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BBC News - Culture

Longplayer: The 1,000-year-long musical composition

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:05:16 GMT

The composition, by Jem Finer of the Pogues, has been playing since 31 December 1999.

The Archers cast recreate lost first episode for 75th anniversary

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:07:26 GMT

The recording of the first episode didn't survive, so the current cast have recreated the opening scene.

Female artists (and Oasis) drove UK music sales in 2025

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:03:06 GMT

Taylor Swift was the biggest-seller, with Olivia Dean and Sabrina Carpenter also topping the charts.

EastEnders actor 'grateful' to avoid driving ban for speeding

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 18:06:06 GMT

Colin Salmon was shown leniency by the court because he cares for his seriously ill wife and daughter.

Clare Balding pays tribute to 'one of a kind' dad

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:58:34 GMT

Ian Balding, the legendary trainer of the 1971 Derby winner Mill Reef, dies at the age of 87.

Detective and crime novelist among new Traitors contestants

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:24:42 GMT

A barrister, nursery school teacher and cyber security expert will also enter the TV show's castle.

Look back at the notable deaths of 2025

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 07:55:44 GMT

Pope Francis, Ozzy Osbourne and Diane Keaton are among those who died this year.

Stranger Things draws to an epic and emotional close

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:13:42 GMT

Fans gathered at premieres in cities across the US and Canada to watch the finale on the big screen.

'Breaking my neck on Harry Potter hasn't changed me as a person'

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:39:57 GMT

Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes describes living in a wheelchair and his hopes for the future.

Heated Rivalry author says TV success led to help with her Parkinson's

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 09:45:20 GMT

Rachel Reid says the publicity from the hit TV adaptation led a Parkinson's specialist to get in touch.

Who's releasing new albums and will Oasis play Knebworth?

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:05:40 GMT

Music correspondent Mark Savage previews the biggest albums, tours and festivals of the coming year.

Film lookahead: 20 highlights to watch out for

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:45:45 GMT

We look ahead to 20 notable films to watch for in 2026, from Oscar hopefuls to potential blockbusters.

The Traitors returns with new 'secret traitor' in major shake-up

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:06:30 GMT

Not even the viewers know who host Claudia Winkleman has assigned as the fourth "secret traitor".

Isiah Whitlock Jr: The Wire and Veep actor dies at 71

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:07:51 GMT

Whitlock was known for his notably elongated, profane catchphrase, which he used on The Wire and in films.

Beyoncé, Labubu and Sydney Sweeney's jeans: 15 viral moments that defined 2025

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:10:50 GMT

Dubai chocolate, Adolescence and the parodied Jet2 advert were some of the other most talked about moments.

Sydney Sweeney: I want to make films that save people's lives

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:10:15 GMT

Sweeney is starring in The Housemaid, a psychological thriller based on Freida McFadden's hit book.

Tiffany Calver on breaking the glass ceiling as she leaves 1Xtra

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:48:54 GMT

Tiffany Calver made headlines when she was announced in 2018 but now she's ready for new challenges.

In pictures: The life and career of Brigitte Bardot

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:18:24 GMT

The French actress redefined cinematic allure, captivating the world before championing animal rights.

Cynthia Erivo's journey from nativity play solo to MBE

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:30:25 GMT

The London-born superstar is made an MBE in the New Year's Honours list for her musical and acting work.

Brigitte Bardot: From French cinema to international fame

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:23:59 GMT

The French model and actress has died at the age of 91.

Gladiator Giant to revert to birth surname... Bigg

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:09:53 GMT

Jamie Christian-Johal said his recent divorce and ADHD diagnosis prompted the move.

Some of the best TV in years is coming - here are the highlights

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 04:27:06 GMT

We look ahead to 18 notable shows and events to look out for in 2026, from drama to sport.

Brigitte Bardot: The blonde bombshell who revolutionised French cinema

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:18:57 GMT

The cocktail of kittenish charm and continental sensuality who swept away the cinematic cobwebs of the 1950s.

I always wanted Paul Mescal to play Shakespeare, says Hamnet writer

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:08:26 GMT

Hamnet author Maggie O'Farrell says the Irish actor "stood out a mile" long before break out Normal People role.

Why is K-pop band NewJeans on the rocks?

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:47:27 GMT

The group is losing one of its members - in yet another twist in a bitter year-long feud with its record label.

From Harry Potter to Doctor Who - archives show stars before they were famous

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:43:52 GMT

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has unearthed images of Scotland's most famous acting talent in their student days.

Jazz musicians recreate 46-year-old pub record

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 15:39:54 GMT

Joe Trudgeon and Paul Archibald recorded a follow-up to a 1979 album recorded live at the Old Duke.

Matthew Rhys to play 'soft and cowardly' mayor of cursed island

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 19:25:32 GMT

The Welsh actor will play Tom Loftis, a "soft and cowardly" mayor desperate to revive his struggling community.

GTA 6 and everything else: What to watch in video games in 2026

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:08:12 GMT

Next year could be hugely significant for video games - here are the big things to keep an eye on.

Strictly's Ellie and Vito still dancing together every week

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:01:59 GMT

From Strictly sequins to presenting dreams, Ellie Goldstein speaks about her future ambitions.

12 books you need to read in 2026

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 01:14:43 GMT

Fictional gems, debut thillers, cracking biographies and everything in between.

Style trends to look out for: Bold colours, tassels and loud luxury

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:54:47 GMT

These are some of the biggest trends you can expect to see hitting stores in the new year.