Benefits set to be slashed in Autumn budget in attempt to tackle 'national scandal'

While fans wait for “Gangs Of London” Season 3, how about a film directed by one of the TV show’s directors? “Mayhem!” doesn’t star anyone from the British crime series, but it operates in a similar vein: a crime-ridden tale about violence, vengeance, and the value of family. READ MORE: The Most Anticipated Films Of 2024 “Mayhem!” follows a French ex-pro boxer released from prison who escapes to Thailand after his past catches up with him.

Jon Favreau‘s 2008 film “Iron Man” is usually referred to as the blockbuster that first kicked off Hollywood’s superhero movie craze (well, that one and “The Dark Knight“). But according to Pepper Potts herself, Gwyneth Paltrow, “Iron Man” wasn’t pitched to her as a sure-fire success.

John Waters has named Ari Aster’s dark comedy Beau Is Afraid as the best film of 2023.The Pink Flamingos director shared his annual list of favorite movies of the year with Vulture, placing the A24 film at the very top.“A superlong, super-crazy, super-funny movie about one man’s mental breakdown with a cast better than Around the World in 80 Days: Joaquin Phoenix, Patti LuPone, Parker Posey, Nathan Lane, and Amy Ryan,” Waters wrote. “It’s a laugh riot from hell you’ll never forget, even if you want to.”Also making Waters’ top 10 were Pierre Croton’s A Prince, Paul Schrader’s Master Gardener, Fallen Leaves, Do Not Expect Too Much of the End of the World, Last Summer, and the short film Strange Way of Life.The director also included Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which Waters argued “deserves the Oscar for being a big-budget, star-studded, intelligent action movie about talking.”You can find Waters’ top 10 films of the year below:Recently, Beau Is Afraid writer-director Aster told Vanity Fair that he was “disappointed” by the film’s reception, describing the movie as a social “experiment” for audiences.“I always knew the film was going to be polarizing and it’s designed to be divisive.

Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet has finally arrived in cinemas and now fans can listen to the film’s entire soundtrack – find the full list of songs below.Directed by Paul King, the filmmaker behind Paddington and Paddington 2, Wonka sees Chalamet cast as a younger version of the world-famous chocolatier and follows him as he tries to open his first shop.The musical prequel has been well-received in its first reviews, with critics describing it as “infinitely charming” and “intoxicating”. The film’s score, which features original songs from Chalamet and Hugh Grant, has also received praise.1. ‘Pure Imagination’ (Opening Titles Version) – Joby Talbot 2. ‘A Hatful of Dreams’ – Timothée Chalamet & The Cast of Wonka 3. ‘Welcome to Scrubbit’s’ – Joby Talbot 4. ‘You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This’ (Hoverchocs) – Timothée Chalamet 5. ‘Flying Chocolatiers’ – Joby Talbot 6. ‘Scrub Scrub’ – The Cast of Wonka 7. ‘Wonka’s Case’ – Joby Talbot 8. ‘Sweet Tooth’ – Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton & Keegan-Michael Key 9. ‘Willy and Noodle at the Zoo’ – Joby Talbot 10. ‘For a Moment’ – Calah Lane & Timothée Chalamet 11. ‘The Letter ‘A” – Joby Talbot 12. ‘Clock Tower’ – Joby Talbot 13. ‘You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This’ – Timothée Chalamet & The Cast of Wonka 14. ‘Oompa Loompa’ – Hugh Grant & Timothée Chalamet 15. ‘A World of Your Own’ – Timothée Chalamet & The Cast of Wonka 16. ‘Sorry, Noodle’ – Timothée Chalamet 17. ‘Mamma’s Secret’ – Joby Talbot 18. ‘Pure Imagination’ (from Wonka) – Timothée Chalamet 19. ‘Oompa Loompa’ (Reprise) – Hugh Grant 20. ‘500 Monks, One Giraffe’ – Joby Talbot 21. ‘Death by Chocolate’ – Joby Talbot 22. ‘The Oompa Loompa to the Rescue’ – Joby Talbot 23. Noodle Gives Affable the Ledger – Joby

