Entertainment

ITV drama unveils shocking Fujitsu revelations in Post Office scandal

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2024

VIEWERS in Pembrokeshire were left in disbelief during the latest episode of the gripping ITV drama, “Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” which shed light on the alleged tampering of the secure £1 billion IT system by Fujitsu staff.

The series, based on the real-life saga of postmaster Alan Bates, portrayed how innocent subpostmasters, accused due to the faulty Horizon system, faced charges of theft, fraud, and false accounting.

One of those postmasters was a former sub-postmaster from the north of the county who was caught up in the scandal. In 2021 he had had his conviction for false accounting overturned.

Pembrokeshire postmaster cleared of fraud by the Court of Appeal

Tim Brentnall, from Roch, was prosecuted in 2010 after a £22,000 shortfall was discovered at his branch. He is one of 736 former Post Office managers prosecuted due to the flawed Horizon computer system. Mr Brentnall told The Pembrokeshire Herald at the time that it had taken 16 years of stress to clear his name.

The second episode of the series, which is available on ITV Player, depicted a scene that left viewers ‘sickened.’ It revealed how Fujitsu, hired by the Post Office, remotely altered subpostmasters’ financial figures without their knowledge. The shocking revelation contradicted the Post Office’s prosecution strategy, which asserted that no one could access the tills without the subpostmasters’ awareness.

Actor Toby Jones, portraying Alan Bates, led the campaign to expose what is now considered the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British history. The series highlighted the injustice faced by innocent subpostmasters, including Michael Rudkin (played by Shaun Dooley), who had been wrongly convicted due to the faulty Horizon system.

**Court of Appeal: Postmasters protest**

Former Fujitsu engineer Richard Roll, a whistleblower who exposed remote access to accounts in 2015, was part of a team of 30 engineers with access to terminals remotely. The mounting pressure from Bates’ Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA) group, backed by several MPs, prompted the Post Office to launch an independent investigation.

As investigator Bob Rutherford delves into the scandal, the episode unfolds with shocking revelations. Subpostmistress Saman Kaur pleads guilty to charges, revealing problems arising after receiving a new Horizon PIN pad. Other victims, Jo Hamilton and Noel Thomas, admit guilt, prompting calls for a change in pleas.

**Changing the numbers: Japanese tech firm Fujitsu**

The narrative takes a dramatic turn in Hampshire, where MP James Arbuthnot discusses justice plans with Jo Hamilton, uncovering two additional cases in his constituency. The episode exposes a second JFSA meeting, where Michael Rudkin reveals his visit to Fujitsu HQ, exposing the potential for remote access to branch accounts.

However, the drama intensifies when Angela, Head of Network Systems at the Post Office, denies the allegations, claiming Mr. Rudkin had only been taken to a ‘Test Environment.’ The investigator’s pursuit of the truth becomes challenging as he faces skepticism and resistance.

The episode concludes with viewers expressing their disgust at the revelations, questioning the collaboration between Fujitsu and the Post Office. Social media platforms were flooded with comments condemning the actions depicted in the drama, with many calling for justice to be served.

The series has received widespread praise since its New Year’s Day premiere, providing a poignant portrayal of the Post Office scandal. As the investigation continues, the nation awaits further revelations that could reshape perceptions of this unprecedented miscarriage of justice.

Entertainment

Record-breaking show for Torch Youth Theatre

Published

4 minutes ago

March 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Young performers wow audiences as Sycamore Gap sells out

THREE nights of outstanding performances from the Torch Youth Theatre culminated in a sell-out final night, with young performers from across Pembrokeshire dazzling audiences in their production of Sycamore Gap.

The show proved hugely popular, with 96% of tickets sold across the run at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven. The production also received glowing praise from the theatre’s community and junior reviewers.

Director Tim Howe said the success of the show reflected the dedication and hard work of the young cast.

“We are so incredibly proud of our young people and everything they have achieved with this production,” he said.

“While breaking box office records with 96% of tickets sold is an incredible milestone, the greater triumph is seeing these performers gain the essential life skills that will define their future success.

“Sycamore Gap demonstrates what we at the Torch believe makes youth theatre so special. It provides a safe and creative space where young people can build friendships, grow in confidence and explore the issues that matter most to them.”

Freya, one of the Torch Theatre’s junior reviewers, said she was impressed by the standard of the performance.

“I was impressed with the singing at the beginning of the show. What a voice!” she said.

“Every actor delivered their lines as if it were a normal conversation. I didn’t even hear a single stutter or notice if anyone made an error. The skill it must take! I’d be shaking in my boots.”

