Tim Minchin, award-winning comedian, actor and composer, has confirmed new UK dates of his BACK tour opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on 23 and 24 October. BACK is billed as “Old Songs, New Songs, F*** You Songs”, with a set list of material from all corners of Minchin’s eclectic – and often iconoclastic – repertoire.

First performed in the UK in 2019, BACK was Tim’s first UK tour in 8 years and the 80,000 tickets sold out over a year in advance. The long-awaited return to the stage received rave reviews and saw Tim pick up a prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert.

Minchin has been celebrated globally for writing the music and lyrics for Matilda the Musical, which has gone on to become one of the most acclaimed musicals of the last 20 years, winning a record 7 Olivier Awards, 13 Helpmann Awards and 5 Tony Awards. He also wrote music and lyrics for the musical adaption of Groundhog Day, which after an acclaimed limited run at The Old Vic in London in 2016, debuted on Broadway in April 2017 and won the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 2017.

Since his return to stage Tim starred in the ABC comedy series Squinters and appeared as Friar Tuck in the Hollywood release of Robin Hood. He also starred in UPRIGHT, the award winning eight-part drama series which he co-wrote with The Chaser’s Chris Taylor, actor-writers Leon Ford and Kate Mulvaney, and co-produced with Lingo Pictures for Foxtel and Sky UK.

In November 2020, Tim released his first studio solo album Apart Together. Described as “crisply observed and tenderly considered” in The Independent, the album reached #3 in the ARIA charts. On the eve of the release Tim and his band streamed a live performance of the full album to a worldwide audience and critical acclaim.

Disney's first South East Asian ‘sheroe’ has premiered as Raya and the Last Dragon sees Raya travel around the region to reunite its people and attempt to save the world in the process. But aside from bearing the weight of humanity on her shoulders - she's got another burden to bear.

South East Asia is a region that is home to 11 countries and 673 million people. The movie is set in Kumandra - a fantasy land that's home to five tribes - each of which has its own distinct culture, inspired by different places in South East Asia.

The film doesn't take place in today's timeline, but rather imagines what the region might have looked like thousands of years ago. It's clear that bits of South East Asia are peppered through the film.

Raya wears a hat that looks like the Salakot - a traditional headgear in the Philippines. Her loyal sidekick and also her form of transportation is named Tuk Tuk - a cheeky reference to a rickshaw that is a popular mode of transportation there. And her fighting technique is inspired by Silat - a traditional martial arts form practiced commonly in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Producer Osnat Shurer said: “We tried to look at what are the underlying ideas that are shared... the most important one for us was this sense of community and working together." Some online complain that the movie is essentially picking and choosing bits and pieces from different cultures in the region and throwing it together into one film. But Malaysian-born Adele Lim, who is the co-scriptwriter for the movie, says it goes deeper.

She said: "When you talk about cultural inspiration, it wasn't just like 'Oh, we like how this looks, so we put it in'. It was much deeper than that.

"For example the scene where Raya's father is making her soup - you know, as South East Asians, so much of our love is shown to us through food.so that was something that really touched me."

The filmmakers say the film is simply inspired by the region - and was never meant to focus in on just one culture or country.

"I equate it to how the Arthurian legends were built on dramatic European tales, the filmmaker said. “You can point to something French, something English," said Vietnamese-American co-scriptwriter Qui Nguyen. So I this is our opportunity to create a wholly original story, but have its DNA be from somewhere that's real. We don't want to tell a story where the bad guys are from Thailand and the good guys are from Malaysia. So this felt like the way to do it.

"The question of what constitutes South East Asian identity is still being deliberated by South East Asians themselves," David Lim, an associate professor at the Open University Malaysia. He pointed out that the colonisation of the region also added to the different cultural lenses each country is shaped by. Vietnam, for example, was colonised by the French, and Indonesia by the Dutch.

"I think the history of colonialism has to a certain extent shaped the way we look at ourselves and what cultures we aspire to be more like, and who we identify as," he said. "I suspect some in South East Asia will know less about their regional counterparts than their colonisers. Those in Vietnam for example, might know more about France than Thailand."

He added: “Many in South East Asia do not view themselves as being South East Asian in the same way one might view themselves as being European".

Prof Lim also points out that it is unfair to put the burden of accurately representing an entire region on one film. "Who can carry the burden of representing the whole of South East Asia? I think if you start to impregnate the film with too many ideas that you project onto it, then it's rather unfair," he said.

"Look at the film as a way in to talk about South East Asia, to trigger conversation about the region."

That is definitely the way many others are choosing to look at it - pointing out that the film, while perhaps not perfect, is a step in the right direction.

Following the furore of him saying on national television that he didn't believe a word the Duchess of Sussex told US chat show doyen, Oprah Winfrey, British television presenter Piers Morgan left his post on ITV's Good Morning Britain following a row over the comments.