Brandon Flowers of The Killers has teased the idea of intimate shows for the 20th anniversary of ‘Hot Fuss‘.The band’s debut LP ‘Hot Fuss’ was released on June 7, 2004 and featured iconic tracks such as ‘Smile Like You Mean It’, ‘Somebody Told Me’, ‘All These Things That I Have Done’ and fan favourite ‘Mr. Brightside’.Speaking to Zane Lowe on his Apple Music Radio show, Lowe mentions “20 years, isn’t it crazy?” to which Flowers responded with “It is crazy.

Adele has recalled feeling “really, really nervous” after finding out Lady Gaga was in the audience at one of her shows.The British singer recalled the experience during a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining how she became anxious knowing that the pop icon was in the audience.The moment occurred at one of her ‘Weekends With Adele’ residency shows at the Caesar’s Palace venue in Las Vegas, when she knew that the ‘Shallow’ singer would be in attendance for the night.“There’s been one [celebrity] there that I shit myself the whole show: Gaga,” she recalled to the outlet. “And I’ve spent a bit of time with her, but I rate her so hard.”“I was like, ‘The show’s terrible. It’s rubbish.

Kurt Cobain has explained how the Nirvana frontman “made a huge difference to the LGBTQ+ community”, and how her work is a reflection on “depression, alienation and detachment”.Aberdeen opened at London’s Soho Theatre this week, receiving its press night last night (Thursday December 7) after receiving critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe. Penned and acted out by writer and comedian Cassie Workman, the one-woman poetry play is a homage to Cobain as she “traverses time and space in a bid to save the life of her hero, in his US hometown of Aberdeen, Washington”.“I’m transgender, and transgender people go through a second puberty,” Workman told NME.

Doja Cat has announced a series of UK and European tour dates, set to kick off next summer. Find ticket details below.The new dates come as part of her ongoing ‘Scarlet Tour’, which is currently underway in North America and celebrates the release of her critically acclaimed fourth studio album earlier this year.Consisting of eight dates throughout June and July, the European leg of the tour marks the first time that the hit singer will embark on a headline arena tour on the continent.

Deathloop developer Arkane Lyon is making a new Blade game based on the popular Marvel character.Blade is a half-vampire half-human hunter first appearing in Marvel Comics in 1973. In the early 2000s, Wesley Snipes played the character in a trilogy of successful movies.

EXCLUSIVE: USA Network‘s “blue sky” series of the 2000s and early 2010s are having a moment this year between Suits‘ blockbuster run on Netflix, which broke streaming records and led to a potential offshoot series at NBC, and the Monk reunion movie, which premieres today on Peacock and already is getting awards recognition.

Looks like Kevin Costner HAS moved on — just not with Reese Witherspoon!

Awww!

Some I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! fans expected Danielle Harold to leave the show ahead of her elimination - because of a four-year curse. The former EastEnders actress, 31, became the fifth contestant to be voted out of the jungle on Thursday night.

Layton Williams has said he's 'hanging on' as he gave a glimpse at his moment of calm before the Strictly Come Dancing storm this weekend. The Bury-born actor and West End star will compete in the semi-finals of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (December 9).

Steph McGovern has made an emotional speech to mark her last ever episode of Steph's Packed Lunch as the show has been axed by Channel 4. Former BBC business reporter Steph, 41, has hosted the lunchtime chat show for three years, but earlier this year it was announced that the programme was being cancelled and would air its last episode in December. As Steph was joined by some of the show's regular guests, including Kate Bottley, Chris Kamara, Simon Rimmer, Russell Kane and Marcus Brigstocke, the Middlesbrough-born journalist paid tribute to the show as a "Northern power house".

American indie singer Noah Kahan has announced a huge gig in Manchester next year, which will take place at the city’s newest venue Co-Op Live.

