, what are your real thoughts on Malört?
LF: Okay, so many things. Everything in the movie, we were in all those places. There were no green screens. But, Malört, I think is how you say it? Pretty gross. You tried it, right, Marsha? It’s not great.
MM: It was terrible. It was tough tasting.
RB: It’s like if Jäger[meister] had a cousin. Right?
MM: Well, not knowing Jäger, I’m not sure if it was a cousin or a sister.
LF: Too close for comfort.
MM: It was an acquired taste, let me say that. Sort of like, what is that other digestif that’s for your stomach or something? It had that kind of almost medicinal [taste].
RB: Which is what you’re looking for in just a tasty little drink, right? That reminds you of medicine.
Yes, around the holidays. A nice little sweet treat.
LF: They’re very serious about it in Chicago.
MM: And because we love Chicago and we love the Bears, I’ll drink it anytime. I’m game.
And like Malört, this movie embraces a lot of other Chicago traditions and dishes. What was your favorite to try or do while shooting?
RB: The way I like to experience cities is by eating my way through them and Chicago was heaven for me. I mean, tavern-style pizza, I had a reawakening. A spiritual experience, if you will. It was incredible. Italian beef dip sandwiches, which I’d never had properly before Chicago. That was incredible.
MM: And they had to dip twice.
RB: You gotta double dip that bad boy. And the Chicago dog itself is iconic for a reason. It’s incredible.
Did you have a specific place that you’d go to get them?
RB: Yeah, if you’re going to get tavern-style, I would say Zarella. If you’re going to get Italian beef, Mr. Beef, Al’s, Portillo’s if you want. And if you are going to get a Chicago dog, I mean…
RB: I should be on the, what is it, the board of commerce or tourism? Are you listening, Chicago? I’m available for collaboration.
Photo: Hallmark Media
We’ll send this out. And one of my favorite scenes in this movie is the Christmas cornhole competition, which features cameos from Colston Loveland and Dan Hampton. I went to Michigan while Colston Loveland was playing, so getting to see him onscreen was awesome. Robert, your character, Matt, was pretty starstruck during this scene. What was it like getting to act alongside these Bears icons?
LF: He’s not acting.
RB: She can attest to this. When this script came in, originally it was only Cole Kmet. Then we had gotten to the pre-production, and I was like, “Hey, listen, if there’s a world where we could get Colston Loveland, that’d be pretty cool too.” Then, we got Colston. I saw the scene, and I lost all of my cool. Then I had to check myself and be like, “You’re old enough to be his dad. Don’t make it weird.” I was very excited, and she was laughing and making fun of me on the day. She’s like, “You’re so giddy! Look at you.”
LF: He’s like a kid in a candy store.
RB: In the scene, as you know, I’m starstruck. It was great because it just allowed my natural nerves to come to the surface. I didn’t have to have any cool in the scene, so I just exhibited my natural lack of coolness.
Another reason why I love this scene is it marks a turning point for Avery and her stepfather, Ron. Lyndsy, tell me more about shooting this scene with Khary Payton, and are you really that good at cornhole in real life?
RB: Can I take the real-life cornhole ?
LF: Yeah.
RB: We went to the [Bears] game [on Oct. 4], and we actually got to experience a tailgate. This group had a cornhole set up, and I kid you not, just like in the movie, she threw five bags and I think she drained four of them.
LF: I was feeling the Bears’ energy. It was so great. But Khary Payton is so good in the movie. He is so charismatic, funny, and sincere. I just fell in love with him on and off screen.
MM: Yeah, they were a great pair.
There’s a beautiful lesson at the center of this movie about taking things one day at a time, told through Darlene’s love story with Bernie, her battle with cancer, and her pursuit of attending 500 Bears games. What else are you all hoping people take away from Holiday Touchdown, A Bears Love Story?
