Under the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, more than half of the U.S. population lives in an area now considered to be low or medium risk for COVID, and residents there can go indoors without a mask. Many states have also loosened mask mandates, and a lot of workplaces no longer require employees to wear masks as a result.
If you’re still most comfortable with a mask on indoors in an office setting, you may suddenly find yourself to be in the minority. And when you are one of the only people with a face mask during meetings, it can feel socially awkward.
Advertisement
That’s why it can help to remember why masks are effective and to have a strategy in place if a colleague does inquire about your mask. Epidemiologists and other COVID experts weighed in on one-way masking benefits, and offered conversation strategies for mask-wearers:
1. Keep in mind that masks still work and we’re still in a pandemic.
If none of your co-workers are wearing masks, you may wonder if there’s a point to you wearing one. But well-constructed, tightly-fitting masks do offer protection, even when others are not wearing them, too.
“They do work. Somebody who is wearing a respirator in an office setting is going to get a fair degree of protection from doing that,” said Dr. Mark Rupp, chief of the Infectious Diseases Division at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Advertisement
“Any mask is better than no mask,” said Jose-Luis Jimenez, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and an aerosols scientist. “To make up for the fact that other people are not masking, you should wear a high-quality mask.”
Jimenez described high-quality masks as ones that are breathable, with a good filter that prevents most aerosols from being inhaled, and with a secure fit that has no gaps on your face, such as an N95 mask.
“Have the strength of your convictions and realize you may be the smartest person in the room”
– Dr. Mark Rupp, chief of the Infectious Diseases Division at the University of Nebraska Medical Center
And keep in mind the public health stakes. “What you are doing is minimizing the chance that you inhale a respiratory disease. That’s the big reason to stay masked,” said Charlotte Baker, an epidemiologist in public health at Virginia Tech. Although cases are declining in the U.S., there is still plenty of COVID out there. Around 1,800 deaths continue to be announced most days.
“There is no need to feel embarrassed or apologetic for wearing a mask,” Rupp said. “In most communities in the United States today the level of transmission continues to be substantial. … It’s headed in the right direction, but there is still a lot of COVID that is being transmitted in our communities.”
Advertisement
2. Understand that wearing a mask for your job doesn’t have to be ‘always’ or ‘never.’
Rupp said masking should not be seen as a choice between never wearing your mask at work or always having to wear a mask at work. You should be open to changing your mind depending on individual circumstances.
“You may feel safe and not wear a mask going into a setting where there is a lot of room and few people and a short duration of time,” Rupp said. “Whereas you might feel very uncomfortable making that same decision in a smaller, crowded setting that you are going to have to be present for an hour.”
Rupp cited your community’s virus transmission rates, your building’s indoor ventilation, your colleagues’ vaccination status, and your own health risks as factors to consider before taking off your mask. Here’s the CDC tracker for checking out your county’s transmission rates.
Be open to putting a mask back on as we learn more about the latest COVID developments, too. “Six weeks from now, or three months from now as a new variant starts to be described, they may decide, ‘You know it’s time for me to put the mask back on,’” Rupp said.
3. Remember that social awkwardness around masks is real, but it helps to remember your original reason for wearing one.
“Social pressure is very real. We can be talked out of anything if enough people dissent to our point of view,” said clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula.
She cited social psychologist Solomon Asch’s research on conformity, which found people were more likely to give a wrong answer when they heard other people give that wrong answer out of a motivation to avoid conflict.
Your decision to wear a mask is none of your colleague’s business. You don’t owe anyone an explanation of why you are masking indoors, but if sharing one helps you feel less awkward, keep it brief, Durvasula advised.
“Make it about yourself and don’t turn it into a polemic on public health and responsibility,“ she suggested. “If a person chooses to wear a mask that is their right, but it can turn difficult if the mask-wearer frames it as virtue.”
Advertisement
Whether you are doing so to protect the health of others or for your own personal risk tolerance, Durvasula advised not engaging too much about it in the workplace: “Don’t take the bait.”
Baker said if it makes you feel more comfortable, it’s alright to deflect to another topic if it comes up or “just be stern one time, and say, ‘Look I’m going to wear it, I don’t want to hear anything else about it. It has nothing to do with you.’”
Pep talks can also help when you feel peer pressure, too. Baker shared what she tells herself when she finds herself to be one of the only maskers in social settings.
“I’m immunocompromised, so I tell myself I don’t want to die,” she said. “Two is: ‘I’m doing this for my family.’ I want to see my nieces, I want to see my nephews. I want them to grow up in a healthy world. If I wear my mask, I get to go see them. And I’m also setting a good example. And third is: ‘My mom is senior … and I need to keep myself healthy so I don’t get her sick.’”
Baker noted that for people who have become numb to pandemic risks, external motivations like a vacation or a concert you want to be healthy to go to can also help. “Whatever that motivator needs to be for you, figure out what it is. Write it down, so you see it,” she said.
Once you know your why, remind yourself of it when you want to waver from your original decision to wear a mask. And if you need an affirmation, take it from Rupp.
“Have the strength of your convictions and realize you may be the smartest person in the room,” he said.
Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.
“Now we can already state that the Russian troops have begun the battle for the Donbas,” he said in a video address about the long-feared, full-scale offensive to take control of Ukraine’s east.
Advertisement
With a “significant part of the entire Russian army” now deployed in the region, according to Zelenskyy, here’s what you need to know about what could be a turning point in the conflict.
What has happened so far?
Advertisement
On February 24, Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine. Tanks and soldiers streamed across the border, scenes more reminiscent of the Second World War than the remote cyber warfare that modern conflict was supposed to be dominated by.
Russia’s invasion has damaged or destroyed up to 30% of Ukraine’s infrastructure at a cost of $100 billion, Ukrainian officials have said, as the United Nations revealed the civilian death toll has now surpassed 2,000. About four million Ukrainians have fled the country.
Advertisement
But Russia’s swift march to victory did not materialise. Driven back by Ukrainian resistance in the north, Moscow has refocused its ground offensive in the two eastern provinces known as the Donbas, while launching long-distance strikes at other targets including the capital, Kyiv.
What does the Donbas matter?
The Donbas is Ukraine’s mostly Russian-speaking industrial heartland in the east, where Moscow-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian forces for the past eight years and have declared two independent republics that have been recognised by Russia.
In recent weeks, the Kremlin declared the capture of the Donbas its main goal of the war after its attempt to storm Kyiv failed. After withdrawing from the capital, it began regrouping and reinforcing its ground troops in the east for what could be a climactic battle.
Advertisement
On Monday, Ukraine military generals said Russian forces were increasing assaults in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions – both of which are part of the Donbas – as well as in the area of Zaporizhzhia.