Rylan Clark revealed something unusual that he's able to do with a body part during Friday's episode of This Morning. The presenter, 35, shocked viewers and left co-star Emma Willis cringing when he demonstrated how he is able to click his nose in and out of place.

Rochelle Humes has said she's made a realisation about the dynamics of her marriage to Marvin Humes as they remaining apart during his I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here stint. The JLS star was one of the 12 campmates to head Down Under for this year's edition of the ITV reality show.

Phillip Schofield is being tipped to make a return to broadcasting in 2024 after ITV "drew a line in the sand" over his exit from This Morning. On Thursday, ITV released the findings of an external review into This Morning, following the scandal which saw the long-time presenter leave the show amid rumours of a feud with co-host Holly Willoughby and later admitted to having an 'unwise but not illegal' affair with a younger colleague. The review has since concluded that ITV made "considerable efforts" to find out the truth about an alleged relationship between Phillip and a runner on This Morning in 2019 but was "unable to uncover the relevant evidence" until Schofield's admission in late May 2023.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that midfielder Alexis Mac Allister's knee injury 'doesn't look good' with just over a week to go until their clash with Manchester United at Anfield.

The rate of a two-year fixed mortgage has now dipped below the six percent mark for the first time in almost six months. Across all deposit sizes, the average two-year fixed-rate deal that homeowners can now get was 5.99 percent on Friday (Dec 8), according to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

Kevin De Bruyne has stepped up his recovery from injury in a boost to Manchester City's midfield options, but Pep Guardiola insists his side's drop in form is not down to the key midfielders he is missing.

Pep Guardiola admitted he cannot see a place for Kalvin Phillips in his current Manchester City system as he sent an extraordinary apology to the midfielder.

A familiar face is set to return to the helm of This Morning after it was revealed that Rylan Clark and Emma Willis will be replaced. At the start of this week the pair took over hosting duties on the ITV show as the presenting line-up continues to change following Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby's exits.

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix is taking on The Traitors at its own game. The streamer has ordered The Trust, an eight-part reality series that delves into the theme of greed.

President Joe Biden arrives in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon for his first Hollywood-centric fundraiser of his reelection campaign, amid pent up demand, some trepidation about 2024 and the potential for a return of Donald Trump.

EXCLUSIVE: Paramount Global Content Distribution has acquired worldwide rights to movie Depravity (previously known as Sic), the directorial debut of The Fighter and The Finest Hours screenwriter Paul Tamasy who also wrote the script.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a series of new measures to reward people in work, help make work pay, and reform the welfare system, during the Autumn Statement on Wednesday. The measures aim to build on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) new ‘Back to Work’ plan, which focuses on helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who have difficulties finding employment to overcome barriers to secure and stay in work.

There was some good news for Greater Manchester in the autumn statement today (November 22), but local leaders have warned that many people will still face a difficult winter. Jeremy Hunt announced changes to pensions, benefits and national insurance in his speech this afternoon, telling MPs the country has 'turned a corner' after a turbulent time which saw some 'difficult decisions' made.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in his autumn statement that National Insurance will be slashed in the New Year.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made some major announcements as part of today's autumn statement which will affect millions receiving Universal Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Jeremy Hunt confirmed controversial plans to shake up the welfare system in his autumn statement. The chancellor said claimants who fail to find a job could have their benefits cut completely, while people on long-term sick leave would be asked to find remote working jobs.

The UK government has used its Autumn Statement to quell industry concerns around the new tax credit but declines to raise relief for indie film, while Equity has slammed the Conservatives for “undermining public service broadcasters and pursuing a culture war against marginalised groups.”

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered his autumn statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday (November 22) saying the country's economy is "back on track".

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced the government will slash national insurance for up to 27 million workers.

Scotland’s Finance Secretary has urged the Chancellor to avoid "ill-timed tax breaks" for wealthy people in the upcoming Autumn Statement.