The UK’s first ever reality TV show stranded people on a remote island for an entire year January 5, 2026 25 years ago the UK’s first ever fish-out-of-water reality TV show launched. Castaway 2000 stranded dozens of people on a remote Scottish island – its astonishing scope inspired shows like Big Brother, finds Adam Bloodworth. Photos by Simon Roberts It was a sunny autumn day in 1998 when TV producer Chris Kelly arrived at the [...]
LBC owner loses £140m despite revenue marching towards £1bn January 5, 2026 Global, the media giant behind the likes of radio stations LBC, Capital and Heart, lost £140m during its latest financial year despite its revenue continuing its march towards £1bn. The London-headquartered business, which also includes Smooth, Radio X and Classic FM, has reported its latest pre-tax loss after also losing £120.3m in the prior 12 [...]
Why Squad Cost Ratio rules can’t afford to ruin joy of Premier League January 2, 2026 Trevor Watkins, global head of sport at Pinsent Masons and Former director and chairman of AFC Bournemouth, discusses why changes in Premier League football’s financing rules cannot afford to ruin the sport With the Christmas period behind us, the traditional festive season of football fixtures – once a full list on Boxing Day but now [...]
The best new films to catch in 2026, from Toy Story to Peaky Blinders January 1, 2026 New installations of classic franchises and brand new gambits from the likes of Christopher Nolan, there is a bumper set of new films lined up for cinematic release in 2026. Here are some of the new releases not to miss. Toy Story 5 It’s been over 20 years since Woody captured the hearts of a [...]
Here’s one New Year’s resolution worth trying: Becoming a billionaire January 1, 2026 A new year has rolled around again – a time for many to put their thinking caps on and set some life goals. A gym membership is one of the most popular resolutions, but is also one of the worst-kept (ask a gym manager how busy Februaries are compared to Januaries). For the less active [...]
The winners and losers of the FTSE 100’s record year December 31, 2025 In what has been a record year for the FTSE 100, a number of London’s blue-chips missed out on the rally and were left in the dark. The FTSE 100 is poised to close 2025 just shy of the 10,000 mark after rising 20 per cent over the course of the year, led by strong [...]
The best London theatre 2026 from musicals to West End transfers December 30, 2025 One of the great joys of living in London is the abundance of incredible theatre that exists on your doorstep – if you’re not taking advantage, why are you paying the London tax? Here’s a list of the London theatre 2026 we’re most looking forward to, from the biggest blockbuster musicals to the most hotly [...]
Why Apple’s Formula 1 deal is setting the trends into 2026 December 29, 2025 In late 2025 streaming player Apple announced it would be ditching its Stateside MLS deal early. The platform confirmed, however, that it would pick up the rights to Formula 1 in the United States. The deal could be worth $140m a year, but what does it mean for sport? On first appraisal, the new agreement [...]
Why Snap thinks 2026 will be Sport’s most connected and branded year yet December 28, 2025 Snap’s Kahlen Macaulay looks at why 2026 will be the year where sport is most watched, connected and branded. Pulitzer-winning US playwright Neil Simon was once asked why humans find sport so captivating. His reply? “It’s the only entertainment where, no matter how many times you go back, you never know the ending.” Simply, sport is [...]
Why mascots are the next branding opportunity for sports teams December 26, 2025 Mascots aren’t just tacky costumes anymore, they’re the next frontier in the world of sport branding, writes Mike Perry. Surveying today’s sports brand landscape, one striking fact stands out. Teams aren’t just competing on the pitch anymore, they’re competing for hearts, thumb-scrolls and wardrobe space. For younger fans the experience of fandom is increasingly about [...]