It’s been 20 years since the first instalment of the Harry Potter film franchise was released to the world – and now, the cast are set to reunite in celebration.
The original cast of the Harry Potter series, including its three star leads – Daniel Radcliffe, who played the title character, Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley – are set to reunite for a one-off TV special that will air on HBO Max on New Year’s Day.
The trio will join American filmmaker Chris Columbus to discuss the film franchise, and explore their creation in depth.
The special was announced yesterday exactly 20 years on from the US release of the first film, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, on 16 November 2001, and HBO Max said that Potterheads will be invited “on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time”.
A 52-second trailer was also released yesterday, featuring clips from several Harry Potter films and promising that “the legendary cast” would return “to where the magic started”.
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The trailer understandably set social media alight, and has been racking up millions of views.
As well as the franchise’s three lead stars, the TV special will also include Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton and Tom Felton – who all played key characters in the series – and “many more” stars too.
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For the first time ever, the legendary cast returns to where the magic started. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: #ReturnToHogwarts, streaming New Year’s Day, only on HBO Max. International release coming soon. pic.twitter.com/53bHAf0WTY
Speaking ahead of the reunion, Executive Producer Casey Patterson said: “There’s magic in the air here with this incredible cast, as they all return home to the original sets of Hogwarts, where they began 20 years ago.
“The excitement is palpable as they prepare to take their fans on a very special and personal journey, through the making of these incredible films.”
Several of the franchise’s stars have also shared their excitement about the announcement of the reunion on social media, including Tom Felton and Matthew Lewis – who played Draco Malfoy and Neville Longbottom, respectively.
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But the biggest tribute to the film’s 20-year anniversary came from Emma Watson, who shared a lengthy Instagram post to promote the special.
She said Hermione Granger is her “favourite fictional character of all time”.
“I am proud not just of what we as group contributed as actors to the franchise but also as the children that became young adults that walked that path. I look at my fellow cast members now and I am just so proud of who everyone has become as people. I am proud we were kind to each other that we supported one another and that we held up something meaningful,” Watson added.
Return to Hogwarts will be released on 1 January 2022.
Featured Image – Warner Bros.
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McDonald’s announces 2024 Christmas menu with new Cheesy McCrispy, Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie, and more
Emily Sergeant
McDonald’s has unveiled its Christmas menu for 2024, and there’s lots of festive feasting to get stuck into.
It’s been a long time coming, but after several chains and fast food joints have already announced and launched their festive food and drink offerings for 2024 over the last few weeks, McDonald’s has finally joined the Christmas party, and there’s a bunch of new and returning fan favourites on the lineup to get those mouths watering.
We’re talking Cheese Melt Dippers, seasonal McFlurrys, limited-edition festive pies, and a cheesy twist on one of the chain’s most popular burgers.
New to the menu this year is the Cheesy McCrispy, which is a “levelled up” version of the McCripsy we all know and love, taking the classic crispy chicken fillet and all the trimmings, and combining it with two slices of cheese, and lashings of rich cheese sauce.
McDonald’s has unveiled is Christmas menu for 2024 / Credit: McDonalds UK
Other burgers on the lineup are the grand return of the Big Tasty and Big Tasty with Bacon, both made with a 100% beef patty, Emmental cheese, onions, juicy tomatoes, and topped off with a unique smoky-flavoured sauce nested in a freshly-toasted bun.
Also being thrown back into the mix this year are the Cheese Melt Dippers, which are the perfect festive feast accompaniment made with camembert and served with a rich tomato dip.
Happy Meals will also be taking on a special Grinch theme this year too.
Got yourself a bit of sweet tooth though? There’s two new tasty treats to choose from this year, alongside the return of the beloved Galaxy Caramel McFlurry.
There’s a bunch of new and returning fan favourites on the lineup / Credit: Visual Karsa (via Unsplash)
If Galaxy Caramel isn’t your thing, then perhaps chocolate orange will be instead, as 2024 brings the introduction of the Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry, with Terry’s Chocolate Orange mini segments and chocolate orange sauce swirled into the ice cream, and then there’s the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie.
This year, McDonald’s has combined its classic pie with everyone’s favourite zesty chocolate to create a crispy chocolate pastry filled with a Terry’s Chocolate Orange-flavoured ganache.
On the hot drinks front, you have a Galaxy Caramel Latte and a Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate to choose from.
The full McDonald’s 2024 Festive Menu will be available to tuck into from 20 November, and is expected to stick around until the new year.
Featured Image – McDonald’s UK
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Asda relaunches over 60s ‘winter warmer’ cafe deal with soup and unlimited hot drinks for £1
Emily Sergeant
Asda is bringing back its popular £1 ‘winter warmer’ cafe meal deal to support the over 60s during the colder months.
After it was sadly revealed that almost one in five elderly people claimed there were days when they didn’t speak to a single soul last Christmas, and that during the run up to the big day, 15% said they got used to not conversing with other people, Asda has decided to relaunch one of its most widely-praised cafe meal deals again this year.
To support those who need it most as the temperatures drop, the supermarket is, once again, offering all over 60s the chance to enjoy some hearty soup, a bread roll, and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1 in any of its cafes across the UK.
Back by popular demand, this year’s Winter Warmer initiative is bigger and better than ever, with three soup flavours to choose from.
With the offer now running until the end of 2024, Asda is aiming to transform its in store dining spaces into ‘Chatty Cafes’ – where senior citizens can come together under one roof, eat and drink, and make some new friends.
As well as its ‘Chatty Cafe’ offer, Asda colleagues will be also be donning ‘Happy to Chat’ badges throughout the festive season, checking in on older customers in store and when delivering home shopping orders, while the Asda Foundation will deliver £600k worth of grants to tackle loneliness amongst the elderly by boosting activities in the local communities, and funding Christmas celebrations.
Asda has relaunched its over 60s ‘winter warmer’ cafe deal with soup and unlimited hot drinks for £1 / Credit: Asda
“Christmas is a time to enjoy time with loved ones,” explained David Hills, who is the Chief Customer Officer at Asda, “and the fact one in 10 of our older generation is facing Christmas alone is genuinely sobering.
“That’s why we’re proud to invest almost £1 million through our in-store initiatives and grants to do what we can to tackle loneliness and isolation in the communities we serve.
“Our teams do incredible work to support communities all year round, and I’m so proud to be able to launch the Chatty Cafés initiative today, alongside our renowned Winter Warmers deal, which we know is a lifeline to many.”
Emily Sergeant -
17th November 2021 
