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Nick Frost, who was recently cast in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot, is set to appear in a new hit sitcom with trans comedian and singer Jordan Gray.

The 53-year-old actor, who will be playing Hogwarts groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid in the HBO revival, stars opposite Jordan in Transaction, which is set to launch on ITV.

The Shaun of the Dead star and other adult actors cast in Harry Potter recently came under fire for joining the show, due to JK Rowling’s comments about the trans community.

Nick turned off the comments on his Instagram profile following the backlash, and insisted in an interview that the author’s views did ‘not align’ with his own.

In Transaction, his character – supermarket boss Simon – sparks backlash in the LGBTQ+ community after a marketing campaign goes badly wrong.

He employs transgender woman Liv (Jordan) in a bid to turn things around, but he soon faces another struggle as she’s described in the synopsis as someone who ‘ticks the diversity box, but not much else’.

ITV teases: ‘Despite a non-existent work ethic, it’s pretty much impossible for Liv to get the sack, encouraging her to wreak havoc on the supermarket night shift.’

‘My one true goal with this show is to create something as timeless as my implants,’ Jordan shared when the show was announced.

Executive producer Kenton Allen said at the time: ‘Transaction promises to be a very eye-catching contemporary comedy, with Jordan Gray, Nick Frost and Thomas Gray forming an unlikely but electric three-some.

‘Jordan’s razor-sharp writing and timing paired with Nick’s legendary comedic presence is comedy dynamite.’

The comedy is based on her former six-part series of shorts of the same name for Comedy Central, which followed the same plot.

She told Gay Star News in 2020 that she wrote the piece as a way of creating a character who was a ‘regular tit-for-brains, not some tragic hero’.

Jordan, 36, rose to fame as The Voice’s first transgender contestant in 2016, making it to the semi-finals before moving into comedy, appearing on the likes of The Russell Howard Hour and Friday Night Live.

On the later in 2022, she performed her song Better Than You about life as a transgender woman, and stripped naked to play the piano with her penis.

Nick was recently forced to respond to criticism facing the Harry Potter show and wider franchise over its creator’s comments, which some have deemed as transphobic.

In a recent interview with The Observer, the Shaun of the Dead star insisted he does not share Rowling’s views.

‘She’s allowed her opinion and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form,’ he said.

He also argued that the controversy and backlash might not be something people should want to ‘blow over’ for the sake of the wizarding franchise.

Asked if it could ‘overshadow the series’, he replied: ‘I don’t know. But maybe it shouldn’t blow over? We shouldn’t just hope it will go away, because it makes it easier. Maybe we should educate ourselves.’

Nick will be following in the footsteps of late actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, and he’s not concerned with filling the character’s giant shoes.

‘You get cast because you’re going to bring something to that. While I’m really aware of what went before me in terms of Robbie [Coltrane]’s amazing performance, I’m never going to try and be Robbie,’ he told Collider.

‘I’m going to try and do something, not “different”, I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there’s scope for minutia.’

He added: ‘I always read Hagrid as he’s like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child. I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can’t wait.

‘He’s funny! I want it to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike. That’s what I’m planning on doing.’

Transaction launches on June 24 on ITVX, where all episodes will be available to stream.

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If you’re struggling to pass the time in between the last season of The Traitors and the hotly anticipated Celebrity version later this year, the BBC has something to tide you over.

The latest season of the show saw Leanne Quigley and Jake Brown take home the coveted cash prize, after a high-stakes finale that was filled to the brim with banishments.

Since then, the Beeb has released the star-studded cast list for the upcoming Celebrity Traitors, which includes Stephen Fry, Charlotte Church and Tom Daley among the recruits.

That show will arrive on screens this autumn, but if that feels too far away then the spin-off series The Traitors NZ has just dropped on iPlayer, with all 12 episodes now available to stream while the show airs on BBC Three.

The second season of the show sees 22 normie New Zealanders descend on Claremont Manor, which sits at the foot of Mount Horrible – real name – in Timaru.

The group of Kiwis battle it out at the roundtable in the hopes of winning up to $100,000 (equivalent to over £44,000).

The spin-off sees Claudia Winkleman’s hosting shoes filled by New Zealand TV presenter Paul Henry, who also hosts the New Zealand version of The Chase, so he’s the local equivalent of Bradley Walsh.

The brand new season of the murder mystery is filled with the show’s classic mind games, kicking off with a wacky challenge that asks the contestants to scour the ground for body parts (albeit of a doll).

The first season of The Traitors NZ relied on offbeat casting decisions, with many contestants known to each other before entering the Manor, to make the show stand out from its British, American and Australian counterparts.

Anyone unsure whether or not to dive in, it’s hard to make a dismal season of The Traitors when the format is fairly bulletproof.

After the group of Traitors are selected by Henry in the first episode, the new season quickly gets to the murdering and manipulation.

