'Thunderstorm asthma' warning to millions of Brits as storms set to batter UK - what is it and how to keep safe

Expect a mixed bag of weather in Greater Manchester this week - with sunshine and showers forecast.

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) head Kate Taylor has put together what she describes as an “eclectic and lively” mix of titles for her first year at the helm. 

BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show host Nikita Kanda and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas are the latest stars to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up.

You might be asking, where has British filmmaker Andrew Haigh been, and the answer is right here and under your nose. While he hasn’t made a feature-length film since 2017’s English coming-of-age movie, “Lean On Pete,” starring Charlie Plummer, Chloë Sevigny and Travis Fimmel, he was right back on it in 2021 with The BBC miniseries “The North Water” starring Colin Farrell, Jack O’Connell and Stephen Graham.

Naman Ramachandran “Avoidance,” featuring BAFTA-winning British comedian Romesh Ranganathan, will premiere on BritBox International in North America and South Africa in September. Created and written by Ranganathan and Benjamin Green (“Romantic Getaway”) and starring Ranganathan (BBC’s “The Ranganation,” Netflix special “The Cynic”), the series follows anti-hero Jonathan who is struggling to get back on his feet after breaking up with partner Claire (Jessica Knappett, “Ghosts”). After Claire has accused him of being impossible to live with and keen to avoid conflict at all costs, Jonathan moves in with his sister (Mandeep Dhillon, “CSI: Vegas”) and her wife (Lisa McGrillis, “Mum”).

Captain Sandy Yawn is known for her no nonsense attitude, cracking the whip with her crew as they sail across the Mediterranean sea, waiting on demanding guests in the most stunning locations.

Shoppers have been left surprised after discovering what ASOS stands for - and how the fashion company first started out.

Shoppers have been warned not to use one Tesco brand salt in a recent food recall.

Roland Emmerich’s upcoming gladiator series Those About to Die has been picked up by Prime Video across Europe.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Prime Video has acquired the Ancient Rome gladiator drama series “Those About to Die” in multiple European territories. The show is directed by “Independence Day” helmer Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner. The 10-episode first season will debut exclusively on Prime Video in Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg and Belgium.

Miyeon of K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE has been named Jimmy Choo’s newest global brand ambassador.Miyeon’s new ambassadorship with Jimmy Choo was announced yesterday (August 1) by the brand on Instagram. According to a report by Women’s Wear Daily, the K-pop idol will be featured in the British luxury fashion house’s fall 2023 campaign, which launches on August 30.“Miyeon is magnetic,” said Sandra Choi, the creative director of Jimmy Choo.

As the world attempts to come to terms with Sinéad O’Connor’s tragic passing, we’re also learning a bit more about this remarkable woman. The latest comes from a UK man telling a personal story about the singer that he holds very near and dear to his heart.

2023 Emmys have even been postponed, possibly until early next year. Nevertheless, amidst the chaos, the show must go on, and there are still many TV offerings on tap for the sultry long days of summerFrom a new prestige TV mystery series to a star-studded cooking show, an LGBT rom-com and a new reality dating series, August offers something for viewers of all ages.Here’s your handy guide.“The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart”Sigourney Weaver stars in a family drama miniseries based on a book of the same name. The story arc spans decades and follows an orphaned girl (Alicia Debnam-Carey, “Fear the Walking Dead”) with a troubled past who must move in with her grandmother, who lives on a flower farm.

Angel Studios is launching its unexpected summer hit Sound of Freedom in a bunch of international markets after it made $127M during its first three weeks in U.S. theaters. 

Trainspotting producer Andrew Macdonald has been appointed as the new Chair of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). 

Naveen Kumar A posh country estate where half a dozen lovers unveil their infidelities is the setting of “The Cottage,” which opened at Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater tonight. Set in 1923, this comedy of manners by the playwright Sandy Ruskin is so thoroughly old-fashioned that it may come as a surprise it’s not based — like so many Broadway outings lately are — on existing material. Which is not to say that any part of it feels original.   This is a paint-by-numbers sex farce, with parameters that do not extend beyond the obvious: heterosexual marriage is restrictive for all, unreasonable for many, and, oh, so thrilling to transgress. The forbidden-fruit pleasures that “The Cottage” tries to pass off as a feast, in a lavish production directed by Jason Alexander, are familiar, superficial and fleeting.

British travellers are being warned to be cautious while on holiday over a potentially deadly stomach bug that is spreading in European destinations.

The much-anticipated Barbie film finally hits cinema screens today (Friday, July 21) - and keen-eyed moviegoers who also know their Love Island contestants might spot a familiar face while they're enjoying the summer blockbuster. Chris Taylor, who appeared on the ITV dating show's fifth season, makes a cameo which is understood to have come about all because of the film's star.

Going abroad on holiday is a chance to enjoy a change of scenery and discover a new place. Whether it’s exploring the coastline of a Spanish island or visiting a beautiful French city, a trip away can bring out your sense of adventure.

Holidaymakers have been warned to make sure they have cover in place when they go away as figures reveal travel insurers dealt with a new claim every two minutes last year. According to analysis from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), 362,000 claims were dealt with in 2022, surging by 148 per cent compared with 2021.