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“I thought I was moving into a Jane Austen novel”—Lena Dunham’s ‘Too Much’ brutally mocks London’s biggest movie myth

Forget Bridgerton and Notting Hill—Lena Dunham’s Too Much paints a hilariously raw picture of London most Americans never see, from crumbling council estates to sweaty East End gigs.

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Too Much by Lena Dunham Shows the Real London Behind the Notting Hill Fantasy
Megan Stalter’s Jessica in Too Much finds herself in gritty East London—not a Jane Austen manor—as Lena Dunham flips the script on London’s screen image.

When Jessica, the central character in Lena Dunham’s new series Too Much, arrives in London from New York, she thinks she’s headed for a Pride and Prejudice fantasy. But instead of elegant manors and rolling countryside, she’s dropped into a council estate in East London—a sharp contrast to her Austen-fueled expectations.

“I thought I was moving into a Jane Austen novel,” Jessica exclaims, stunned as she drags her suitcase past concrete towers, not rose-covered cottages.

And so begins a show that aims not to celebrate the London of Notting Hill and Bridgerton, but to unravel it.


The Real London—or at Least a Realer One

Lena Dunham, the creator of Girls and long known for her gritty yet affectionate portrayals of urban life, moved to London in 2021. With Too Much, she brings the same unvarnished lens that once dissected New York City to a version of London that’s rarely shown on screen.

Rather than Mayfair mansions or Hugh Grant’s charming blue-doored flat, Too Much takes us to Shoreditch, Camberwell, Nunhead, and Hackney—areas pulsing with youth, grime, culture, and contradiction.

“I want people to see what I did when I first arrived… the Notting Hill version,” says Dunham. “But I also wanted to show record stores, sweaty gigs, pub toilets, and flats where the washing machine is in the kitchen.”

The show is a wake-up call to anyone who still expects to run into a duke at the local market.

‘Notting Kill’—Taking Aim at Stereotypes

In one standout episode titled Notting Kill, Jessica attends a lavish dinner party hosted by her boss, played by Richard E. Grant, and his glamorous wife, portrayed by Naomi Watts. Before the dinner, she poses in front of that iconic blue door, once home to Hugh Grant’s character in Notting Hill.

“I’m Julia Roberts, bitch!” she squeals, snapping a selfie—a moment that feels both hysterical and painfully self-aware.

This isn’t just parody; it’s cultural commentary. Too Much confronts the commodified version of London that movies and series have sold for decades.

Why We Expect Castles and Get Council Estates

Blame it on Richard Curtis. His string of rom-coms—Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, Bridget Jones’s Diary—all painted a version of the city as warm, tidy, and largely upper-middle class. Paddington later carried that baton, with marmalade sandwiches and pastel-colored West London homes.

These films are beloved—and massively successful. The Bridget Jones series has grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide, while the Paddington films brought in over $750 million. No wonder people arrive expecting cobblestone streets and quirky bookshops.

“Abroad, we just hear about Buckingham Palace and places like that,” said Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan at the Too Much premiere. “I moved somewhere that had ‘mansions’ in the name… and it was a flat.”

From Mike Leigh to Mile End

Of course, Too Much is not the first production to reveal London’s edgier, grimmer reality. Films like A Clockwork Orange and Withnail and I showcased the city’s decaying underbelly long before it was trendy. Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting even shattered the red-bus fantasy by dumping its characters in Mile End, where they worked in crummy estate agencies and rented from slumlords.


Too Much carries that torch—but with comedic flair.

Jessica’s love interest, Felix (played by Will Sharpe), even morphs into a 19th-century soldier in one fantasy scene, complete with red coat and breeches—before snapping back to a rainy day in Hackney.

Working Title Comes Full Circle

It’s no coincidence that Too Much is produced by Working Title Films, the same company behind Notting Hill, Love Actually, and Emma (2020). Producer Tim Bevan admits, “It’s pretty meta what happens in the show, considering I produced most of the movies we’re taking the mickey out of.”

He calls the show “a very easy sell” thanks to its “delicious potential culture clash.”

“We’ve always tried to film in London, and no one’s done it at this scale recently to show modern London. I guess Too Much is the antidote to Emily in Paris,” he says.

More Than Mockery—A Tribute

Despite the satire, Too Much doesn’t hate London—it adores it. Dunham says the series is a love letter to the contradictions she’s come to cherish. “I came back [to London] a few days ago and had a strong feeling of peace,” she says. “My life is here—I’m in the right place.”

