Fri. Aug 1st, 2025
New Music & More: This Week’s Entertainment Highlights

Missing the captivating drama of The Traitors? The New Zealand edition premieres on BBC Three and iPlayer this Monday, delivering a fresh dose of intrigue.

But that’s just the beginning of a thrilling week for entertainment.

Yungblud releases his new album, 28 Days Later sequel hits UK cinemas, gamers anticipate Date Everything, and Benson Boone drops a new album.

Here’s a closer look at what’s in store this week…

This Monday, prepare to witness 22 New Zealanders vying for a NZ$100,000 (£44,000) prize in a game of deception and betrayal.

It’s the second season of The Traitors NZ, filmed at the picturesque Claremont Manor, nestled at the foot of Mount Horrible (yes, really).

Mirroring the British version, the show offers a compelling exploration of human behavior, as alliances shift and suspicion abounds.

Already a hit in New Zealand, the New Zealand Herald hailed it as a potential “reality TV hit of the year”.

While Claudia Winkleman’s iconic wardrobe is absent, New Zealand broadcaster Paul Henry provides equally captivating hosting.

Yungblud, the chart-topping artist and festival creator, unveils his new album, Idols, this Friday.

I recently had the opportunity to preview the album at a London event, experiencing a compelling blend of his signature pop-punk and emotional depth.

The 27-year-old artist (Dominic Richard Harrison) shared the event with Florence Pugh, who stars in the music video for “Zombie”.

He described the album, recorded in Northern England with close friends, as his “most ambitious and exciting music yet”.

Known for his dedicated fanbase, Yungblud aims to further expand his community with this new release.

Drawing inspiration from Queen and David Bowie, he told my colleague Mark Savage that the album would “reclaim the good chords” (Asus4 and Em7). “The shackles are off,” he stated.

By Alex Taylor, culture reporter

Prepare for suspense – director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland unleash 28 Days Later this week.

This long-awaited sequel to the 2002 hit returns to the chilling world of zombie horror.

The story follows 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams), living with his parents (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer) on an island quarantined from mainland Britain.

Having seen a preview, I can confirm the signature realism and tension remain. Fans of The Last of Us will find much to appreciate.

Addressing fan theories sparked by the trailer, Boyle confirmed to IGN that Cillian Murphy will only reprise his role in the next installment, currently in post-production.

By Tom Richardson, Newsbeat reporter

It’s fitting that a video game created by veteran voice actors opens with a character facing AI-driven job insecurity.

However, Date Everything! takes an unexpected turn.

Players use “Dateviators” glasses to transform everyday objects into potential romantic partners.

Creators Robbie Daymond and Ray Chase have assembled a star-studded cast from the gaming and anime worlds to bring these objects to life as cartoon avatars.

The game’s launch on consoles and PCs this Tuesday coincides with the recent suspension of a video game actors’ strike.

By Mark Savage, music correspondent

Benson Boone, known for his viral hit “Beautiful Things,” is ready to move beyond his breakout success.

“I want people to know there’s more than just that song,” he told Rolling Stone.

While his follow-up single fared moderately well, his new album, American Heart, deserves attention. The album features a range of styles, from anthemic tracks to personal reflections.

Blending Queen and Elton John influences with a contemporary sound, the album is catchy and well-produced, though some tracks might feel overly sentimental.

After Timothee Chalamet’s Bob Dylan portrayal, Jeremy Allen White takes on the role of Bruce Springsteen in Deliver Me From Nowhere.

The Draken Harald Hårfagre ship appears in a city marina during filming of the new Christopher Nolan movie.

Robert and Jenny Ellice shielded their children’s eyes during a graphic scene at Cineworld.

Kneecap’s Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara) faces accusations of displaying a Hezbollah flag.

An application is submitted to demolish Middlesbrough’s old Westgarth Social Club.