MM: Well, as Rob has actually said, joy. I mean, there is a kind of community, joy, happiness. No matter what difficulties a person may go through, the idea of a community is really important, and that you can overcome and have a life. One of the best moments for me was to go to that 500th game and then have this moment, a private moment, with a husband that’s no longer there. So it’s about loss, as well. But overall, the message is joy, happiness, affection and love.
LF: Can I just gush for a second? That moment, your physicality when you’re outside the field.
RB: The little dance number she does?
LF: And you talk personally to your late husband, and your body moves and you’re so joyful and giddy. I remember when you were shooting that day and I just couldn’t stop watching it. I was like, “Oh my gosh.” It was just so special, Marsha.
MM: Oh thank you, thank you.
I was tearing up rewatching it today, so I can echo that as well.
MM: Tears of happiness.
Yes, of course. And another scene I loved watching in this movie was the firetruck scene, [where you guys were] zooming to the Bears game. Was it everything it’s cracked up to be getting to be inside a firetruck?
MM: Yes! Yes, yes.
LF: It is?
MM: Well, in the sense that you realize what it actually is like inside. It’s terrible. And they’ve got all that equipment on and everything.
LF: We had to take ladders to get in and out of the truck.
MM: He had to literally pick me up and put me down. I couldn’t even step down, it’s so high. It’s crazy.
RB: Unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience driving… Well, I guess we pulled up to the stadium, but all the actual driving you see that’s with the truck parked. But I would agree, it’s big and uncomfortable.
MM: And the smell!
LF: Oh, it’s stinky and hot.
MM: Yes, and it’s really hot. We were there with fans because it was 90 degrees and we were in a heat wave. So you can imagine how exciting it was to be dressed with winter clothes on.
LF: Those firefighters work hard. Definitely. The real deal.
MM: It’s amazing.
Yeah, I could not imagine. In addition to you three, as well as the people we’ve gotten to mention already, this cast is stacked in this movie. I loved seeing Barbara Alyn Woods play Jodie, Avery’s mother. Robert, this also kind of became a One Tree Hill reunion for you and her, if you will. What was it like getting to reunite with her on set?
Oh, it was the best. I love Barb. But we never crossed paths on One Tree Hill, so we only get to see each other at conventions. Then right after I had signed on to this movie, about two days later, I just woke up to a text from her saying, “If you were to do a Christmas movie with any member of the One Tree Hill cast, who would you want it to be?” And I was like, “Oh my God, no way.” She is just a delight to spend time with, and she’s also fantastic to work with. So every day that I got to be on set with her was just the best.
Photo: Hallmark Media
Is there an NFL team any of you hope to see in a future Holiday Touchdown movie?
RB: The sequel with the Bears.
LF: Yes! We have a lot more to uncover with the Bears.
MM: It’s an extraordinary organization, and their participation with Hallmark made it so much more fun. They were really gung ho with it. They treated us so beautifully and they take good care of you. We got to be with the coach, too. That was an amazing thing. That was great.
Something really special about this movie is that it also welcomed four non-actors, two of whom won a Bears Care Auction, and the other two are Bears Care donors and Hallmark fans. Did you get to give them any tips before they made their onscreen debut?
LF: They didn’t need tips, no. It was so great to have their energy there. They were in the hair and makeup trailer with us, getting ready with us, on set with us. It was so fun.
MM: And that was exciting for them, so that was special.
RB: The one day we had, I think, the two from the Bears Care auction was the day that we were shooting the scenes with Coach Johnson, Cole Kmet, and Coach Johnson’s wife. It was great because they had a natural nervousness and excitement because it was their first day on set, but then we also had a natural nervousness and excitement. Like I’ll speak for myself, getting to be with Coach and Cole. Everyone was sort of nervous and excited for their own reasons, so it just worked really well.
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story begins streaming on Hallmark+ on Sunday, Oct. 18.
A former true crime television producer has landed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list after allegedly posing as a wealthy heiress to defraud banks.
