Line of Duty star looks completely different in BBC comedy Amandaland

Actress Rochenda Sandall, who is best known for her role in the gritty police drama series Line of Duty, looks very different in her latest role.

The Grimsby-born actress, who played Lisa McQueen in the first series of the cop thriller, is one of the leads in the new comedy series Amandaland. Following on from the hit show Motherland, which ran for three series, Amandaland picks up the story of now-divorced Amanda (Lucy Punch) as she starts a new life with her kids in South Harlesden in London. Rochenda co-stars as one of Amanda’s new friends, Fi, and with highlighted hair and a cosy anorak, looks worlds away from Organised Crime Group member Lisa McQueen, who had tightly pulled back hair and wore a severe polo neck during her time as one of Line of Duty’s most memorable criminals.

Rochenda’s TV career began with roles in Coronation Street and Doctors before she appeared in Black Mirror, Silent Witness and Line of Duty. She has since appeared as a Sith officer in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, in Steve McQueen’s acclaimed Small Axe, in the series The Rig and as Azure in six episodes of the 13th series of Doctor Who, alongside Jodie Whittaker.

Rochenda stars as Fi alongside Joanna Lumley in Amandaland
Rochenda stars as Fi alongside Joanna Lumley in Amandaland (BBC)

Amandaland, which begins on BBC One on Wednesday 5 February, also stars Joanna Lumley as Amanda’s mother Felicity, Philippa Dunne as long-suffering pal Anne and Gavin & Stacey’s Samuel Anderson as Mal. Anna Maxwell Martin, who starred as Julia in Motherland, has confirmed she will not be appearing in the new series.

Tanya Qureshi, Head of Comedy at the BBC said: “We can’t wait for audiences to see Amanda’s new chapter, brought to life by such a talented cast and a wonderfully sharp set of characters. It’s going to be a real treat. ”

Rochenda is best known for her role in Line of Duty, alongside Stephen Graham
Rochenda is best known for her role in Line of Duty, alongside Stephen Graham (BBC/World Productions)

The series is created by Bad Sisters star Sharon Horgan, along with fellow Motherland creators Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz and Barunka O’Shaughnessy. Sharon said: “I was genuinely sad having to say goodbye to Motherland. There’s such a fondness for that show and those characters. So it was a real thrill to get to pick up the further adventures of Amanda and Anne, not to mention Felicity. Lucy, Phillipa and Joanna are top of their game in these roles and are joined by an incredibly funny and talented new cast. Can’t wait to showcase the next challenges of parenthood and the very particular kind of friendship the school gates bring. ”

The new series begins as Amanda downsizes from leafy Queen’s Park to South Harlesden in London, which the estate agent calls SoHa, possibly to detract from the fact that it’s close to Wormwood Scrubs Prison. Her two children, Manus and Georgie, are both at secondary school, so Amanda is now dealing with horrors such as teenage drinking, fake Instagram accounts and eco anxiety. And her mother, Felicity, is never far away, nor is old friend Anne, who has somehow been sucked back into Amanda’s universe to help her navigate the social scene at the children’s new school.

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Bruce Willis makes rare public outing after wildfires hit LA neighbourhood

Bruce Willis has been spotted making a rare outing in California, seemingly surveying the damage caused by the Los Angeles wildfires.

The 69-year-old was joined by his driver as they cruised around the San Fernando Valley neighbourhood in photos obtained by the Daily Mail, remaining in the car for the drive. The Die Hard star looked casual for the outing in a simple t-shirt, and left the window down to allow the fresh air and sunlight into the car.

Bruce has taken a major step back from public life since he was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, leading to him announcing his retirement from acting. A year later, Bruce’s family confirmed he had also been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

The star took a drive around his neighbourhood, after recently stepping out to meet the firefighters who’d faced the LA wildfires (emmahemingwillis/Instagram)

Thankfully, in December, his ex-wife Demi Moore gave a reassuring update about how he’s faring amid the progressive diseases. “Given the givens, he’s in a very stable place at the moment,” she said.

“I’ve shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely, it’s so important for anybody who’s dealing with this to really meet them where they’re at, and from that place, there is such loving and joy. ” Demi frequently shares posts about Bruce on Instagram, showing how the exes have blended families with his new wife, Emma Heming Willis, and often spend time together.