They also said Russia was sending reinforcements to the Crimean peninsula – seized from Ukraine in 2014 – and to the Rostov-on-Don area, which borders Ukraine.
PA Graphics via PA Graphics/Press Association Images
Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak called it “the second phase of the war” and assured Ukrainians that their forces could hold off the offensive. “Believe in our army, it is very strong,” he said.
The Associated Press reported a senior US defence official saying there are now 76 Russian combat units in eastern and southern Ukraine, up from 65 last week. That could translate to around 50,000 to 60,000 troops.
⚡️Foreign minister: Battle of Donbas will be similar to World War II.
“This will not be a local operation based on what we see from Russia’s preparations,” Dmytro Kuleba said, adding that he expects large-scale operations involving thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, aircraft.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) April 7, 2022
Russia’s stuttering campaign means control of eastern Ukraine has taken added significance, and may prompt the fiercest fighting yet. Russia needs some kind of “win” – recognising Russia’s claims in the Donbas and Crimea has also been the central plank of Vladamir Putin’s demands at failed peace talks – and following the sinking of its Black Sea lead ship, Putin will not be contemplating further embarrassment.
Wider attacks prepared the ground?
The new offensive in the east came as a Russian missile attack killed seven people in Lviv, the first civilian victims in the western city about 40 miles from Poland. It was one of a multitude of other targets across Ukraine in what appeared to be an intensified bid to grind down the country’s defences.
Lviv has seen only sporadic attacks during almost two months of war and has become a haven for civilians fleeing the fighting elsewhere.
Now President Zelensky, in a new public address, says Russia has begun the battle for the Donbas and concentrated a large part of its army there for an all-out offensive in eastern Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/Itp6VX1ROJ
In other developments, Ukrainian troops remained holed up at a mammoth steel mill in Mariupol, the last known pocket of resistance in the devastated southern port city.
The capture of Mariupol, where Ukraine estimates 21,000 people have been killed, is seen as key, and not just because it would deprive Ukraine of a vital port and complete a land bridge between Russia and the Crimean peninsula.
Advertisement
General Richard Dannatt, a former head of the British Army, told Sky News that Russia is waging a “softening-up” campaign ahead of the Donbas offensive.
The US defence official said that if Russian forces succeed in taking full control of Mariupol, that could free up nearly a dozen combat units for use elsewhere in the Donbas.
Is support from the West likely to grow?
Given the changing dynamics of the war, Ukraine is calling for an increasing supply of Western weapons.
Last week, US president Joe Biden announced an additional $800 million in military assistance to Ukraine, expanding the aid to include heavy artillery ahead of the wider Russian assault expected in eastern Ukraine.
The US military expects to start training Ukrainians on using howitzer artillery in coming days, with the training taking place outside Ukraine.
EXC: Britain will hand Stormer armoured missile launchers to Ukraine to unleash hell on Mad Vlad Putin’s jets and choppers
The Sun reported Boris Johnson is set to provide Ukraine with tank-mounted Stormer armoured missile launchers, another sign the West is prepared to offer as much military hardware as possible without triggering a wider Nato vs Russia conflict.
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and his longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez, on Monday announced the death of their newborn son and the birth of their daughter.
“It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away,” the two wrote on Instagram, saying it was the “greatest pain that any parents can feel.”
“Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness,” they added. “We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”
Ronaldo, who plays for England’s Manchester United, has four other children: 4-year-old twins, a 4-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son.
You’re reading Life-Work Balance, a series aiming to redirect our total devotion to work into prioritising our personal lives.
You’ve had a long day at work, your muscles ache for sitting in the same position for too long, or your legs for standing too long, and you’re tired. All you want to do is eat a warm meal and slouch in front of the TV or laptop while you scroll your phone. And then repeat for the next four days.
Advertisement
Work can be draining – you’re required to carry out the same monotonous tasks daily, helping companies get richer, with little regard to own your wellbeing and happiness.
The only relief is the weekend, which is often reserved for refuelling, catching up with loved ones, or completing life admin.
Advertisement
But there are things we do throughout the week that reinvigorate us, make us feel alive and skilled, and happy. Those are hobbies.
While in the last decade, hobbies have taken a turn towards hustle culture – monetising our past-times so we can make more money – the pandemic has allowed us to rediscover the little things that have a big impact on us.
Advertisement
With working from home becoming an ordinary staple, we have more time than ever to cultivate social and personal activities.
We spoke to some people about the hobbies that are changing how they approach work culture.
Marcio Delgado, a London-based and influencer marketing manager, 41, says the pandemic has shifted how he organises his week.
“During lockdown I started to take my dogs for a one-hour walk right in the middle of the day to break the monotony. Although life is fairly back to normal in London now, I have not changed that,” he says.
Advertisement
“Before 2020 I would build my life around my working hours, basically blocking almost any time I possibly had between 9 to 6pm to attend the office and sit in front of a computer. Now that the world is a bit hybrid, I have inverted priorities and still able to work as much – or more – than before.”
Marco Delgado
Marco with his dogs Albie and Sam
For Rosie Thomas, an ADHD coach from Berlin, something people don’t often do as a hobby had a significant effect on her.
“Going to sauna regularly has changed my life,” she tells HuffPost.
“I was always against going to saunas because I tend to hate the heat, but in January I decided to try it out. I started going regularly and it has truly been mind blowing.
“I have ADHD so my mind is typically running about eight consecutive trains of thought (minimum). I’ve struggled with meditation, yoga, any form of silence. But the sauna enables me relax and think clearly.”
Not only does it help Thomas relax, the sauna is also useful for her work.
“I’ve come up with some amazing ideas for my business in the sauna, solved a couple of problems I was struggling with, and begun sleeping more deeply,” she says.
“Now, if I’ve got some bad brain fog or I’m feeling a bit low and I have time between my 1:1 coaching clients, I’ll go for a quick sauna session and truly come out feeling like a new person.”
Rosie Thomas
Not a bad hobby to have
Similarly, Natalie Arney, 39, an SEO consultant from Brighton, has found multiple hobbies bringing life to her week.
Among crafty activities such as punch needle, scrapbooking, and cross stitch, one hobby stands out for Arney – choir.
Advertisement
“I have a couple of things I like to do, but the one that’s impacted me the most so far this year is joining a choir. I started in January this year and it has really helped me with work and my week,” she says.
“I go every Wednesday evening during term time, and this term we had a concert to get ready for. I absolutely love the choir because it gives me something to look forward to, and the community it has created is so supportive and caring.”
Natalie Arney
Natalie has chronic pain and choir has helped her mentally and physically
Choir practice also helps Arney in another area – getting out of the house.