Mary Carole McDonnell, 75, was added to the list on Oct. 14 after the FBI accused her of allegedly taking millions of dollars from banks by claiming to be an heiress connected to the McDonnell aircraft family.
How Did Mary Carole McDonnell Allegedly Pull Off Her Con?
McDonnell, who previously led Bellum Entertainment, allegedly told financial institutions that her supposed family ties gave her access to an “$80 million secret trust,” authorities said.
“From July 2017 to May 2018, McDonnell is alleged to have knowingly, and with the intent to defraud, devised and participated in a scheme to obtain money, funds, assets, and property owned by a California bank,” the FBI said. Investigators allege that she fraudulently received approximately $14.7 million from the bank, despite knowing she was not entitled to the money, and has not repaid it.
Authorities also allege that McDonnell used a similar scheme against other financial institutions. According to the FBI’s Most Wanted poster, the total estimated loss exceeds $15 million.
As Bellum Entertainment’s CEO, McDonnell produced true crime reality shows including It Takes a Killer and Corrupt Crimes. The company later folded after accumulating more than $1 million in debt to creditors, according to Deadline.
“This woman was a Hollywood executive specializing in true crime content and allegedly crossed over into actual true crime,” Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Kent told the outlet. “She conned her victims into believing she was an old money heiress when in reality she was a common thief.”
FBI Offers Reward For Information on Wanted Fugitive Mary Carole McDonnell
A federal arrest warrant was issued for McDonnell in December 2018 on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. She has remained a fugitive and avoided capture ever since.
“Most Wanted Fraudster Mary McDonnell is wanted for defrauding financial institutions out of millions and is known to have falsified her inheritance and background,” Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said. “It’s just a matter of time before McDonnell is caught as we work with our international partners to locate her.”
Grandy said the FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to McDonnell’s arrest and conviction.
Investigators believe McDonnell may be living in Dubai. She is also known by the aliases Mary Carole Carroll and Mary Carroll McDonnell.
If she is captured and convicted, McDonnell could face a sentence of up to 154 years in prison.
McDonnell is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds. The FBI describes her as having blonde hair, blue eyes and a scar on her right knee.
Anyone with information about the case should contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov, or contact the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
The BBC has been accused of “brainwashing” children after a Mail on Sunday investigation alleged that its education website promotes “extreme” left-wing positions on migration, Net Zero and inequality to millions of pupils.
BBC Bitesize, a resource promoted by almost every UK state school, encourages children to play an online game called Increasing Immigration. Players are rewarded for selecting policies including “open borders” and an amnesty for illegal migrants.
The website also suggests that people who argue migrants could take jobs from local workers are “prejudiced”, while presenting a series of claims about the economic advantages of migration.
Pupils are also encouraged to campaign for controversial Net Zero policies and join human rights organisations such as Amnesty International. The site praises the Black Lives Matter movement and left-wing activists including Greta Thunberg.
The findings are likely to intensify allegations of political bias at the broadcaster, following a series of controversies that have damaged the BBC’s reputation, including the editing of a speech by Donald Trump.
The investigation comes at a pivotal point for the Corporation, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expected to publish a White Paper on the BBC’s charter renewal before Christmas.
BBC director general Matt Brittin has promised to address concerns about bias by introducing technology to track how frequently particular words and phrases are used.
Danny Cohen, a former controller of BBC television, called last night for an urgent investigation into the findings.
The BBC has been accused of “brainwashing” children after a Mail on Sunday investigation alleged that its education website promotes “extreme” left-wing views on migration, Net Zero and inequality to millions of pupils.
BBC Bitesize, promoted by almost every UK state school, encourages children to play Increasing Immigration, in which they receive rewards for choosing “open borders” and granting an amnesty to illegal migrants.
“The BBC needs to explain why its educational website is pushing extreme left-wing ideologies to schoolchildren,” he said. “There is such a lack of balance in so many areas of the BBC’s output that it cannot be seriously defended as coincidental.”