Commenting underneath an X post announcing the new season of The Traitors NZ, @fansvfavourites went so far as to label it ‘By far the best English speaking series of The Traitors.’ High praise indeed.

@CJfromWA1 added: ‘I enjoyed this season some good players and deceiving.’

Elsewhere in The Traitors universe, the US spin-off is set to return soon with a new cast of celebrities waiting to enter the Scottish castle.

Hosted by the always brilliant Alan Cummming, the season four cast has been confirmed and includes names  such as Love Island icon Maura Higgins and the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna.

The Traitors NZ is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, with episodes airing on BBC Three from 8pm on July 16.

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The Apple TV Plus series praised by fans as the ‘perfect’ thriller, Slow Horses, has reportedly been renewed for a seventh season.

It’s a good time to be a fan of ‘the best spy show on TV’ starring Sir Gary Oldman after it was claimed that the series was starting production on yet another season before the fifth is even out.

In a TV landscape defined by shock cancellations and lengthy gaps between seasons – Slow Horses fans are the luckiest around.

Season five is coming out this September, season six has already wrapped production and according to Deadline, there are plans for season seven to roll cameras in late September, early October.

For those keeping track (and if you are looking for a mind-boggling statistic to share with your friends) that’s four aired seasons and three more on the way all in the time between Stranger Things season four and five.

Those new to the show, with an average score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, have 24 episodes of delicious action to catch up on before the fifth, sixth, and seventh season land. We’re seriously jealous.

If you have somehow been living under a rock, here’s the lowdown on what the unconventional espionage thriller is all about.

The Will Smith created series follows a ‘dysfunctional team of MI5 agents’ led by Oldman’s endearingly grumpy and gross Jackson Lamb with agent River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) determined to prove he’s got what it takes.

Soon our team finds themselves embroiled in ‘the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces’.

Honestly, it’s the kind of show you just need to watch to fully appreciate the critically acclaimed mix of absurd hilarity, high-stakes tension and surprising moments of tenderness.

The news of a season seven renewal has thrilled fans of the show who have taken to social media to celebrate and praise it for its tight seasons and pacey production timeline.

‘Good. I’m really enjoying this show. It’s so much fun,’ Roscoe_King wrote on Reddit.

‘The complete story arcs is extremely rewarding and it makes me want to watch the show far more than when everything is a cliff hanger,’ strangedistantplanet added.

‘Proper British 6 episodes seasons. No fat and it allows them to maintain the tension of the story. I’m here for this clockwork like turnaround,’ FoxMcCloudOwnsSlippy added.

‘Probably my fav current show, the pace at which they are churning this out is also fantastic. The entire cast is phenomenal, Oldman and [Jonathan] Pryce in particular,’ Fawkes_91 agreed.

‘Genuinely one of the most satisfying/addictive experiences I’ve ever had watching a tv show. Before I started I thought “oh nice, 24 episodes. That should keep me entertained for the next month or so.”

‘Nope. Ended up watching all four seasons in like 5 days because I just couldn’t put it down,’ hic_forum_est said.

Slow Horses is based on a series of novels by Mick Herron with eight out so far and a ninth on he way – a promising sign for the future of the show with plenty more content still to adapt.

Metro has reached out to Apple TV Plus for comment.

Slow Horses seasons one to four are available to stream on Apple TV Plus now. The fifth season lands on September 24, 2025.

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BBC One announcer Duncan Newmarch delivered a heartfelt Father’s Day message that struck a chord with viewers.

Newmarch is a familiar voice on the BBC, and has introduced some of the broadcaster’s biggest shows since he took on the role in 2004.

But it was his brief announcement ahead of Race Across the World that left viewers especially moved.

Just before the new episode aired, Newmarch said: ‘Whether you are with your dad, chatting on the phone, or just missing him… happy Father’s Day from BBC One.’

The continuity announcer then took to X to share a clip of the message, adding the caption: ‘A difficult line for me to read this year. Hope you’re with your dad or have spoken to him.’

The famous voice lost his dad, Douglas Newmarch, in July 2016, so it’s understandable that he found the words difficult to read.

Viewers were quick to support Newmarch on the social media site, and many shared their thoughts on his heartfelt message in the replies.

@chrissnelling wrote: ‘Really nicely, but simply put – and I’m sorry to hear it’s been especially hard.

‘Will have been just as poignant for many others, so thank you for keeping these continuity slots relevant and a reflection of what’s going on around the country’.

Another user, @cl_clarke, expressed their connection to the announcement: ‘Missing him…still…33 years for me this year.’

@chriswilliams76 remembered one of Newmarch’s previous emotional voice-overs: ‘It’s nearly five years since your continuity piece before the Strictly final went viral about the fact that Christmas wasn’t the Christmas we had all hoped for…’

Indeed, this isn’t the first time Newmarch has moved viewers with his words.

In December 2020, as the UK faced stricter Covid-19 rules, Newmarch shared a heartwarming message in an attempt to keep spirits high.