“I struggle with my mental and physical health, and up until I joined choir, I didn’t do much outside of the house that wasn’t to do with work (I’m a freelancer, so it’s easy to lock myself away), but now, aside from going shopping or out for a meal, I’ve also got choir to go to,” she says.
“Singing also really helps you physically and mentally, including helping with breathing, posture and muscle tension, and releases neuro-chemicals too – which as a person who lives with chronic pain, I really benefit from!”
Hobbies are subjective – one person’s enjoyment might be another person’s idea of boredom – but no matter what brings someone happiness, hobbies and interests outside of work are the ultimate acts of resistance against capitalism.
They bring us pleasure without the expectation of procuring money or making us more marketable to recruiters.
So swim in the seas, pamper yourself in a sauna, curl up with a book in a local library, lift weights, knit, shoot hoops.
Whatever brings you joy.
HuffPost UK/ Isabella Carapella
Life-Work Balance questions the status quo of work culture, its mental and physical impacts, and radically reimagines how we can change it to work for us.
In March 2021, Piers announced that he would be stepping down as host of GMB with immediate effect, after five years with the breakfast TV show.
Advertisement
His exit came at a time the divisive presenter was embroiled in controversy, having just a day earlier made headlines for casting doubt on claims made by Meghan Markle that she had experienced suicidal thoughts during her time as a senior member of the Royal Family.
Now gearing up for the launch of his own TalkTV show, Piers has spoken about how his departure affected his relationship with his former “TV wife”.
Advertisement
Speaking at a press event to promote his nightly show Piers Morgan Uncensored, he explained: “It’s difficult, you know. We had this arranged marriage, which turned out to be very successful. And then we suddenly got divorced one afternoon. And that was it! Gone!
“I went from seeing Susanna Reid in her curlers and her nightie every day at four in the morning to not seeing her. We stay in touch through texting and stuff, but it was all a bit dramatic and sad, really. I think we both feel that.”
Advertisement
Piers and Susanna in September 2021, five months after he left Good Morning Britain
David M. Benett via Getty Images
He continued: “We both felt like we had one of the great on-screen chemistries and it all got ended, in my opinion, in a rather silly way. But [ITV’s] loss is going to be TalkTV’s gain.”
“We went through some really difficult times together as a team and those were very powerful moments,” she continued. “And when it came to the lockdown, the pandemic and holding the government to account, he was just unrivalled at holding their feet to the fire, but then it ended.”
Susanna added: “He’s a friend of mine and that won’t change.”
Advertisement
Piers and Susanna worked together for five years before his sudden exit from GMB
“Effectively I was censored at my previous job,” he claimed. ”[I was] told to apologise to Meghan Markle for an honestly-held opinion, which obviously I wasn’t going to do.”
Piers Morgan Uncensored will launch on TalkTV at 8pm on Monday 25 April.
After five years at the helm of GMB, Piers announced suddenly in March 2021 that he would be stepping down as host with immediate effect.
Advertisement
News of his exit came the day after he made headlines for casting doubt on claims made by Meghan Markle that she had experienced suicidal thoughts during her time as a senior member of the Royal Family, with Piers’ remark eventually inciting a record number of complaints to Ofcom.
During a press event to promote his show Piers Morgan Uncensored, the divisive broadcaster was asked about his exit from GMB, which he branded “ridiculous”, “absurd” and “a farce”.
“I used to think that I was uncensored,” he claimed. “And then, of course, when I left Good Morning Britain it turned out that I actually was being censored, in the sense that I was told I had to apologise for disbelieving Princess Pinochio, or I would have to leave the building. So I took the ‘leave the building’ option.”
Advertisement
He described the decision as a “sad moment” for himself, the show and his “poor TV wife” Susanna Reid, joking: “It was a very dramatic divorce. And I thought it was the wrong call by ITV.
“They had the hottest show on TV, it had just beaten the BBC to become the number one-rated breakfast show in the country. I wasn’t expecting a carriage clock, but I wasn’t expecting to be escorted out of the building. So it was all a bit dramatic.”
Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid pictured on his final day as a presenter on GMB
ITV/Shutterstock
He continued: “It’s interesting to me that Ofcom, the government-appointed TV regulator, five months later, found in my favour, and said that it would have been a chilling infringement on my rights to free speech had I not been able to say, ‘I don’t believe somebody’. So the whole thing seemed to me a bit ridiculous.”
He said: “The moment you try and get me fired, as Megan Markle did on Good Morning Britain, where she personally writes to the boss of ITV and demands my head on a plate, that is cancel culture right there. And the idea that ITV rolled over to it is ridiculous.
“But that’s why I’m here, and I feel, in a way, grateful to them, because I think this is a very exciting new platform and opportunity.”
Meghan Markle
NDZ/Star Max via Getty Images
“The mystery about the ITV thing was that I was hired specifically to have strongly-held opinions,” he added. “So, that’s why I felt the way I had to leave in the end was so absurd. And the more you look back on it, the more you go, ‘what was that all about?’.
“I thought the whole thing was a farce, and I’m delighted that as a result of the farce, we’ve ended up with a whole network that is now dedicated to preventing that kind of farce from recurring.”
Making a somewhat questionable comparison, Piers added that he felt “like Nelson Mandela when he came out of prison”, joking: “It’s like the long walk to free speech freedom.”
Piers went on to insist that he would not be “looking to steal Good Morning Britain viewers”, before throwing some shade at the daytime TV show, which has brought in a string of rotating guest hosts since Piers’ exit.
“I would be looking to pick up all those who’ve stopped watching [GMB],” he claimed. “Which, judging by when I walk around and judging by their ratings, is a lot of people.
“So if you loved Good Morning Britain when I was on it, and you miss me in that way, you know where to find me. There are a lot of people who I think were annoyed about what went down. And they’d be the ones I’d be after.”
Piers Morgan in the GMB studio
Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Since stepping down from GMB over a year ago, Piers has made a number of seemingly conflicting comments about the nature of his exit.
The morning after the news of his exit, Piers told reporters: “I had a good chat with ITV and we agreed to disagree. I’m just going to take it easy and see how we go.
“If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly-held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with in that interview, so be it,” he added at the time.
“Effectively I was censored at my previous job,” he claimed. “[I was] told to apologise to Meghan Markle for an honestly-held opinion, which obviously I wasn’t going to do.”
Piers Morgan Uncensored will launch on TalkTV at 8pm on Monday 25 April.
This year marks three whole decades since Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone burst onto our screens in a Bolly-drenched, drug-fuelled blaze of ridiculousness in Absolutely Fabulous.
The BBC sitcom followed the antics of PR guru Eddy and fashion magazine editor Patsy, sending up the industry and the colourful characters that inhabited it.