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Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Madison Beer share sweet sideline kiss fans say “it’s giving Taylor and Travis vibes”

NFL star Justin Herbert and pop singer Madison Beer made their romance public with a sweet moment before the Chargers vs. Commanders game, sparking comparisons to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

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Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Madison Beer share sweet sideline kiss as romance goes public
Justin Herbert and Madison Beer share a sweet sideline kiss before the Chargers vs. Commanders game at SoFi Stadium, marking their first public appearance as a couple.

Love was definitely in the air at SoFi Stadium on October 5 — and fans can’t stop talking about it.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, 27, was caught on camera sharing an affectionate kiss with rumored girlfriend Madison Beer, 26, before his team’s matchup against the Washington Commanders. The brief but adorable moment was enough to send both NFL fans and pop music lovers into a frenzy, with many calling it the couple’s “hard launch.”

In the viral clip, Herbert greets Beer on the sidelines with a smile before pulling her in for a quick kiss and hug. The “Make You Mine” singer — sporting a vintage Chargers jacket and casual glam — beams back at him as they exchange a few words. Before heading to the field, Herbert gives her one last kiss and a handshake to her friends nearby, leaving fans completely smitten.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Madison Beer share sweet sideline kiss as romance goes public


Fans react to Herbert and Beer’s PDA

Social media erupted within minutes of the clip airing. Fans filled the comment sections of NFL highlight pages with equal parts excitement and envy.

“No wonder why he’s going off BIG DAWG,” one fan joked.
“Bro, she is in lovveeeee dude!” added another.
“Win or lose, Herbert wins,” a third fan wrote — though some warned it might be bad luck: “Never kiss your girl before a game!”

Unfortunately for Herbert, superstition seemed to win out — the Chargers lost 27–10 to the Commanders that night.

Still, the loss couldn’t overshadow the internet’s obsession with the new couple. Many fans immediately began comparing them to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, who became the ultimate pop-star-and-athlete duo over the past year.

“They’re doing the Taylor Swift method now,” one user commented.
Another joked, “Swifties, I know now how you feel.”

Inside Madison Beer and Justin Herbert’s relationship

The public display of affection comes just weeks after rumors of their romance first surfaced. According to E! News, Herbert was spotted visiting Beer on the set of one of her music video shoots in August 2025, sparking speculation about a budding connection.

Then in September, the two were photographed celebrating the Chargers’ win against the Kansas City Chiefs, holding hands as they entered the West Hollywood hotspot Delilah with Herbert’s teammates. TMZ later published photos from that night, fueling even more speculation that the pair had quietly been dating for months.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Madison Beer share sweet sideline kiss as romance goes public


While neither has made the relationship “Instagram official,” Saturday’s sideline moment may have changed that. Cameras captured them posing for a quick picture before the game — a clear sign that the pair might be ready to take their relationship public.

Who is Madison Beer?

Madison Beer rose to fame after being discovered by Justin Bieber in 2012. Since then, she’s built a successful career as a singer, songwriter, and model, known for hits like “Reckless”, “Selfish”, and “Make You Mine.”

Beer’s fanbase, often referred to as “Beerlings,” has followed her evolution from a teenage YouTube star to one of pop’s most promising voices. Her style and confidence have made her a favorite on red carpets and social media — and now, apparently, in the NFL world too.

Her relationship with Justin Herbert seems to mark a new era for both stars — one that bridges Hollywood glitz and athletic grit.

The NFL’s latest power couple?

Herbert, one of the league’s brightest young quarterbacks, has generally kept his personal life private. Since being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, he’s earned a reputation for being focused, calm, and fiercely competitive — both on and off the field.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Madison Beer share sweet sideline kiss fans say “it’s giving Taylor and Travis vibes”


That’s why fans were especially thrilled to see his softer, more romantic side on display. The contrast between the 6-foot-6 quarterback’s tough game-day persona and his affectionate sideline moment with Beer only added to the internet’s obsession.

“This is his Travis Kelce era,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Madison Beer is the Taylor Swift of the AFC West!”

Whether the comparison sticks or not, one thing is certain — this new celebrity-sports crossover has fans hooked.

As for what’s next, sources close to the couple say things are “heating up fast.” With Beer promoting new music and Herbert deep into the NFL season, the two have reportedly been balancing busy schedules but “making time for each other whenever possible.”