The message said: ‘Now, in a year that has kept us apart, whether you’re watching in Tyne and Wear, Devon, Berkshire, or Lincolnshire… we are all watching BBC One together.’

Newmarch tweeted following the announcement, expressing the raw emotion behind it: ‘Thank you for the kind comments about my line into the @bbcstrictly final.

‘After this afternoon’s news I had to rewrite a handful of scripts as they didn’t seem appropriate. This is why live announcers can make a difference.’

The announcement soon went viral, his words resonating with people across the nation.

Many viewers expressed their gratitude on social media, with one posting on X at the time: ‘It made me cry a little bit, because it was unexpected but perfectly put. Thank you.’

Newmarch was also praised by TV critic Scott Bryan, who said: ‘As many people have pointed out, those touching poignant words came from @DuncanNewmarch.’

The announcer later wrote back to declare his pride for his profession, saying: ‘Thanks Scott. After the PM’s announcement, some of tonight’s lines (written yesterday) just didn’t work so I had some last-minute rewrites.

‘Here’s to the live announcers across all channels.’

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Soccer Aid 2025 got off to a rather chaotic start thanks to Tyson Fury’s potty mouth.

The former professional boxer joined a lineup of major celebrities taking part in this year’s event to raise money for UNICEF.

Playing for England were the likes of Louis Tomlinson, Jill Scott, Jermain Defoe, Sir Mo Farah, and Steven Bartlett, with Paddy McGuinness in goal.

They faced off against World XI, which comprised Big Zuu, Dermot Kennedy, Tony Bellew, and Gorka Márquez, to name a few.

Tyson, meanwhile, was on the management team for England alongside Wayne Rooney.

An enthusiastic Manchester United fan, the 36-year-old had declared his pride to welcome England to Old Trafford for the game, which is his club’s home ground.

Although it seems all that excitement got the better of him ahead of kick-off.

This led to presenters Alex Scott and Dermot O’Leary apologising to viewers, as the star dropped an F-bomb.

Captured in the training room ahead of the teams taking to the pitch, Tyson gave England a motivational speech.

During the talk, he told the players: ‘Let them know how good we are. We are f***ing Spartans! We are Spartans!’

Host Alex, 40, then told audiences at home: ‘We do apologise for the swearing. It’s Tyson; we don’t know what’s going to happen.’ 

Dermot added: ‘We do profusely apologise.’

Plenty of viewers saw the funny side of things, with @TJ_DCFC then joking on X: ‘Well that’s Tyson Fury never being allowed back to Soccer Aid ever again’.

‘Tyson Fury dropping the F Bomb at 6:30pm on a Sunday afternoon’, wrote @Miss_Terreh, followed by a crying laughing emoji.

@96_Mikeys blasted those complaining about his language, urging them to ‘grow up’, adding: ‘God forbid Tyson Fury swearing on Soccer Aid, and people moaning and groaning already!’

Fortunately, commentators Jason Manford and Sam Matterface also kept it light when they brought the incident back up later on.

Before the players left the tunnel, comedian Jason quipped: ‘They’ve taken the microphone off Tyson.’

Sam added that while his earlier speech was ‘explicit-laden,’ Tyson had ‘good intentions’.

He also recalled Tyson’s promise not to use his ‘hands or feet’ for the duration of the game while watching from the sidelines.

But, as you might have guessed, Tyson went on to swear another time.

Midway through the game, Alex checked in with him, asking whether England’s strong performance thus far was down to his management.

He laughed, saying he had merely been standing in the box, screaming, shouting, and ‘s**t like that’.

Upon being announced as a Soccer Aid coach this year, Tyson said: ‘ENGLAND MANAGER! Who would ever have thought it!?

‘I have had some big fights in my career, and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight!

‘Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year—and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney!

‘How can we lose!? The work UNICEF does all around the world is so special and so important.

‘I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.’

Co-manager Rooney also played in the match, having scored England’s first goal this time, ahead of scores from Defoe and four goals from Carlos Tevez for World XI.

Tyson and Rooney were assisted in England’s coaching journey by Harry Redknapp and actress Vicky McClure, while former goalkeeper David James acted as the goalkeeping coach.

Joining them on the side of the pitch was Sam Thompson, who was due to play but was withdrawn due to injuries.

The podcaster and reality star raised over £2million for UNICEF last week by running and cycling 260 miles in five days to transport the match ball from London to Manchester.

His tearful Match Ball Mission saw him encounter various physical and mental obstacles along the way, with his legs ultimately left ‘falling apart’ and ruling him out of any pitch action this weekend.

But, in a sweet moment, Sam was able to join his fellow players for the last few minutes of the game, running out to huge cheers from the stadium.

Ultimately, World XI emerged from Soccer Aid 2025 victorious, with Big Zuu scoring the winning goal.

The TV chef secured the 5-4 triumph, with Robbie Williams, who founded the charity game in 2006, revealing this year’s game had raised £15,280,163.

Watch Soccer Aid on ITVX.

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