Launched in 1998, BBC Bitesize is one of Britain’s largest education websites. Half of all children aged between four and 16 reportedly use it, with almost 1.7 million pupils accessing the service each week.
BBC executives have described the service as a central part of the broadcaster’s founding “Reithian” mission to “inform, educate and entertain”.
The Mail on Sunday reviewed BBC Bitesize material aimed at pre-GCSE secondary school pupils aged between 11 and 14.
One example examined by the newspaper is Increasing Immigration, a game in which pupils make decisions designed to increase the number of people entering the country.
Every option carries a budget “cost”. After making a choice, players are shown its claimed impact on the economy, public health and the environment.
Instructions for the Roblox-hosted game state: “We don’t have enough people of working age to keep our society running smoothly. We should try to attract migrant workers and incorporate them into our economy.”
In one scenario, pupils are told that “a few” immigrants are living in the country without valid visas or permission. They can choose either to deport them or grant an amnesty. Deportation costs one point in the economy and one in public health, and players are warned: “This can be potentially dangerous for them [the immigrants]. Don’t expect this to be unchallenged!”
By contrast, players who choose an amnesty are told that “this will make them very happy” and receive two points in both the economy and public health categories.
In another scenario, geography pupils are told that allowing people to cross the border easily “could really help grow our economy”. They can select “open borders”, which raises the economy score by three points and public health by two, or reject the policy as “too radical” and receive no points.
Those who opt for open borders receive the optimistic message: ‘I’m excited to see where this goes!’ In contrast, pupils who select ‘too radical’ are told: ‘Perhaps you’re right to be cautious.’
BBC director general Matt Brittin has pledged to tackle bias by rolling out technology that monitors how often certain words or phrases are used
A third example involves ‘poorly-paid, demanding’ jobs available in food processing. Pupils are told hiring locals costs the fictional budget two points, but employing migrants costs one. In this scenario, each option boosts the economy by the same amount, but hiring migrants costs players less.
The BBC this weekend said players are not rewarded for choosing political positions and that points are also awarded for training local people and for closing borders.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott last night demanded the BBC remove the game from its website. ‘The BBC has crossed a line,’ she said. ‘They have a duty to remain impartial, and yet they are using learning tools as a vehicle to push a Left-wing political agenda onto young children.
‘Advocating open borders encourages illegal small boat crossings. These are the type of toxic resources dressed up as education which should be nowhere near the classroom.’
Accompanying material for teachers explains the game is set in ‘Southern Europe’, although this is unclear when playing.
Elsewhere on the Bitesize website, learning material is littered with contested claims about the economic benefits of migration.
Citizenship pupils in Northern Ireland are told that while immigrants can put pressure on housing and hospital waiting lists, they also ‘contribute more in tax income that they use in services’ and ‘make a significant contribution to the economy: they fill skills gaps, pay taxes, and spend money’.
Geography pupils in Wales, meanwhile, are told that migrants pump a ‘staggering amount of money’ into the economy.
The website does not, however, make clear that the economic impact of migrants varies greatly depending on their skills and the type of visa they have been issued.
Those on skilled worker visas do contribute more in tax than they use in services but care workers and the immigrant relatives of British citizens have a negative fiscal impact, Oxford University’s respected Migration Observatory has found.
The Northern Ireland study material also states: ‘Some people may think that migrants take jobs from local people. This view likely arises from prejudice.’
Another part of the website lists twice as many benefits for migration compared to disadvantages.
BBC Bitesize also appears to be advocating a world without borders. A video for Welsh geography students states: ‘As technology evolves… the question remains: can we learn to live with globalisation? And with it, fulfil the promise of a truly borderless world.’
Former BBC boss Mr Cohen added: ‘Parents ought to be deeply concerned that the BBC is encouraging children to conform to extreme ideas such as open borders. It is yet another unacceptable failure of the BBC’s requirement to ensure impartiality.’