Advertisement
Ab Fab originally spawned three series and a special between 1992 and 1996, before subsequent revivals in 2001 and 2012, with a big-screen outing seemingly serving as a swan song for the outrageous duo, played sublimely by creator Jennifer Saunders and co-star Joanna Lumley.
Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders as Patsy and Eddy in Absolutely Fabulous
Radio Times via Getty Images
There’s never any shortage of cries for Jennifer to resurrect Eddy and Patsy, and as we approach Ab Fab’s 30th anniversary later this year, speculation is bound to intensify as to whether the comedian has something up her Lacroix sleeve.
Advertisement
As we wait patiently to find out, we’re continuing our celebration of nostalgic TV in our Rewind To The 90s series with 18 surprising facts about Ab Fab you probably won’t have known…
1. Ab Fab started life as a French & Saunders sketch
Advertisement
Absolutely Fabulous was first conceived after Jennifer and Dawn devised a sketch for their show French & Saunders called Modern Mother and Daughter.
The skit aired in 1990, and featured the characters that would later become known as Eddy and Saffy – although Dawn played the original “Saffy”.
2. There was originally some concern that the show might be too London-centric for everyone to get it
Ab Fab producer Jon Plowman – who later became the BBC’s head of comedy – said that when they started work on the show, there was concern that “an audience outside the square mile of Soho would not know what this was about”, he told the LA Times in 1994.
Advertisement
3. It originally started out on BBC Two, before being promoted to the main channel
Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley in the first episode of Ab Fab
According to the LA Times, the BBC originally hoped the show would find a modest cult following, but it proved such a hit with critics and viewers that it was promoted from BBC Two to BBC One for its second series.
“Maybe one of the things about comedy is that if you set out to make something of huge mass appeal, you’re less likely to make something that really catches fire,” Jon Plowman said.
4. The show proved to be a difficult sell in the US, however
A number of the big networks turned down the chance to show Ab Fab in the early 90s, with one TV boss telling Plowman that Eddy and Patsy were not very good “role models.”
Plowman said he was repeatedly told that execs thought the show was “wonderful, but we could never show it”.
The show was eventually picked up by Comedy Central in 1994.
“As soon as we saw it, we knew it was absolutely right for us,” Comedy Central’s senior vice president of programming at the time Mitch Semel said. “For us, it’s dead on target.”
5. Two attempts to make a local US version failed
In the 90s, Roseanne Barr put the wheels in motion to produce a US version of Ab Fab, which would have starred Carrie Fisher and Barbara Carrera as Eddy and Patsy, but it never came to fruition.
Advertisement
In 2008, another attempt was made with Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Johnston set to play the lead roles, with Zosia Mamet (aka Shoshanna from Girls) as Saffy, but Fox passed on commissioning a full series.
6. Eddy and Patsy did appear on an episode of Rosanne’s comedy, though
After Rosanne’s planned adaptation of Ab Fab did not work out, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley appeared as their characters in an episode of the US star’s hit sitcom in 1996.
Fellow Ab Fab star Mo Gaffney also appeared in the episode, but did not play her character Bo.
The episode saw Roseanne, Jackie, and Nancy visit New York City’s Upper West Side, where they mingled with celebrities and were invited to Martha’s Vineyard.
7. Bananarama was a huge inspiration for Ab Fab
Jennifer and comedy partner Dawn French with Bananarama in 2017
David M. Benett via Getty Images
Jennifer spent a lot of time with the 80s pop group in their heyday, describing having “some of the best nights of my life” with them.
She told Caitlin Moran during a Radio 4 interview: “I got a lot of gags from Bananarama because they were big vodka drinkers… when I started doing Ab Fab, I remembered all of the falls that I saw Bananarama do.
“I once saw one of them coming out of a cab bottom first and hitting the road, and I thought ‘that’s class’.”
8. PR exec Lynne Franks was also a rumoured influence for Eddy’s character
Advertisement
Lynne Franks pictured in 2004
Gareth Davies via Getty Images
Jennifer has long cited publicist Lynne Franks as someone she based the character of Eddy on.
When the show was originally on air, Lynne was rather displeased about her link to the show, but in 2018, she said that it no longer “upsets as much as it used to”.
Lynne, who appeared as a contestant on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2007, told the BBC: “It is a very funny programme and I love it but it can get a little bit tedious when it gets mentioned every time.
“If it creates an interest in me and I can then talk about things I really care about, then it is a really useful and helpful tool.”
9. Eddy Monsoon is named after Jennifer’s husband Adrian Edmondson
Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson in 1989
Dave Benett via Getty Images
It is a play on his name that he used in an episode of Channel 4 show Comic Strip Presents in 1984, in which Jennifer also starred.
10. Adrian can also be heard on the show’s theme tune
Wheels On Fire was originally recorded by Bob Dylan in 1967, before Julie Driscoll recorded a cover a year later.
Adrian’s vocal was added to a reworking of Julie’s version, appearing alongside her on the theme. It was remixed when the show returned for a fourth season in 2001, with Julie credited under the surname Tippetts.
Kylie Minogue also recorded a cover as the soundtrack to the 2015 film.
Advertisement
11. Jennifer was frightened by Julia Sawalha in her original audition
June Whitfield, Jennifer Saunders and Julia Sawalha on set in 1992
Radio Times via Getty Images
In the 2001 series companion book Continuity, Jennifer said that they had already seen quite a few people for the role of Eddy’s daughter, but none were right – but then Julia auditioned.
“She didn’t try to make Saffy funny,” Jennifer explained. “I found her quite frightening to read with because she was so serious I couldn’t look her in the eye.”
12. There is only 10 years between Jennifer and on-screen daughter Julia
Julia Sawalha (left) and Jennifer Saunders in a scene from episode Fat in 1992
Radio Times via Getty Images
When Ab Fab started, Eddy was just turning 40, while Saffy was 16, but in actuality, Jennifer was 34 and Julia was 24.
13. Joanna Lumley was cast after appearing on Ruby Wax’s sketch show
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snDMz3Uruo8","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Joanna Lumley on The Full Wax (1992)","author":"UtterlyHeleno","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ZPVDUvse0oAv_mmdet6cQ","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"This is Joanna’s second appearance on The Full Wax; here Ruby tries to convince her audience that she and Miss Lumley are actually very good friends and her appearance on last year’s show was completely above board. This is considered by many to be the performance that inspired Jennifer Saunders to cast Joanna as Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous.\r\n\r\nI apologise in advance for any issues concerning the quality of this video. It’s taken me a while to track this episode down and this was the only version I could find. In fact, I’m only uploading this because it’s so bloody difficult to find and I’ve seen quite a few people requesting this episode on other Joanna Lumley/Ab Fab related videos.\r\n\r\nAnyway, enjoy the video! Comment, rate, subscribe and all that jazz. Or don’t. It’s really up to you! :)\r\n\r\nP.S. I do not own the contents of this video.","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/snDMz3Uruo8/sddefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":640,"thumbnail_height":480,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
During the sketch on a 1991 episode of The Full Wax, Joanna – who was known for her roles in the likes of The Avengers – showed a different side when she sent herself up as a drunk, drug-taking has-been, which cast her in a new light.