The success of Sycamore Gap will be followed by one final performance at Aberystwyth Arts Centre as part of the National Theatre Connections tour.

However, the young performers will have little time to rest as preparations are already under way for their next major production.

Mr Howe explained that the Torch Youth Theatre will soon begin work on a brand-new summer show.

“Following our Aberystwyth Arts Centre performance, we move straight into our spectacular summer production, Robin Hood and the Legend of the Black Knight,” he said.

“Written specifically for our Youth Theatre, the production will see more than fifty young people take to the main house stage for a fresh retelling of the classic tale. It’s an incredibly exciting time for our performers, and we invite everyone to come along and support them.”

The story picks up ten years after Robin Hood fled into the forest. Now he has returned in search of adventure, leading audiences deep into Sherwood Forest alongside Maid Marian and a host of familiar characters.

With daring escapes, a legendary archery contest and the appearance of the mysterious Black Knight, the production promises a thrilling new take on the well-known legend as Robin and his allies stand against the tyranny of Queen Eleanor and the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham.

Robin Hood and the Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre from Monday (July 20) to Wednesday (July 22).

Tickets are available from the Torch Theatre Box Office on 01646 695267 or online at torchtheatre.co.uk. Prices are £10, with concessions available for £8.

Image: Jasper Photography

Entertainment

Evita delight for Milford Haven audiences

Published

10 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD Haven Amateur Operatic Society received another standing ovation on Wednesday evening for its 2026 production of Evita at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven.

The popular musical, featuring the iconic score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been drawing enthusiastic audiences as the society brings to life the powerful and emotional story of Eva Perón’s rise to prominence as Argentina’s First Lady.

Special guests attended the performance, including Matt Hampson, representative for NODA Wales and Ireland, and the society’s newly elected President Mrs Marion Harris BEM.

They were welcomed at the theatre by Tanya Rendell, one of the performers taking on the role of Eva, alongside Lisa Jenkins, wardrobe mistress and committee member for the society.

***Performers bring the story of Eva Perón to life during Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society’s production of Evita at the Torch Theatre (Pic: Supplied).***

The production has been warmly received by audiences, with the cast and crew rewarded with another standing ovation following Wednesday night’s performance.

Members of Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society thanked everyone who has supported the show so far and encouraged theatre-goers to come along for the remaining performances.

The production continues at the Torch Theatre this week, promising audiences a memorable evening of music, drama and storytelling as the remarkable life of Eva Perón unfolds on stage.

Cover image: Guests and society members gather at the Torch Theatre ahead of the latest performance of Evita (Pic: Supplied).

Entertainment

How the Cheltenham Festival Captivates Racing Fans Every Year

Published

3 days ago

March 10, 2026

Staff Writer

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events in the horse racing industry, attracting thousands of attendees every year. But when and why did it become so popular? In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the Cheltenham Festival, including its history and rise to fame.

What is the Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival is a popular annual horse racing event that spans four days in March. It’s held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and, over the course of the event, hundreds of millions of pounds are bet, making it one of the largest betting events in the jumping calendar.

History of the Cheltenham Festival

The festival loosely dates back to 1860, but it was known then as the Grand National Hunt Meeting and took place in several locations over the years. However, it was primarily held at Warwick Racecourse during this period. It wasn’t until 1911, after several upgrades to the racecourse, that the festival settled at Cheltenham, where it has remained ever since.

Growth in Popularity

Once the festival had found its permanent home at Cheltenham, traction rapidly increased, with several key milestones in particular contributing to its increasing popularity:

The introduction of the Gold Cup in 1924
Golden Miller success – between 1932 and 1936 the horse ‘Golden Miller’ won five consecutive Golden Cups, drawing considerable attention to the festival
Television coverage – in 1964, the BBC began covering the festival, opening it up to a much wider audience

But for the most part, its popularity comes down to the quality and competitiveness of the racing, and the atmosphere it generates. The ‘Cheltenham Roar’ simply can’t be replicated anywhere else, and allows for a truly unforgettable week of entertainment.

Races

The four day festival was originally just three days, but in 2005, a fourth day was added. The festival now consists of 28 races, which include both grade 1 hurdles and chase races.

Each day has its own theme:

Day 1: Champion Day
Day 2: Style Wednesday (Ladies Day)
Day 3: St Patrick’s Thursday
Day 4: Gold Cup Day

Betting at Cheltenham

Horse racing and betting go hand in hand and the Cheltenham Festival is certainly no exception, marking the largest betting window in the racing calendar. The event is a significant time for bookies and punters alike, with most bettors turning to sites like oddschecker to make more informed decisions in an attempt to boost their chances of securing the record-breaking prize money.