A video on the website also describes the contentious Net Zero policy as an ‘important goal’ and suggests that pupils could ‘petition your local government to act’. Another video, for students in Wales, states: ‘For us to reach Net Zero in Wales, we’ll have to do things differently. We may need to fly less, eat less meat or stick to sustainably farmed meat.’
But mainstream politicians have rejected that idea. Sir Keir Starmer last year said tackling climate change ‘does not mean telling people how to run their lives’.
BBC Bitesize material also hails a string of Left-wing and progressive ‘political’ icons, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and 1980s campaign group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.
BBC Bitesize material also hails a string of Left-wing and progressive ‘political’ icons, including climate activist Greta Thunberg (pictured) and 1980s campaign group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners
A video asks if pupils joined Ms Thunberg’s school protests, when pupils skipped Friday classes to campaign against climate change.
Elsewhere it says that a statue to US anti-slavery campaigner Frederick Douglass in Belfast is a ‘reminder that anti-racism movements such as Black Lives Matter in Belfast and across Ireland are one with the movements of the rest of the world’.’
The website also says Black Lives Matter ‘campaigns for freedom, justice and equality’. It does not, however, acknowledge how the movement in the UK became highly contentious after it was hijacked by far-Left activists who want to tear down capitalism and abolish the police.
In another video about reducing inequality, the presenter states that ‘the world becomes a fairer place when we take every cause as our own’ and, over footage of a Pride flag, says ‘I will always be an ally to those shouting for equality’.
It also shows demonstrations featuring placards emblazoned with ‘Black Muslim Lives Matter’ and ‘Refugees Welcome’.
In a different section about slavery, Bitesize tells pupils to ‘join and campaign’ with groups such as Amnesty International.
The UK arm of the charity was widely criticised earlier this year after describing gender-critical organisations and a woman’s refuge backed by J. K. Rowling as ‘anti-rights’ groups. It later withdrew the report and referred itself to the Charity Commission.
Alex Burghart, Shadow Cabinet Office Secretary, said: ‘The BBC was set up to inform, educate and entertain –- not misinform, re-educate and brainwash.’ And former Tory Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP said: ‘The mask has slipped and the BBC has yet again betrayed its rampant Left-wing political agenda. The state broadcaster brainwashing children using a homework game is like something from a North Korean re-education camp.’
A BBC spokesman said: ‘BBC Bitesize works with educational consultants to develop resources that help young people explore and understand a wide range of topics, aligned to the respective curriculums across the UK.
‘While we don’t accept the characterisation of Bitesize in this story, we regularly review content to ensure it remains relevant and to ensure it meets the BBC’s editorial standards and will review these examples in that context.’
Director-general Matt Brittin warned in July that the BBC faced a ‘moment of real jeopardy’ after the number of households paying the licence fee fell by more than 500,000 in the past year.
A-list celebrities brought high glamour to Los Angeles on Saturday as they gathered for the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala.
Taylor Swift was set to perform during the star-studded evening, while Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and Halloween director John Carpenter were recognized as this year’s honorees.
The festivities began with celebrities making their entrances on the glittering red carpet, among them Karlie Kloss and Brittany Snow.
However, while guests showcased their carefully chosen outfits for photographers, several looks failed to make the desired impression in the red carpet fashion stakes.
Charlize Theron, 51, made a dramatic statement in an unconventional dress, while fellow attendees including Pamela Anderson, 59, opted for ensembles that proved equally divisive.
Here, the Daily Mail rounds up the worst-dressed stars from the 2026 Academy Museum Gala.
Charlize Theron, 51, made a dramatic statement in an eccentric dress, while she and Pamela Anderson led the worst-dressed stars at Saturday’s 2026 Academy Museum Gala.
Theron chose a sleeveless black dress featuring contrasting patterns and sheer cutouts across the front.