14. Joanna used her own hair to create Pasty’s beehive hairstyle
In a promo photo for the show
Radio Times via Getty Images
Pasty’s barnet is nearly as iconic as the woman herself, and it was all Joanna’s own hair used to create it.
Jennifer compared it to “the Tardis” from Doctor Who, writing in Companion: “When it’s down and normal it looks perfectly safe, but once a hairdresser gets inside and whips it up, you realise the extraordinary volume.”
Advertisement
15. Jane Horrocks actually auditioned to play Saffy
Jane Horrocks pictured in 1992
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Jane tried out for the part of Eddy’s daughter, but Jennifer instead cast her as the character’s assistant Bubble instead.
In the 2001 series companion book Continuity, Jennifer said: “She looked nothing like me and was frankly too old, even though she’s not as ancient as Dawn French… But Jane is so talented and funny and attractive that we immediately offered her Bubble.”
16. Bubble was originally conceived as a very different character
Jane was cast as Eddy’s assistant Bubble after auditioning as Saffy
Radio Times via Getty Images
Jennifer wrote in Continuity: “When I first wrote Bubble, I had imagined a useless ‘Sloane Ranger’ secretary. A girl so posh but very stupid that she might either become a secretary or do a cordon bleu course or work for a high-profile charity.”
Of how the part changed after Jane’s casting, Jennifer added: “What was upper class eccentricity became bizarre and surreal.
“The costumes which always seemed rather childlike and extreme were always based on the very newest ideas in magazines like i-D. Fashion taken to its limits.”
17. Idris Elba appeared in the show before he was famous
Idris Elba appeared in the third series of Absolutely Fabulous
The actor is now world famous, but prior to hitting the big time, Idris appeared in the 1995 episode Sex, where he played an escort.
18. Jennifer thought the original finale of the show was “disjointed”
Advertisement
When Jennifer decided to wrap up Ab Fab after three seasons in 1996, she responded to criticism from a newspaper critic who called the last episode “an idea flogged well past its sell-by date”.
In an interview with The Independent, Jennifer said that the episode was “disjointed”, but added: “I just had to get rid of all those jokes I’d always wanted to do. It would have been tragic to look back in 2000 and think, ‘I wish I’d done that’.”
As it turned out, Ab Fab ended up returning for two more series between 2001 and 2004.
How much do you know about sex? And I mean really know about sex. For most of us, our sex education started and stopped with the birds and the bees. We were taught the biology of our bodies, how to make babies and if we were lucky the difference between STDs and STIs.
Since our knowledge around sex has been so limited, the internet has been our sex ed teacher, which often has more cons than pros. This is what Sophia Smith Galer touches on in her new book, Losing It.
Advertisement
Drawing on some of her own experiences around sex ed, ‘Losing It’ explores the way we’ve been taught about sex in the 21st century and how this affects how we engage with intimacy.
“I didn’t have a comprehensive sex education,” Galer tells HuffPost UK. “I did have sex education at school. But the things that left a mark on me were, as I described in the book, the focus on ‘bugs and babies.’ So the avoidance of STIs and the avoidance of pregnancy.”
Advertisement
She believes the information she was taught about sex didn’t set her up well enough to deal with real life sexual scenarios. “My sex education could have definitely been a lot better. And what I really argue in the book is that I ended up leaving school endorsing a number of myths about the body because of things I’d heard.”
Brian Prentke
Author and journalist Sophia Smith Galer and her new book, Losing It.
There were multiple reasons why Galer wanted to write the book, but one them was linked to her previous role as BBC religion reporter. “Time and time again, sex and relationships would continue cropping up in stories I wrote about young people and young women,” she says.
Advertisement
Though she isn’t currently practicing, she was raised catholic. “Our world views and our perspectives are either informed by a religion we believe in or it’s influenced a society that we live in – and with sex there’s a lot of collision.”
This is something that she further analyses in the book, under a chapter called ‘The Virginity Myth’, which looks at the role Christianity has played in sex education.
Through her research, Galer found that there are some states in America where the sex education curriculum focusses solely on abstinence.
She spoke to a young woman called Blair, who grew up in a southern baptist community. Blair touches on how she latched onto purity culture because she wanted to please God, but it ended up making her mentally ill. She recalls the first time she made out with a guy, saying she took the morning after pill as she thought she would get pregnant.
Advertisement
“What really threw me was how much of this educational resource also exists in the UK,” says Galer. “In the book there are a number of stories about people being given quite purity culture messaging in British schools.
“There is research that has been commissioned by the highest powers in the land that have found abstinence-only education does not work. Not only does it not work, it can be actively harmful. It can do things like contribute to sexist values, or it can reaffirm sexist values.”
So, how can we unlearn what we’ve been taught about sex?
As her knowledge of sex after school was basic, Galer explains that she taught herself the need-to-know info through reading. “That’s how I’ve always found out about stuff as a young person. I would go on the internet and look things up,” she says.
“That is fraught with danger as much as it is good, reliable information. For me, I learnt through reading and podcast listening. It’s kind of been quite private information acquisition, on top of my own experiences with partners.”
When asked where young (or older) people can safely learn about sex online, Galer says sexual health charities and reliable national websites.
“Most sexual health charities that are smart and support young people have pretty good Instagram pages where they do a lot of debunking myths and sharing information and Instagram infographics, which is really good,” she says.
The book touches on issues such as virginity as a concept, the obsession with hymens, tightness, penetration and consent.
On the latter, she writes: “There are many occasions in my sexual biography where I gave my consent at the time but the details suddenly and dramatically changed – like when a partner disclosed he’d lied about his age, or was breaking up with me, during or after sexual contact.”
Galer tells HuffPost the chapter on consent was the quite hard to write, because it made her reflect on some of her own experiences.
Advertisement
“It made me think deeply about bad ethics of sex,” she says.
“I think we don’t talk enough about coercion. What is a coercive act? I think it’s quite helpful to adopt that vocabulary when we talk about consent, because we’re often too limiting. We just restrict it to something being consensual or non consensual.”
Though difficult, if you truly want to unlearn what you’ve been taught about sex and overcome any misplaced shame, Galer believes it’s important to introspect.
