CultureRolling Stones finally approve Fatboy Slim sample after 25 yearsOne of the most bootlegged dance tracks of all time, Satisfaction Skank, gets an official release.Iceland becomes fifth country to boycott EurovisionIceland joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 contest.Rolling Stones finally approve Fatboy Slim sample after 25 yearsOne of the most bootlegged dance tracks of all time, Satisfaction Skank, gets an official release.Iceland becomes fifth country to boycott EurovisionIceland joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 contest.Author Sophie Kinsella remembered as a 'wonderful, warm woman'The author of the Shopaholic series of novels had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.Farewell (again) to Neighbours, Australia's longest running soap operaThe series will finish at the end of 2025 - 40 years and more than 9,000 episodes after its debut.12 of the best alternative festive filmsFancy a change from The Muppet Christmas Carol? BBC journalists pick the films that get them in the holiday mood.Author Sophie Kinsella remembered as a 'wonderful, warm woman'The author of the Shopaholic series of novels had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.Farewell (again) to Neighbours, Australia's longest running soap operaThe series will finish at the end of 2025 - 40 years and more than 9,000 episodes after its debut.Desert Island DiscsDesert Island DiscsSally Mann, photographer and writerSaveDesert Island DiscsLorraine Kelly, broadcasterSaveDesert Island DiscsLennie James, actorSaveDesert Island DiscsMary Greenwell, makeup artistSaveDesert Island DiscsRonnie Wood, musicianSaveDesert Island DiscsAngela Harding, artistSaveDesert Island DiscsMichael Sheen, actorSaveDesert Island DiscsMaggie Alphonsi, broadcaster and former rugby playerSaveDesert Island DiscsProfessor Dame Carol Robinson, scientistSaveDesert Island DiscsHarry Hill, comedianSaveEntertainment newsKate Winslet says her family never watch The HolidayArtist Nnena Kalu earns 'historic' Turner Prize winTV faithful Claudia Winkleman made MBE by King at Windsor CastleHow to watch the Golden Globe-nominated filmsWatch listThe 25 best TV shows of 2025From the Breaking Bad creator's smart new sci-fi to the Alien franchise's first small-screen outing and the new season of Severance, we pick the year's greatest programmes to stream.The 25 best films of 2025BBC film critics Caryn James and Nicholas Barber pick their cinema highlights of the year – from a "whip-fast" action thriller to a moving family drama and warm-hearted comedy.From our Culture editorsSean Ono Lennon on his father's legacyTom Brook reported from the scene of John Lennon's death in 1980, later interviewing his young son. The two reconnect to discuss how Lennon's message reverberates today.The murder of gorilla researcher Dian FosseyThe pioneering primatologist destroyed the myth of gorillas as savage brutes before being killed by human hands, 40 years ago this month.Seven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThere is an art to rivalry. Mastering its rules has, since ancient times, shaped cultural history over millennia.Eight paint colours that can transform your homeAs Pantone announces its colour of 2026, here's more on the reasoning behind the choice – and what other trending shades can help you achieve greater domestic bliss.The 'It Girl' style wars of Renaissance ItalyDuring a turbulent period of Italian history, some noblewomen used flamboyant, luxurious looks to gain soft power. Five hundred years later, they continue to influence designers.Why UK countryside style has been big this yearFrom the Princess of Wales to "Rich Autumn Dad", and from houndstooth to Fair Isle, "country-coded" clothing is everywhere. And it looks set to continue its reign – but why?In HistoryThe long, strange success of the Grateful DeadThe band staged their first concert in December 1965. In 1981, leader Jerry Garcia told the BBC about how they became superstars but "never sold out".How the Cabbage Patch Kids nearly caused a riotXavier Roberts' cuddly-toy business grew into a billion-dollar empire in the space of a few years. Why did these dolls have Christmas shoppers scrambling to buy them in 1983?The shocking downfall of Margaret ThatcherIn November 1990, the UK's prime minister made her tearful departure from 10 Downing Street. She was ousted by her own party, having been weakened by an unlikely enemy.Why the teenage David Bowie was already a rebelOn 12 November 1964, the would-be pop star told the BBC that cruelty to long-haired men "just has to stop" – a stunt that hinted at his unconventional spirit.The story behind Elizabeth Taylor's 1966 TV meltdownRichard Burton, born 100 years ago this month, was famously married - twice - to Elizabeth Taylor. In 1966, a BBC interview with them saw a furious Taylor come to her husband's aid.Princess Margaret's forbidden first loveElizabeth II's sister had to choose between ending her engagement and renouncing her title in 1955. Or did she? In 1978, the BBC talked to the war hero who almost married a princess.Arts in MotionElif Shafak says her writing style is 'a little bit drunk'British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak tells the BBC her writing is guided by intuition rather than a rigid plan. 'Architecture is about allowing the extraordinary to happen'Beirut-born architect Lina Ghotmeh's vision for every structure is to honour their surroundings and history.Brian Cox on why you should keep your inner child aliveAcclaimed actor Brian Cox shares his journey from a challenging childhood to global acting success.Yuja Wang: 'I really do not want to practise'Yuja Wang is one of the most exciting pianists of the 21st century. She credits falling in love with the piano to an early infatuation with the great Polish composer, Frédéric Chopin.The Paris Opera wants you to 'feel first, understand later'Go behind the scenes of the historic Paris Opera to discover why no prep is required to experience opera.More Culture3 hrs agoArtist's giant germs take over Blackpool Artist Jason Wilsher-Mills says his Blackpool exhibition mixes his memories of hospitals and the seaside.3 hrs ago3 hrs agoYouth group part of reggae hurricane relief gigMusicians Maxi Priest and Carroll Thompson are performing alongside a Medway youth group.3 hrs ago3 hrs agoSection of Berlin Wall now stands in HerefordshireThe installation still bears its original graffiti and once formed part of the wall in north Berlin.3 hrs ago14 hrs agoItalian cooking awarded Unesco cultural heritage statusAn Egyptian snack, Icelandic pool culture, Cuban music and Albanian lahuta music also get recognition.14 hrs ago14 hrs agoRace Across the World has shown we can do something really hard togetherThe four teams making their way to the final checkpoint tell us how the experience has changed their relationships and them.14 hrs ago15 hrs agoNew learning centre for city's gallery and museumThe plans have the backing of the Arts Council, which has supplied funding for the work.15 hrs ago17 hrs agoThese weird British phrases are confusing Elizabeth OlsenElizabeth Olsen and Miles Teller join Ali Plumb in the Radio 1 studio.17 hrs ago18 hrs agoJazz and folk 'institution' to close after 75 yearsThe Blue Lamp has been open in Aberdeen since 1949 but will shut this month due to rising costs.18 hrs ago20 hrs agoRussell Crowe says Gladiator II creators misunderstood what made original 'special'The actor was not entertained by how they changed the storyline of his character in the sequel.20 hrs ago...