Theron’s sleeveless black dress combined a variety of patterns with sheer cutout detailing across the front.
Shimmering fabric framed the upper sides before giving way to a see-through skirt with a short train at the back. Matching sparkly material appeared along the hem, while a slim leather belt cinched her waist.
Further patterned detailing around the hips added another distinctive element to the unconventional design.
Theron finished the look with black open-toed heels and minimal silver jewelry as she stopped for a brief photo session.
The Anderson alum chose an off-white blouse that was left partially unbuttoned at the neckline.
She tucked the shirt into a pastel mint-green skirt, which flowed into a long train and featured a bow at the waist.
Anderson added a neon-green clutch to the outfit, while her blonde hair was styled in voluminous curls.
Obsession star Inde Navarrette was also included among the evening’s worst-dressed stars on the glamorous red carpet.
Shimmering fabric covered the upper sides of Theron’s dress before falling into a sheer skirt with a short train at the back. Matching sparkle appeared along the hem, while a slim leather belt wrapped around her waist.
Additional patterned detailing around the hips gave the dress a distinctive and unconventional finish.
The Baywatch alum wore an off-white blouse that was partially unbuttoned at the neckline.
The blouse was tucked into a pastel mint-green skirt that fell into a long train and featured a bow around the waist.
Anderson carried a neon green clutch in her hand while her blonde locks were styled into voluminous curls
Obsession star Inde Navarrette was also among the worst dressed stars on the glitzy red carpet
Navarrette completed the outfit by slipping into a pair of closed-toed, black pumps and carried a black clutch in her hand
Naomi Ackie made a grand arrival to the event wearing a strapless, vibrant purple gown that was loose-fitting around the bodice and midriff
The actress donned a nude-colored dress that contained a corset bodice as well as black, shiny circular details that covered most of the fabric.
The ensemble contained a balloon of material around her upper thighs before falling down into another layer of fabric that stopped just below her ankles.
Navarrette completed the outfit by slipping into a pair of closed-toed, black pumps and carried a black clutch in her hand.
Her dark locks were styled into a sleek chignon while a dazzling silver necklace and matching earrings were added to accessorize the one-of-a-kind dress for the evening.
Naomi Ackie made a grand arrival to the event wearing a strapless, vibrant purple gown that was loose-fitting around the bodice and midriff.
An additional layer of the material flowed down into a full skirt and a short train behind her.
The Blink Twice actress opted for minimal accessories and added a pair of mini silver earrings while her hair was swept back into an updo.
Ackie gave a glimpse at the billowing back portion of the dress before heading inside the main venue.
An additional layer of the material flowed down into a full skirt and a short train behind her
Ackie gave a glimpse at the billowing back portion of the dress before heading inside the main venue
Cole Escola wore a black satin ensemble that contained dramatic caped fabric and an oversized bow embellishment around the neckline
The comedian added a pair of dangly green earrings to the look, as well as a dramatic smoky eyeshadow and bold red tint to their lips
Laura Linney stepped onto the red carpet in a fitted brown dress that contained a folded fringe of material around arms and neckline
Cole Escola wore a black satin ensemble that contained dramatic caped fabric and an oversized bow embellishment around the neckline.
The comedian added a pair of dangly green earrings to the look, as well as a dramatic smoky eyeshadow and bold red tint to their lips.
Laura Linney stepped onto the red carpet in a fitted brown dress that contained a folded fringe of material around arms and neckline.
The Ozark actress also donned a pair of closed-toed, black heels and chose to not add flashy pieces of jewelry to the overall ensemble.
Awkwafina stepped onto the red carpet in a plain blue dress with structured shoulders and a small slit on the left side.
The actress slipped into a pair of open-toed, light blue heels and added a thin blue necklace as well as small earrings for a finishing touch.
Rhea Seehorn opted for a pair of fuzzy black bottoms as well as a flowy white top that fell down behind her into a small train.