“If you want to unlearn sex myths you’re going to have to be ready to possibly rewrite your own sexual biography as it may make you think differently about things that happened in the past,” she says.
Even though some themes on the pages are quite dark, Galer wants the book to highlight how important it is to prioritise information around sex and the body in the world we live in.
“What I find in the book is that so many of us don’t get that access to sex education and sex myths pave the way to so many harms,” she says. “I want people to know that sex is not a sex issue. I want people leaving this book to think it’s a political, socioeconomic, health and human rights issue.”
With her infectious laugh, naughty sense of humour and incredible interview style that can have even the most notoriously difficult A-listers in stitches, Alison Hammond is a real one-off.
In recent years, her fame has skyrocketed after a much-deserved promotion to one of the main hosts on This Morning alongside Dermot O’Leary, as well as her role on the BBC’s I Can See Your Voice, which has even seen her nominated for a Bafta.
In fact, we’d go as far to say that she’s basically now the best thing about British telly – and here are 25 clips that prove it…
Advertisement
1. When Alison accidentally pushed a man into the Albert Dock
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgXf-tYWsWQ","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison Makes a Splash on the This Morning Weather Map | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nIt was a staple of This Morning for years at the Albert Dock, and today, for one day only, the This Morning Weather Map is back. And there was only one person we could think to send – the fabulous Alison Hammond!\nBroadcast on 03/10/18\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QgXf-tYWsWQ/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX8xG1WyL6w","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Dwayne Johnson Proposes to Alison!? | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nIn an extended interview, Dwayne Johnson chats about running in slow motion for the new Baywatch film and possibly becoming the next American president, for which Alison has a suggestion as to who should be his First Lady – herself!\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fX8xG1WyL6w/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q0-GnMRxow","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison Hammond Gets Stuck On A Door! | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nBroadcast on 25/04/2016\nWhile doing a tour of the competition prize holiday home, Alison gets herself caught on one of the doors.\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Chris Steele answers all your health questions.\n\nStay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, save money with Martin Lewis and get gardening with David Domoney.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv \nhttp://www.u.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5Q0-GnMRxow/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaivW5joQrk","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Get the Alison Hammond Experience! | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nJust days after announcing their engagement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Nottingham on their first Royal outing together to mark World Aids Day. Alison Hammond joins the packed crowds in an attempt to scoop an interview with the love-birds, but will she get one?\n\nBroadcast on 01/12/2017\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qaivW5joQrk/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDlesdhWVoI","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Hugh Jackman Is Fed Chocolates by Alison as She Turns Their Interview Into a Date! | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nIn an exclusive extended interview, Hugh Jackman sits down with Alison Hammond to chat about his new film Logan, but Alison is far more interested in feeding him chocolates as she springs a surprise date on him! \n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YDlesdhWVoI/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWwhiwMuI5w","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison Hammond’s Brownie Recipe Even Prue Leith Wants | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nIn a TV exclusive, our showbiz queen, Alison Hammond is donning her apron and brushing off her rolling pin as she enters the This Morning kitchen for the very first time to bake her delicious chocolate brownies.\nBroadcast on 31/03/20\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV and STV from 10:00am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv\n\n#thismorning #phillipandholly #eamonnandruth","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YWwhiwMuI5w/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utD1dLRsAXA","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison and Michael Bublé Share a Kiss Under the Mistletoe | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nMichael Bublé is reunited with our own Alison Hammond after ten years apart. From giving him the ultimate Christmas present, to a very moving duet from his new album – this is an interview you don’t want to miss.\nBroadcast on: 14/12/18\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/utD1dLRsAXA/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLmU5n4qplE","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison Has a Bone to Pick With Bradley Cooper | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nAlison asks Bradley Cooper about the challenges of directing, producing and acting all at once. He also reveals what made him choose Lady Gaga as his co-star in A Star Is Born.\nBroadcast on 02/10/18\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RLmU5n4qplE/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiX_2s3-vI8","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison Hammond Interviews A Tree… No, Really | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nIf you think our days of voting in European elections were over, think again. The European Tree of the Year competition is open for votes until this Saturday – and there’s a UK nominee! We’ve sent Alison to meet The Allerton Oak in its hometown of Liverpool, to find out about its history and why it should win the ‘Eurovision of trees’. Alison will even be able to interview the tree directly, through the power of the tree whisperer, Holly Worton.\nBroadcast on 26/02/20\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV and STV from 10:00am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv\n\n#thismorning #phillipandholly #eamonnandruth","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DiX_2s3-vI8/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xktf3nYb7Cc","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison Hammond Takes a Hilarious Ride on the New Toy Story Land Slinky Dog Coaster | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nShe has quite the time!\nBroadcast on 28/06/2018\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Xktf3nYb7Cc/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9YvBZvN0wU","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison Hammond performs Missy Elliot’s ‘Get Ur Freak On’ – Let’s Sing and Dance for Comic Relief","author":"BBC","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCj956IF62FbT7Gouszaj9w","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe and 🔔 to the BBC 👉 https://bit.ly/BBCYouTubeSub\nWatch the BBC first on iPlayer 👉 https://bbc.in/iPlayer-Home Programme website: http://bbc.in/2mBgEcV Alison Hammond performs Missy Elliot’s ‘Get Ur Freak On’\n\n#bbc\nAll our TV channels and S4C are available to watch live through BBC iPlayer, although some programmes may not be available to stream online due to rights. If you would like to read more on what types of programmes are available to watch live, check the ‘Are all programmes that are broadcast available on BBC iPlayer?’ FAQ 👉 https://bbc.in/2m8ks6v.","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W9YvBZvN0wU/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB4DC3qRLvQ","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison has Tricks up her Sleeve – Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 2014 – BBC Two","author":"BBC Strictly Come Dancing","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0-p7mK8hRVvV86yREq342A","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Stream Strictly LIVE on BBC iPlayer 💃🕺 https://bbc.in/2MyAdzw\nSubscribe and 🔔 to BBC Strictly ✨ https://bit.ly/2kzjjAT\nSubscribe and 🔔 to BBC 👉 https://bit.ly/2IXqEIn\n\nSUBSCRIBE to BBC Strictly Come Dancing: https://bit.ly/2kzjjAT\n\nSUBSCRIBE to BBC for more entertainment highlights: https://bit.ly/2IXqEIn\n\nhttps://bbc.co.uk/ittakestwo\nAlison can’t stop laughing after a wardrobe malfunction temporarily blinds Aljaz!