ITV announced the decision after Ofcom said it was investigating his comments after receiving 41,000 complaints. The channel confirmed his departure, which took place with   immediate effect.

An ITV spokesperson said: "Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain. ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add."

His departure followed an on-air clash with weather presenter Alex Beresford, who criticised him for continuing to trash the Duchess, which prompted the controversial presenter to walk off set - before returning shortly after.

Explaining his problem with Piers' comments about the Duchess, Alex said: "I understand that you don't like Meghan Markle.

"You've made it clear a number of times on this programme, a number of times, and I understand that you've got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle, or that you had one and she cut you off.

"She's entitled to cut you off if she wants to. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don't think she has, but yet you continue to trash her." Following his exit, Alex then said: "You know what, that's pathetic. This is absolutely diabolical behaviour. I'm sorry, but Piers spouts off on a regular basis and we all have to sit there and listen.”

ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said she completely believed what the Duchess said and added that the channel is totally committed to mental health.

Mental health charity Mind, which is a partner with ITV on its Britain Get Talking campaign, also criticised Morgan, saying that it was disappointed by the presenter's comments.

Referring to Meghan as the "Pinocchio Princess" in a tweet, he bombarded the Duchesses mental wellbeing, overwhelmingly criticising her with; "Who did you go to?" "What did they say to you? I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she said, Meghan Markle. I wouldn't believe it if she read me a weather report.

"The fact that she's fired up this onslaught against our Royal Family I think is contemptible."

He added: "My real concern was a disbelief frankly... that she went to a senior member of the Royal household and told them she was suicidal and was told she could not have any help because it would be a bad look for the family."

A total of 41,015 complaints were made to media watchdog Ofcom - the second highest number of complaints in Ofcom's 17-year history.

Following Morgan’s outburst, Mind tweeted: "We were disappointed and concerned to see Piers Morgan's comments on not believing Meghan's experiences about suicidal thoughts.

"It's vital that when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health that they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy.

“We are in conversations with ITV about this at the moment."

Selfridges Birmingham is hosting a range of Mother’s Day events over the next 10 days, including beauty and fragrance masterclasses. There will also be an ‘On Motherhood Talk’ with six inspiring speakers, including Candice Braithwaite. Join her for a Mother’s Day card workshop.

The Scribble & Daub founder and illustrator will introduce people to her own style of work made with a traditional dip pen and inks, while looking at some other great artists who have drawn on flowers for inspiration before being taken through a simple design you can recreate at home – and gift to Mum.

For the digital workshop make sure to bring:

-       Good quality paper or card stock and some paper to practice on

-       A pencil and a waterproof black ink pen

-       Something to add colour such as a brush and inks, watercolours, gouache, crayons, coloured pens or pencils or even a lipstick if you have nothing else at the time!

-       Optional - some flowers to draw from in a little vase, or a photo on your phone but we will also provide images on screen to work from

This is a live virtual event. Information on how to join will be emailed to you 24 hours before the event. Keep a look out.

For the fragrance fans take Mum along and join in to celebrate the latest fragrance launch: L’Artisan Parfumeur. David Napier, the brand’s Communication Manager, will be joined by i-D France magazine’s Editorial Director, Claire Thomson-Jonville, to discuss all things fragrance and introduce a live olfactive profiling to guide Mum (and you) to her perfect perfume before answering all your burning questions.

Ticket is purchased for the specified event date and is not transferable to other events.

In their much heralded interview, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pulled no punches in their exclusive, tell-all, interview with ‘the queen of chat’ Oprah Winfrey.

As Harry and Meghan shared their heartfelt concerns over a range of deeply personal topics - from racism, to their relationships with the UK’s tabloid press – no punches were pulled as the couple shed their long-sheltered light on what they described as "bigoted and toxic environment of control and fear." He also said that his father, the Prince of Wales had to make peace with the relationship with the media.

In the two-hour interview broadcasted in the US before it was screened in the UK, the Harpo/CBS production covered their lives as progressive, all-encompassing Royals – as was – as they told their own personal story as they spoke about struggles with mental health, their relationship with the media and Royal Family dynamics.

“Social media made the relationship with the press like the Wild West,” Megan said, “and the Royal Family's press operation failed to defend Harry and I from untrue stories.” Meghan said there had been an "obsession about anything in her world, including the media offering money to track down her parents.

Megan also opened up about her suicidal thoughts during her time there and said there were concerns raised by a member of Harry's family before the birth of son. In the deeply personal and explosive interview, she said she got to the stage where she didn’t want to be alive anymore.

Asked if she was thinking of self-harm and having suicidal thoughts at some stage, Meghan replied: “Yes. This was very, very clear. “Very clear and very scary. I didn’t know who to turn to in that.” She added: "And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.

