Culture desk BBC demands tighter vetting after Apprentice candidate’s offensive social media posts A contestant due to appear on the forthcoming series is found to have previously posted offensive messages on social media. January 19, 2026
Books & Fiction Judging Booker Prize is agony, says Sarah Jessica Parker The Sex and the City star is one of the judges for this year's award and has revealed its shortlist. January 18, 2026
Books & Fiction Heated Rivalry author: I thought ice-hockey romance was too steamy for TV Rachel Reid thought her books, about an illicit relationship between two star hockey players, were "unadaptable". January 18, 2026
Books & Fiction Crime author Denise Mina says book festival is like the ‘spine’ of her career Crime writer Denise Mina has been a stalwart of Aye Write since it started in 2005, only missing three. January 17, 2026
Culture desk Hambling painting raffle for Woodbridge church heating hits £13k St Mary's Church is raffling a Maggi Hambling artwork to raise funds for a low-carbon heating system. January 17, 2026
Culture desk The Lottery Winners band to headline big homecoming show in Leigh The Lottery Winners will headline the Leigh Sports Village Stadium in May. January 16, 2026
Books & Fiction Julian Barnes: Author discusses his ‘final’ novel Departure(s), living with cancer, and the future of fiction The award-winning author discusses his "final" novel, living with cancer, and the future of fiction. January 15, 2026
Culture desk Amol Rajan to leave Radio 4’s Today programme to launch his own company The presenter will continue to host University challenge and his Radical podcast for the BBC. January 15, 2026
Books & Fiction Doctor Who and Wednesday star at Rushden library comic convention Evangeline Maddams says the event is a good way of attracting people to the library. January 15, 2026