\n\n#strictly #bbcstrictly #strictlycomedancing","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yB4DC3qRLvQ/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnPAFk5lG9Q","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"How Well Do Harry Styles and Sir Kenneth Branagh Know Their Shakespeare? | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nSir Kenneth Branagh and Harry Styles share their experiences of filming Christopher Nolan’s new film ‘Dunkirk’, but how will they fare when Alison tests them on their Shakespeare knowledge? \nBroadcast on 14/07/2016\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DnPAFk5lG9Q/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5QqJqUATzs","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Alison Loses It During a Lifeboat Launch | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nAlison can’t contain her excitement as she launches a lifeboat down the slipway at the St. Davids RNLI station. \nBroadcast on 27/04/2017\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N5QqJqUATzs/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
","type":"video","meta":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAb8KIhgVAI","type":"video","version":"1.0","title":"Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford Lose It at Hilarious Interview! | This Morning","author":"This Morning","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFsYLqPUyLiZnfRog6wiZA","provider_name":"YouTube","description":"Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1JM41yF\nAlison Hammond attempts to interview Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford on their upcoming film ‘Blade Runner 2049’, but it doesn’t quite go to plan.\n\nLike, follow and subscribe to This Morning!\nWebsite: http://bit.ly/1MsreVq\nYouTube: http://bit.ly/1BxNiLl\nFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1FbXnjU\nTwitter: http://bit.ly/1Bs1eI1\n\nThis Morning – every weekday on ITV from 10:30am.\n\nJoin Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as we meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the hottest celebs and cook up a storm with your favourite chefs!\n\nDr Zoe and Dr Ranj answer all your health questions, stay stylish with Gok Wan’s fabulous fashion, be beautiful with Bryony Blake’s top make-up tips, and save money with Martin Lewis.\n\nhttp://www.itv.com\nhttp://www.stv.tv","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bAb8KIhgVAI/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_height":720,"cache_age":86400,"options":{"_start":{"label":"Start from","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_end":{"label":"End on","value":"","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s"},"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"click_to_play":{"label":"Hold load & play until clicked","value":false}}},"fullBleed":false,"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"slideshowAd":{"scriptTags":[],"otherHtml":""},"slideshowEndCard":{"scriptTags":[{"attribs":{},"scriptBody":"\r\n (function(){\r\n var c = document.getElementById(‘taboola-endslate-thumbnails’);\r\n c.id += ‘-‘ + Math.round(Math.random()*1e16);\r\n \r\n var taboolaParams = {\r\n loader: \"//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/aol-huffingtonpost/loader.js\",\r\n mode: \"thumbnails-b\",\r\n container: c.id,\r\n placement: \"Endslate Thumbnails\",\r\n target_type: \"mix\"\r\n };\r\n \r\n if (typeof window.modulousQueue === \"function\") {\r\n \twindow.modulousQueue.add(function(){ doTaboola(taboolaParams); });\r\n } else {\r\n \tdoTaboola(taboolaParams);\r\n }\r\n }());\r\n"}],"otherHtml":"
Come on, hands up – who’s ready to put their feet up and enjoy laying low over Easter? The four-day bank holiday weekend is finally upon us, and we can’t be the only ones who feel like it can’t have come soon enough.
If you’re among those planning to use their time to rest up at home, you’re in luck, because there’s a string of films both old and new for pretty much everyone to enjoy.
Advertisement
To save your channel-hopping, here’s our guide to 22 films being shown on telly over Easter, and when to watch them…
Hop
Advertisement
Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Good Friday at 10.15am on ITV2
Tell me more: A young rabbit named E.B. announces he doesn’t want to follow in his predecessors’ footsteps by becoming the Easter Bunny, and instead wants to pursue his dream of becoming a drummer.
Advertisement
Even more random than that plot is the fact the animated bunny is voiced by Russell Brand, with live-action appearances from James Marsden and Chelsea Handler – not to mention some extremely cute chicks.
Recommended for: At this time of year? Everyone! Come on, who doesn’t want to kick off Easter weekend with this sweet story?
Matilda
Tri Star/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Good Friday at 2pm on ITV
Advertisement
Tell me more: Six-year-old Matilda is unappreciated by her neglectful parents and mistreated by the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, finding solace in books. She has some fun of her own and schemes to get her own back when she discovers that, in addition to her superior intellect, she also possesses telekinetic powers.
Recommended for: To be honest, we’re struggling to think of a time we wouldn’t recommend the cosy and pure magic of Matilda.
Space Jam
Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Good Friday at 2.15pm on ITV2
Tell me more: Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia. Perhaps the most 90s film to ever exist, Space Jam mixes space travel, basketball and Looney Tunes, with some impressive A-list cameos including Bill Murray and, of course, sports icon Michael Jordan.
Recommended for: Anyone who was disappointed by the 2021 Space Jam sequel and needs to remind themselves of what it was they loved so much about the original film.
King Of Kings
Moviestore/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Good Friday at 2.30pm on BBC Two
Tell me more: It wouldn’t be Good Friday without some class of biblical epic airing on the BBC in the middle of the afternoon, would it?. This year they’re showing King Of Kings, with Jeffrey Hunter and Rip Torn in the lead roles of Jesus and Judas.
Clocking in at just under three hours, it’s a bit of a bum-number, but it pales in comparison to The Greatest Story Ever Told, which goes for four hours and 20 minutes in total.
Advertisement
Recommended for: If you’re already on a bit of a chocolate-induced sugar high and you need some help settling down for the afternoon.
Ice Age
20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Good Friday at 4pm on ITV2
Tell me more: A snow-covered family favourite that started a whole animated franchise, Ice Age introduces us to a sloth, saber-tooth tiger and wooly mammoth who team up to help return a lost human baby to his tribe.
Unlike a lot of animated films, the voice cast were encouraged to improvise during the recording process, which helped provide some of the humour that helped make Ice Age a favourite for all generations when it debuted 20 (!!) years ago.
Recommended for: If the bank holiday weather doesn’t quite work out in your favour and you decide to just lean into the cold.
Tell me more: Often held up as one of the best films of all time, Back To The Future introduces us to high school student Marty McFly, who winds up being catapulted back in time to the 50s thanks to mad scientist Doc Brown and his souped-up DeLorean.
Recommended for: Anyone who has somehow made it this long without watching Back To The Future.
Tell me more: Written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, this historical drama centres around Queen Victoria in the early years of her reign, shining a light on her turbulent relationship and her romance with the eventual Prince Albert.
Alongside Emily Blunt in the lead role, the cast also boasts appearances from Jim Broadbent, Miranda Richardson and Paul Bettany.
Recommended for: Those who can’t quite hang on for season five of The Crown for a taste of royal drama and scandal.
Tell me more: Speed was a breakthrough moment for Sandra Bullock when it was released in the 90s. She and Keanu Reeves play passengers who find themselves on board a bus that has been rigged by terrorists to explode if it goes beneath 50mph in this fast-paced action thriller.