The Pluribus actress layered the unique outfit with a black blazer and added a pair of mini earrings for a final touch.
Awkwafina stepped onto the red carpet in a plain blue dress with structured shoulders and a small slit on the left side
Rhea Seehorn opted for a pair of fuzzy black bottoms as well as a flowy white top that fell down behind her into a small train
The Pluribus actress layered the unique outfit with a black blazer and added a pair of mini earrings for a final touch
Janelle Monae arrived wearing a figure-hugging, mermaid-style gown that was made of shiny blue and black material.
A large butterfly embellishment with sparkling wings was added around the upper chest area.
The singer additionally opted for a pair of opera-length gloves that matched the hues of the dress. Monae offered a few dramatic poses for the cameras as she strutted onto the red carpet.
Sarah Paulson was also in attendance and landed on the worst dressed list in a gold-embellished sequin dress that had a cutout on the front.
While the hem stopped above her ankles, additional material fell down behind her into a long train.
Janelle Monae arrived wearing a figure-hugging, mermaid-style gown that was made of shiny blue and black material
A large butterfly embellishment with sparkling wings was added around the upper chest area
Sarah Paulson was also in attendance and landed on the worst dressed list in a gold-embellished sequin dress that had a cutout on the front
While the hem stopped above her ankles, additional material fell down behind her into a long train
Zoey Deutch was also spotted at the event in a long-sleeved, white dress that had colorful embellishments scattered onto the fabric
Paulson added long, dangly earrings to accessorize the outfit and also opted for smoky shadow around her eyes in a dramatic flare.
Zoey Deutch was also spotted at the event in a long-sleeved, white dress that had colorful embellishments scattered onto the fabric.
She added a few rings on each of her hands, while her locks were parted in the middle and fell down in light waves.
Jodie Turner-Smith also landed on the worst dressed list as she donned a pale blue and brown-striped pencil skirt and matching belted top.
Jodie Turner-Smith also landed on the worst dressed list as she donned a pale blue and brown-striped pencil skirt and matching belted top
The actress opted for a pair of matching gloves and added a pointed headpiece which also partially covered her left eye
Eddie Redmayne donned a blue velvet shirt as well as a pair of dark blue, loose-fitting trousers to the event
The actress opted for a pair of matching gloves and added a pointed headpiece which also partially covered her left eye.
For a final touch, she slipped into a pair of white pumps.
Eddie Redmayne donned a blue velvet shirt as well as a pair of dark blue, loose-fitting trousers to the event.
The actor completed the outfit by wearing a pair of dark navy, slip-on shoes and added a black watch to his left wrist.
Davina McCall has revealed the heartbreaking way she prepared herself for the possibility of dying at 56. In November 2024, the television presenter underwent a craniotomy after doctors found a “very rare” colloid cyst on her brain. The complex five-hour operation was successful, but Davina later experienced Alzheimer’s-like symptoms for roughly a year. In the moments before surgery, she had to confront the possibility that she might not survive.
Reflecting on the experience, Davina said she had to “look death in the face” and remain composed rather than dwell on what might happen.
“I looked dying in the face when I had the brain surgery,” the former Big Brother host told Paloma Faith’s Mad, Bad and Sad podcast. “I lay there and I thought, ‘Okay, I have to go into that operating theatre and go to sleep and let go of the outcome.’”
“I can’t go in full of fear,” she added.
Davina explained that she did not want her fear to affect the medical team caring for her. “I don’t want to fill the surgeon and everybody working with him full of fear. You know, ‘I’ve got three kids, please keep me alive.’ You want someone to be calm,” she said.
“I thought, I have to be calm to help them be calm. I looked back at my life and I thought, have I kept my side of the street clean? For me, that meant apologising for something that you feel you need to apologise for and not expecting anything in return.”
Davina continued: “And I thought, yes, I have done that throughout my life. Do my kids know how much I love them? Yes. So, I thought, I can go in there and I can let go of the outcome.”