From a kiss before kickoff to post-game dinner dates, it looks like this romance might be here to stay.

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Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share romantic kiss at Paris Fashion Week days after celebrating first wedding anniversary

Singer Lana Del Rey and her husband Jeremy Dufrene turned heads with a rare PDA moment at the Valentino show in Paris, marking their first year of marriage in style.

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Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share kiss at Paris Fashion Week after first wedding anniversary
Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share a loving kiss at the Valentino show during Paris Fashion Week, just days after celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Love — and fashion — were both in the air for Lana Del Rey and Jeremy Dufrene at Paris Fashion Week.

The Grammy-nominated singer, 40, and her husband, a Louisiana swamp boat tour guide, shared a tender kiss while attending the Valentino show on October 5, just days after celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Photographs from the event captured the couple looking effortlessly elegant and deeply in love. Del Rey leaned close to Dufrene’s side, smiling as they exchanged a kiss that sent fans swooning across social media.

Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share kiss at Paris Fashion Week after first wedding anniversary


Lana’s ethereal look steals the show

The “Young and Beautiful” singer embraced her signature old-Hollywood aesthetic, donning a floor-length lavender gown trimmed with fur along the off-the-shoulder neckline. She accessorized the ensemble with bronze and black hairpieces, a beaded floral handbag, and white kitten heels that added a delicate finishing touch.

Her soft waves, subtle eyeliner, and glossy brown lip completed the look — a classic Lana blend of glamour and nostalgia.

Meanwhile, Dufrene, 35, opted for casual sophistication in a blue matching jacket-and-trouser set, an off-white T-shirt, and brown shoes. A black hat and sunglasses gave his outfit a modern, relaxed vibe that perfectly complemented his wife’s vintage charm.

The pair were also photographed holding hands and walking arm-in-arm into the venue, embodying the understated romance that has defined their relationship since they tied the knot.

Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share kiss at Paris Fashion Week after first wedding anniversary


Celebrating one year of marriage

The couple’s Paris appearance comes just days after their first anniversary on September 24. To mark the occasion, Del Rey shared a heartfelt Instagram post filled with memories from their 2024 wedding day in Des Allemandes, Louisiana.

The carousel of photos showed the couple sharing a kiss on an airboat, laughing with guests Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley, and cutting their two-tiered wedding cake against a bayou backdrop.

ALSO READ : Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share adorable throwback photos as Taylor Swift drops love-filled album

One image showed Del Rey in a lace dress, clutching a bouquet of wildflowers, while Dufrene wore a classic white suit. Fans adored the rustic-meets-romantic atmosphere of the ceremony, which took place in the same bayou where Dufrene operates his swamp boat tours.

“The wedding ceremony and reception were both held in the same bayou where Jeremy works,” a source told PEOPLE at the time. “It was intimate, natural, and perfectly them.”

A month before their anniversary, Del Rey also shared a sentimental keepsake from the big day — a white lace doily embroidered with “L & J” in red stitching, topped with a gold flower pin studded with diamonds.

From quiet romance to Paris spotlight

Del Rey and Dufrene first sparked romance rumors in August 2024 after being spotted together at a London café. Within weeks, their relationship blossomed into a whirlwind love story that culminated in their surprise Louisiana wedding that fall.

Since then, the couple has kept much of their private life out of the public eye, preferring quiet moments over constant spotlight. Their appearance at Paris Fashion Week marks one of their first public outings as a married couple — and fans couldn’t get enough.

Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share kiss at Paris Fashion Week after first wedding anniversary

“Lana looks happier than ever,” one fan commented under Valentino’s event post. “This is the soft girl era she always deserved.”

New album on the horizon

Amid her romantic bliss, Del Rey is also gearing up for her 10th studio album, titled Stove, which is set to release in January 2026. The project, initially called Lasso and later The Right Person Will Stay, is said to explore themes of love, belonging, and self-discovery — a fitting reflection of the artist’s current chapter.

Industry insiders say the album may include lyrical nods to her life in Louisiana and her relationship with Dufrene, further blending her deeply personal storytelling with the Southern Americana influences she’s recently embraced.

As Del Rey continues to balance her artistry and her marriage, fans are celebrating not just her evolving sound but also her newfound happiness.