Despite Demi’s measured words, filmmaker Glenn Gordon Caron told Page Six that Bruce was inevitably a different man compared to when they worked together in the 80s. In October 2023, he shared: “My sense is the first one to three minutes he knows who I am. He’s not totally verbal; he used to be a voracious reader – he didn’t want anyone to know that – and he’s not reading now.

“All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he’s still Bruce… you’re grateful that he’s there, but the joie de vivre is gone. “

Despite Bruce’s changed health, he, Demi, and Emma spend major holidays and celebrations together. He shares daughters Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30, with Demi, and younger girls Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10, with Emma. A source opened up about the strong family bond, describing to US Weekly : “Bruce has good days and bad days, but in the last two months, there are many more bad days than good.

“This experience has brought the whole family even closer together. No one knows how much time Bruce has left, so they’re soaking up every moment they get with him. Bruce has around-the-clock care, but at least one family member is always with him. “

Bruce’s wife Emma, who previously worked as a model and actress, has also described how the family’s life has changed since Bruce’s diagnosis. She said: “There is grief and sadness, there’s all of that. But you start a new chapter, and that chapter is filled with love, it’s filled with connection, it’s filled with joy and happiness. That’s where we are. “

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Love Island’s Olivia Hawkins blames shock dumping on Luca Bish

Olivia Hawkins of Love Island: All Stars blamed Luca Bish for her untimely exit from the villa.

Olivia, 29, and Marcel Somerville, 39, were voted off by viewers as the least compatible couple on Wednesday night, alongside Ronnie Vint and Elma Pazar, and Nas Majeed and Catherine Agbaje.

After a heartbreaking breakup in 2018, Marcel and his ex-girlfriend Gabby Allen expressed relief over renouncing their relationship. Olivia, however, wasn’t taken aback by her eviction, attributing it to the tension between her and Luca, especially their surprising conversation during Tuesday’s episode.

Olivia claimed that because of a flirty conversation she had with Luca, fans chose her and Marcel to be least compatible.

In her post-villa interview, the brunette confessed: “When our names got called I actually wasn’t that surprised, I did think after the whole chat with Luca that it was a possibility. I believe that the bottom three couples had a right to be there, and I just think that whatever happens, it’s when I get there.

Despite being coupled with Marcel, and Luca setting his sights on new arrival Grace Jackson, the pair have had several “intense” conversations with plenty of eye contact. Olivia and Luca discussed the possibility of moving beyond “the friend zone” after kissing one another in a challenge.

Luca commented: “Cheers for putting me in the friend zone. Just in my mind at this point, I want that.

Olivia advised him to “go for what he wants ‘ as” you’re only here once, “and he retorted:” Do you think you went for what you wanted? Or do you believe there were others in this room that you would have sought to know?

Marcel and Luca
After Marcel learned about the conversation,

” When I came in you were the top one and then Marcel, “Olivia confessed, before suggesting to Luca that he” doesn’t think he’s explored things enough”.

She playfully asked:” How would you know if you haven’t tried? “and then praised his eyes. Luca responded:” I think I’m gonna cut that friend zone banner up now. “

Even some of the other Islanders sensed something was “between them,” according to rumors about their chemistry that quickly spread throughout the villa. Any rumors that Olivia and Luca wanted to stay with their current couples were dispelled in last night’s episode, though.

Olivia clarified her position when she explained that despite living in the same neighborhood and having previously been friends, Luca was probably the one with whom I didn’t want to fall out. However, we came out really nice. I’m very excited to follow his and Grace’s adventures.

Despite the drama, Olivia enthused that she” came and got what she wanted “with Marcel, who she described as” so sweet”.

When asked about their relationship, she said:” Yeah really good, he’s so sweet, it’s still really early days. It’s nice that we’re already together so we can go back to our homes and text each other.

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BBC Radio 2 star gives health update after having emergency brain surgery

Following his emergency surgery last month, DJ Spoony has given his fans a health update.

After experiencing a bleed on his brain, the BBC Radio 2 star admitted to having surgery in December. He had a subdural hemorrhage after complaining about a month-long headache, and doctors discovered it.