Recommended for: If you’ve been watching animated family favourites all day, and need something a bit more high-stakes.
Advertisement
Skyfall
Danjaq/Eon Productions/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Good Friday at 8pm on ITV2
Tell me more: Skyfall is the third of Daniel Craig’s five outings as James Bond, and is often considered by fans of the 007 franchise to be the best of the bunch. This instalment sees Bond squaring off against former MI6 agent turned cyberterrorist Raoul Silva, while Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw also make their debut appearances in the franchise in the film.
Recommended for: Anyone whose idea of a good Friday night includes big explosions, chase scenes, shock twists and generally being shaken (but not stirred).
Whiplash
Moviestore/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Good Friday at 9pm on BBC Three
Tell me more: This seriously intense Oscar-winning film centres around an ambitious jazz drummer who is pushed to the extreme by his ruthless (and, at times, abusive) teacher, played by JK Simmons.
Recommended for: Anyone who wasn’t put through the trauma of school band rehearsals and wants a taste of what it was like.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Blueprint/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Good Friday at 10.40pm on BBC One
Advertisement
Tell me more: In The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a group of British pensioners decide to ditch the humdrum of retirement in Blighty and embrace the new by moving to a new residence in India, with romance and drama ensuing.
If that doesn’t convince you, the cast includes Dame Judi Dench, Dev Patel, Dame Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Celia Imrie.
Recommended for: If you want something gentle to wind down to after a hectic Good Friday.
Joker
Warner Bros/Moviestore/Shutterstock
When’s it on? From Good Friday onwards on Netflix
Tell me more: Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar for his portrayal of the titular supervillain in this complete rewrite of the Joker’s backstory.
Joker draws heavily on the work of Martin Scorsese, which means there’s considerably more graphic violence and unsettling action than you might expect from a DC Comics adaptation, but despite polarising reviews at the time, the film was hugely successful upon its release in 2019.
Recommended for: If you want the complete opposite of something gentle to wind down to after a hectic Good Friday.
Jason And The Argonauts
Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Saturday at 9.50am on Channel 4
Advertisement
Tell me more: A true cult classic from the 60s (Mr Hollywood himself Tom Hanks once named it his favourite film ever), fantasy adventure Jason And The Argonauts reimagines stories from Greek mythology with a mix of live-action and stop-motion animation.
Recommended for: Those who want to kickstart their Saturday morning with some old-school adventure.
Shrek 2
Dreamworks/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Saturday at 4.10pm on ITV2
Tell me more: Probably the best offering from the surprisingly-elaborate Shrek universe, this film picks up where the first film left off with Shrek and newly-permanent ogre Fiona adjusting to married life.
We could go on and on about the plot, but realistically you’ve already seen this film 100 times and know full well it’s all about the Fairy Godmother’s musical number.
Recommended for: Literally everyone. Enjoy!
Captain Marvel
C Zlotnick/Disney/Marvel/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Saturday at 9.25pm on Channel 4
Tell me more: Captain Marvel is the first female-led film in the MCU, and what a best foot forward it was. Oscar winner Brie Larson takes the lead in this action adventure, which also boasts appearances from Samuel L Jackson, Lashana Lynch and Jude Law.
Advertisement
Recommended for: Marvel fans who still have a few films to check off their ever-growing MCU list.
Hot Fuzz
Focus/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Saturday at 10.40pm on ITV
Tell me more: The second (and biggest) film in Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s “Cornetto trilogy” the police comedy sees Simon and regular co-star Nick Frost teaming up to play a pair of coppers investigating grisly murders in a West Country village. We promise it’s funnier than it sounds.
Recommended for: Anyone who just needs a good chuckle.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Bruce Mc Broom/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Easter Sunday at 3.25pm on ITV2
Tell me more: One of the most beautiful stories of unlikely friendship ever shown on screen, E.T. became the biggest box office smash of all time when it debuted in the 1980s.
The film introduces us to Elliott, a young boy whose life is turned upside down when he befriends a lost alien who has crash-landed on earth.
Recommended for: Anyone, as long as you’re prepared to cry your eyes out in those final moments.
Advertisement
The Lion King
When’s it on? Easter Sunday at 5.45pm on BBC One
Tell me more: Undoubtedly one of the most shining jewels in the Disney renaissance crown, this animated classic is a rough retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet as told through animals in the Pride Lands of Africa.
With stunning animation, unforgettable music (by Sir Elton John, no less!) and some of the most iconic characters in Disney history, it’s a film everyone should watch at least once.
Recommended for: The term “fun for all the family” gets thrown around a lot, but The Lion King truly is.
Spectre
Jonathan Olley/Columbia/Eon/Danjaq/Mgm/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Easter Sunday at 8pm on ITV2
Tell me more: What, did you think the long weekend was only going to have one James Bond film on TV? Don’t be silly.
Skyfall follow-up Spectre introduces Andrew Scott (otherwise known as Fleabag’s Hot Priest) as 007’s new adversary Max Denbigh, with Sam Mendes returning as director.
Recommended for: If Skyfall piqued your interest on Good Friday.
Advertisement
Shrek
Moviestore/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Easter Monday at 2.05pm on ITV
Tell me more: Pretty much throwing out the fairytale rulebook, Shrek helped put Dreamworks on the map, and made sure they were the go-to for family comedy over Disney in the 2000s.
In the first film of the series, we meet grumpy ogre Shrek, who is furious to find his isolated swamp has been overrun by fairytale creatures, after they’re all banished by Lord Farquaad.
Recommended for: When you enjoyed Shrek 2 so much two days earlier, you want to go back and watch the first film. No, we’ve got no idea why ITV is showing them in this order, either, but let’s not question it.
Beauty And The Beast
Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Easter Monday at 2.30pm on BBC One
Tell me more: Remember how many times you watched Disney’s animated Beauty And The Beast when you were growing up? Well, this is the slightly-less-good live-action version, with Emma Watson as Belle. If ever there was proof of the power of great animation, it’s comparing this film’s photo-real Mrs Potts with the version we all knew and loved from the 90s.
Recommended for: Disney devotees, for sure. But if you’ve never seen the original, we’d probably start there.
Spider-Man
Advertisement
Moviestore/Shutterstock
When’s it on? Easter Monday at 6.35pm on ITV2
Tell me more: Long before Tom Holland and even Andrew Garfield, Tobey Maguire swung into action (literally) as Spidey. This was the film that started it all, introducing us to Peter Parker as he’s bitten by a radioactive spider and slowly discovers his unusual abilities.
Recommended for: Any Marvel fans who want some nostalgia from those pre-MCU days.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.