“Lana Del Rey is proof that love, art, and authenticity never go out of style,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

With her hand in her husband’s and a new album on the way, Lana Del Rey seems to be stepping confidently into her next era — one where her music, marriage, and timeless grace all shine in harmony.

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Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share adorable throwback photos as Taylor Swift drops love-filled album

NFL star Travis Kelce was showered with birthday tributes from his mom and the Kansas City Chiefs, while fiancée Taylor Swift celebrated him in her own way — through songs on her new album The Life of a Showgirl.

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Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share sweet tributes as Taylor Swift honors him in album
NFL star Travis Kelce celebrated his 36th birthday with heartwarming throwback tributes from his mom Donna Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs, while fiancée Taylor Swift honored him through songs on her album The Life of a Showgirl.

Travis Kelce just turned 36 — and his family, team, and fans made sure the milestone didn’t go unnoticed. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end received a flood of love on October 5, complete with childhood photos, nostalgic posts, and heartfelt messages from those closest to him.

His mom, Donna Kelce, led the celebration with a sweet Instagram Story featuring a throwback image of a baby Travis enjoying a playground swing, pushed by his older brother, Jason Kelce. Donna, 72, wrote over the post, “Happy Birthday, Travis!!! 🎉” — a fittingly sentimental nod to the NFL star’s journey from playful kid to football champion.

Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share sweet tributes as Taylor Swift honors him in album


Meanwhile, the Chiefs shared their own birthday tribute on Instagram — a photo slideshow titled “TK Through the Years.” The team’s post captured a lifetime of memories: from a young Travis in a Cleveland Browns jersey and sitting on Santa’s lap to his college football days at the University of Cincinnati and his triumphant Super Bowl moments in Kansas City red.

The caption read simply:

“36 years of @killatrav ❤️.”

Fans and teammates quickly flooded the comments with birthday wishes, calling Kelce “the heart of the Chiefs” and “everyone’s favorite tight end.”

Taylor Swift’s musical love letter

While Taylor Swift didn’t post a public message for her fiancé, she had already given him a far more lasting tribute — through her music.

Two days before Kelce’s birthday, on October 3, Swift released her highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, featuring several tracks that fans believe reference her relationship with the NFL superstar. Songs like “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” “Honey,” and “Wi$h Li$t” are filled with romantic Easter eggs and playful nods that Swifties immediately linked to Kelce.

Their relationship has long fascinated fans since the early days of their romance. The couple began dating in 2023, shortly after Swift attended one of Kelce’s Chiefs games following his much-discussed attempt to give her a friendship bracelet during her Eras Tour.

Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share sweet tributes as Taylor Swift honors him in album


By August 2025, Kelce proposed — an intimate moment that Swift later described as “perfect” during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

“He really crushed it when it came to surprising me,” Swift said. “We filmed the podcast for about three or four hours, and meanwhile, behind his house, he was having the whole back garden turned into this beautiful space.”

Their engagement photos, shared in a joint Instagram post, showed a radiant Swift and an emotional Kelce down on one knee — a moment that instantly broke the internet.

Chiefs’ golden couple

As Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl continues to dominate charts and headlines, many of her lyrics celebrate the joy, strength, and humor she shares with Kelce. Fans have pointed out that her verses about “the man who makes the noise stop” and “gold rings and end zones” are direct references to the athlete.

Kelce, for his part, has been openly supportive of Swift’s artistry. He’s been spotted at her concerts, cheering from VIP boxes, and has called her “the most talented human I’ve ever met.”

Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share sweet tributes as Taylor Swift honors him in album


Despite their global fame, the couple often share quiet moments away from the spotlight — attending low-key dinners in Kansas City, or cozying up during Swift’s breaks from touring.

Family and football first

For the Kelces, family remains at the center of every celebration. Travis’ brother Jason Kelce, who recently retired from the Philadelphia Eagles, has been vocal about how proud he is of his younger sibling’s success both on and off the field.

In past interviews, Jason joked that Travis has “the best of both worlds — touchdowns on Sundays and Taylor Swift on Mondays.”

As Travis enters his 36th year, the Chiefs star shows no signs of slowing down. Between his championship rings, engagement to one of the world’s biggest pop icons, and unwavering support from his family, the tight end’s story continues to be one for the books.

“He’s living his dream,” Donna Kelce said in a recent interview. “But what makes me happiest is that he’s still that same sweet kid from the swing set.”
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