Taking to social media at the time, DJ Spoony uploaded a number of snaps of him during his hospitalisation. In the wake of the ordeal, he also expressed his gratitude for being surrounded by his loved ones at Christmas. He described the support he received as being “humbling.”

DJ Spoony had emergency surgery (Instagram/ @djspoony)
Trevor Nelson, Scott Mills and DJ Spoony
Trevor Nelson, Scott Mills and DJ Spoony (Instagram/ @djspoony)

Now, the 54-year-old disc jockey, whose real name is John Joseph, has offered a fresh update to his fans. He claimed that all the support he’d received since his operation had made him feel “overjoyed” and that he was “healing amazingly.”

Speaking to Radio 2 star Mark Goodier on his breakfast show, DJ Spoony said he wasn’t quite 100% yet, but was feeling “really good”. The question Mark had to ask his fellow DJ was, “How are you feeling because people will have seen your social over Christmas.” You are 100% better now”?

He responded: “Yeah thank you. I’m back to… You know my fitness isn’t where it was, but my health is fine, the scars are healing amazingly. I can’t believe how well the scars are healing. I’m sure that my paper cuts have taken longer to heal than my operation scars.

” I’m really good. Thank you for asking. Thank you to everybody that’s messaged, it’s been a bit overwhelming if I’m honest. “

Before Mark telling DJ Spoony he is glad he is “almost back to full strength,” he continued, “The human body is amazing.

DJ Spoony at the MOBO Awards in 2024
DJ Spoony at the 2024 MOBO Awards (Getty Images For MOBO)

Just after Christmas, DJ Spoony shared that doctors had discovered a “small bleed” on his brain, which led to the operation. He spoke on his radio show and said:” So yes, the secret is out. I was off last week because on Saturday, the 21st of December, I got up early in the morning. I’d been putting it off for about three to four weeks because I’d been having headaches.

“It was hurting, then it wasn’t hurting, and I thought I’d go to the hospital. The doctor [the doctor] said, “It appears that you have a small bleed to the brain and we need to send you over to Addenbrooke’s [Hospital],” after they performed some tests and said they would give me a little scan. The experts there have witnessed it.

I went to the waiting area and grabbed myself a packet of crisps and a chocolate bar, and I was like, “OK, no problem.” I did have a bottle of water with me though, alright, cause I didn’t want to go all bad. Then he returned to me and said, “Look, Mr. Joseph, we’re just waiting to hear from the bed admissions,” and I said, “What do I need a bed for?” He said ‘ oh you’re gonna have to stay in. We need to operate’. At that point, I had no idea. So y’know a few… I’ve got to say this, the hardest part was being nil by month for 10, 12, 14 hours at times.

“But a few of those later, the amazing doctors and nurses at Addenbrooke’s had done the operation, had flushed me out. I was feeling fine 10 minutes after the operation, I was talking, looking forward to being back on the ward, eating a banana, and having a ginger shot, that’s all I could think about because I’d been nil by mouth for about 14 hours. I returned to the ward, and I was fine. So again, our amazing NHS, thank you to everyone at]the hospital] for looking after me. You were amazing”.

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Prince William proves he’s got the ‘Wills effect’ with £130 Reiss shacket that’s selling fast

Today at Cycle of Life, the Duke of Cornwall made a public appearance. While attending this non-profit cycling organisation, the Prince participated in various activities, from football to helping assemble bicycles. Looking suave and smart as ever, William donned an on-trend dark green ‘ shacket ‘ that’s more affordable than you’d expect from a royal wardrobe.

But if you want to copy William’s cool attire, you’ll need to act fast, his £130 overshirt from Reiss is nearly sold out in all sizes, and only a handful of outlets still have stock. Here’s where to shop the Prince’s ensemble.

If your sizes have already flown from the virtual shelves, don’t fret, we’ve found some more budget-friendly options that are still available in a wide range of sizes.

READ MORE: Shop Stacey Solomon’s ‘ glamorous ‘ cream coat from family fishing trip and £250-less alternative

Kate Middleton makes a surprise appearance in the form of a chic brown handbag, and her fans are enthralled.