“Let’s face it, we all think that we’re going to die when we’re 70 or 80, but there I was, 56, thinking, ‘Oh, this could be it. You haven’t got the extra 30 years.’”
The presenter also encouraged listeners to start completing their bucket lists while they can, agreeing that people should try to live each day as though it could be their last.
Her brain cyst diagnosis came just two months after she received the all-clear from a mammogram. Davina also underwent a lumpectomy soon afterwards and announced in April 2026 that she had been given the all-clear.
Friends of Meghan Markle have claimed the Duchess of Sussex was “used” by Netflix to generate publicity for Guy Ritchie’s hit series The Gentlemen.
Sources close to Meghan reportedly accused the streaming platform of highlighting her possible involvement in the crime comedy to help promote the show.
In August, a Hollywood website reported that Meghan was in preliminary discussions about a potential role in the third season of the Netflix drama.
The report emerged just two days after Meghan and Prince Harry were said to be returning to Britain indefinitely with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
However, within a day of the casting speculation becoming public, plans for Meghan’s acting comeback reportedly stalled following criticism of the proposed role, with the discussions ultimately abandoned.
Her friends have now alleged that Meghan was “used to help promote” the show’s second season, which premiered last month and stars Theo James and Kaya Scodelario.
One source claimed Netflix sought to strengthen the show’s publicity because the second season was not considered “as good as the first”, despite the platform having already commissioned a third series.
Close friends of Meghan Markle have claimed she was “used” by Netflix to promote Guy Ritchie’s hit series The Gentlemen (pictured in February in Los Angeles)
Season two of The Gentlemen, starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, premiered last month
“It’s the oldest marketing trick in the book: get a big name to read a script, then leak that you’re ‘in conversation’ with them when, in reality, nothing is particularly far along,” the source told The Telegraph.
The source added that the episode had “left a bit of a sour taste in the Sussex camp’s mouth”, claiming Netflix had ultimately “got what it wanted” through increased publicity and stronger viewing figures for the new season.
Audience data indicated that official ratings for The Gentlemen fell by about 15 per cent compared with the first season’s debut, which attracted 3.5 million viewers when it was released in March 2024.
The opening episode of season two drew approximately three million British viewers in the week after its Netflix release.
Before marrying Harry, Meghan was best known for playing lawyer Rachel Zane in the popular US legal drama Suits, appearing in the role for seven seasons.
After her final episode aired in 2018 and she joined the Royal Family, Meghan stepped away from acting and has not taken on another full acting role since.
In 2022, she told Variety magazine that she had no plans to return to acting, saying: “I’m done. I guess never say never but my intention is to absolutely not.”
She has nevertheless made tentative moves back into the industry, including a small appearance in the upcoming US film Close Personal Friends. Meghan is set to appear as herself alongside Lily Collins and Brie Larson.
Earlier this year, she also appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia, filming the episode in Melbourne in April during a four-day tour of the country with Harry.
Meghan played lawyer Rachel Zane for seven seasons of the US legal drama Suits
Meghan’s Netflix deal lapsed last year after her lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, ended. Pictured: Meghan Markle on With Love, Meghan
Yet another source said Meghan was ‘very cautious’ about reading scripts for acting ventures due to the potential of her involvement being leaked to the press. They said whatever Meghan might star in would ‘attract huge interest’.
‘The prospect of seeing her return to acting will drive big audiences,’ the source said. ‘And ultimately, someone – whether it’s Netflix, Amazon or another studio – is going to make a lot of money from it.’
The Duchess previously had a longstanding relationship with Netflix, signing a $100million five-year deal with the service in 2020. However, this lapsed last year after Netflix panned her lifestyle show, ‘With Love, Meghan’.
The show received mixed reviews from critics, with its second series failing to make the top ten in the UK or the US since its release.
Netflix has been contacted for comment.
The Duchess of Sussex has been contacted for comment.