“I remember, I remember how he just cradled me and I was… I went to the institution, and I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that I’ve never felt this way before and I need to go somewhere. And I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”

"The UK is not bigoted,” Harry said, “the UK press is bigoted, specifically the tabloids." The Duchess of Sussex said her treatment in the press had been worse than other royals. But she did drop the ‘bombshell’ when she said that her husband had been asked by an unnamed family member "how dark" their son Archie's skin might be. The Duchess described the remarks as a low point.

Oprah said: "He did not share the identity with me but he wanted to make sure I knew, and if I had an opportunity to share it, that it was not his grandmother or grandfather that were part of those conversations." She went on to say that she tried to get the answer on and off camera, but Harry did not elaborate.

“If the source of information is inherently corrupt or racist or biased then that filters out to the rest of society," Harry said. He also said racism from the tabloid press that filtered into the rest of society was a large part of why he and his wife left the UK.

Asked if any family members had apologised to him for the reasons he felt he had to leave asked Prince Harry if any family members had apologised to him for the reasons he felt he had to leave, he replied with a “sadly not.

"It was felt that if this was our decision then the consequences are on us."

Pre-empting that she always had the highest admiration for the Queen and Prince Philip, Meghan also said that she found life within the Royal Family so difficult that at times didn't want to be alive any more. Harry said his brother and father were trapped within the system of the Royal Family and that his family cut him off financially at the beginning of last year, plus his father stopped taking calls from him.

During the interview, the Duchess also recalled a speculated row between herself and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge with Meghan disputing the initial claims that it was her who had upset Kate at the wedding during the interview. She insisted it was the other way around and Kate was having a bad day and ended up upsetting her.

Asked if his brother William wanted to leave the system, he said: "I don't know, I can't speak for him. Harry went on to say he loved his brother to bits and wanted to heal his relationship with both him and his father. He then went on to say of their relationship: “I will always be there for him (William) and the rest of the family.

For her part, Meghan said that there had been an obsession about anything in her world, including the media offering money to track down her parents.

"I did everything I could to protect both of them in that media frenzy for over a year," she said.

Comfortable in their new, more relaxed surroundings in California, the Prince said: "My biggest concern was history repeating itself. For me, I'm just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you with my wife by my side."

The couple took the opportunity to announce that their second child - due in the summer - is a girl.

Some light on what was, in the main, dark…but fulfilling and open.

Following the Interview, the Palace has issued a statement:
"The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.

The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved famly members."

The Antiques Roadshow team are preparing to film at Birmingham’s Aston Hall for the first time this year as part of the 44th series of the much-loved family favourite. Fiona Bruce and the Roadshow team will be appraising everything from car boot bargains to treasured family possessions at the historic property.

Aston Hall is a magnificent 400-year-old Jacobean redbrick mansion situated in a picturesque public park on the north side of Birmingham. It is one of the last great Jacobean houses to be built and is home to Britain’s finest long gallery. Built between 1618 and 1635 for Sir Thomas Holte and home to James Watt Junior from 1817-1848, Aston Hall is steeped in history. The hall received royalty and was besieged during the English Civil War.

Alex Nicholson-Evans, Commercial Director at Birmingham Museums Trust said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the BBC have chosen Aston Hall as one of their locations for Antiques Roadshow. The Grade I listed building is one of Britain’s finest treasures, steeped in history and set in a beautiful Green Flag park.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase one of Birmingham’s most important historic properties to an audience of millions and we hope that it will also uncover local people’s own art and treasures that they might have tucked away in their garages and attics. I can’t wait to see what undiscovered masterpieces Birmingham might have!”

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the Antiques Roadshow team are once again asking members of the public who’d like to participate to share their stories online.

The series will be filmed on a closed set with an invited audience only to ensure the safety of guests, production and the wider public. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recording session where they will share their items with a Roadshow expert who will be able to reveal more about the craftsmanship, history and provenance of each piece – as well as the all-important value.

Returning for her 14th year at the helm, Fiona Bruce acknowledges the team’s success at recording the show under challenging circumstances in 2020 and goes on to encourage people to apply to be a part of the programme in 2021: “We were thrilled that we managed to make a series of the Antiques Roadshow last summer despite all the difficulties of filming during the pandemic. Hopefully things will be easier this summer though life may not yet be back to normal by the time we start filming. So if you have an item that you’d like to bring along to the Roadshow, do please get in touch with us beforehand. Here’s hoping for a summer of great finds!”

Series Editor Robert Murphy said: “We can’t wait to see what long lost treasures and family heirlooms might be lurking in the attic or gathering dust on a shelf. Sometimes it’s the most unexpected items that catch our interest – a silk escape map that belonged to a Caribbean airman in the Second World War, a 19th century guitar, a vintage movie poster, even old Star Wars toys! What mystery objects have you found during that lockdown clear-out? Get in touch and you’ll have a chance of being invited to the Roadshow this summer to find out more without even having to queue! We look forward to hearing from you.”