Prince William’s exact shirt is this Reiss Liam patch-pocket brushed wool-blend overshirt (Reiss)

Up for grabs for £118 from Selfridges, where you can find this shacket in XS only, the Liam patch-pocket brushed wool-blend overshirt is perfect for winter layering, as the Prince of Wales opted for in his late-January outing.

There is still a place where you can purchase the exact Reiss overshirt William styled from Brown Thomas for slightly more money, £132.84, if you’re willing to act quickly. It’s still shoppable in sizes XS, M, L, and XL. But they’re running low in stock, so you must hurry if you want to copy the Prince’s look.

For a flattering but not constrictive look, the forest-green shirt has a regular fit. Made from wool-blend melton, this shacket features a spread collar, practical and stylish twin patch pockets, and button fastenings – which William wore half-undone to reveal his knitwear beneath.

This shacket has long sleeves with barrel cuffs for a smart design with a casual finish, making it ideal for fending off chilly temperatures. The item’s versatility in styling and style is demonstrated by its promise to be versatile.

If you weren’t fast enough to catch your size in William’s opted-for shacket, fancy something a tad different, or don’t want to blow the bank, we’ve found several alternatives offering the same chilled yet regal style as William’s Reiss piece.

If blue is more your color, Ralph Lauren has this Birdseye Jacquard Wool Workshirt Jumper in a different navy shade. For £655, you can purchase this gem.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have access to a royal budget quite the big, don’t worry. Marks and Spencer have their own, more affordable alternative: this Autograph Cotton Rich Jersey Overshirt in William’s preferred green colourway, priced at £49.

Next joins the action with this Threadbare Neutral Brushed Button Up Shacket, which is available for purchase for £50 and comes in a range of shades, while House of Frasers also offers a similar grey style for £55.

Marcel Somerville’s ex-wife breaks silence after Love Island star’s brutal All Stars dumping

Following his brutal dumping from the Love Island All Stars villa, Marcel Somerville’s soon-to-be ex-wife has broken her silence on social media.

After splitting from him the previous year, Rebecca Vieirax, 39, split from him last year, and posted a photo of herself posing in a pink sarong and cropped top. She did not discuss her ex-partner’s decision to end the dating series.

At the conclusion of the episode, on Wednesday, January 22nd, the Islanders gathered around the firepit to find out the outcome of a public vote. The most divisive couple was revealed to be Marcel and Olivia, who received the fewest votes among the viewers. They left, and Liv gave the impression that she was ready for her first boyfriend, and they both expressed happiness to host Maya Jama as they left. Marcel, meanwhile, told the presenter he was happy to be with Liv and to have sorted past issues with ex Gabby Allen.

Rebecca Vieirax
Marcel’s ex Rebecca shared a photo of herself following his Love Island dumping (Instagram/ @rebeccavieirax)
Marcel on Love Island
This year’s villa contestant Marcel was the oldest (ITV).

Despite their early exit after just over a week in the villa, Marcel told host Maya: “I feel like we had a really good, compatible relationship”. Olivia also suggested that they’d grown closer than ever in recent days, saying: “I feel the last two days we got so close”.

Marcel explained to his wife Rebecca that he would be appearing on the series before going into the South African villa. “I had to tell Rebecca that I wasn’t going to be around for a few weeks”, he reveals. “She said: ‘ I can’t believe this. I can’t believe this is happening. ‘”

He continued: “But she’s got to a point of understanding that our relationship has broken down. We’re going through a divorce. We must eventually reach the point where we must move forward and live separately.

Marcel and Olivia getting dumped
On Wednesday (ITV), Marcel and Olivia were dumped from the house.

” For Rebecca Love Island was a shock. She wasn’t expecting it to happen, but she’s become accepting of the situation because she made a mistake. When circumstances like this arise, I can’t put my life on hold.

He also discussed talking to his ex, Gabby, who lives nearby and hasn’t spoken to him in six years. After the drama ended, we had a heartfelt conversation and a hug at the end of it. I haven’t seen her since, “he said before entering the villa”. I don’t believe there would be any awkwardness or anything between us if she went back in there. Gabby is a lovely person. We could become friends, and she might even hire me as her wingman.

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