Simon Hattenstone
@shattenstone.bsky.social
Guardian interviewer/features writer, with a thing for prison and miscarriages of justice (well not a thing for them as such, a thing for writing about them). Proud Mancunian/Salfordian. City fan of some vintage
This is a piece on how my GP practice appeared to be misuing the new online booking service by suggesting it's the only way of making appointments. (ie not through phone or walk-in)
If something similar has happened to you, I'd be interested to hear about it.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If something similar has happened to you, I'd be interested to hear about it.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
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dashboard.ophan.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 1:12 PM
This is a piece on how my GP practice appeared to be misuing the new online booking service by suggesting it's the only way of making appointments. (ie not through phone or walk-in)
If something similar has happened to you, I'd be interested to hear about it.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If something similar has happened to you, I'd be interested to hear about it.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Simon Hattenstone
RIP Martin Parr.
His football photography is time-travelling magic.
Here are Halifax's top boys lying in wait for the Doncaster Rovers ultras.
His football photography is time-travelling magic.
Here are Halifax's top boys lying in wait for the Doncaster Rovers ultras.
December 7, 2025 at 2:04 PM
RIP Martin Parr.
His football photography is time-travelling magic.
Here are Halifax's top boys lying in wait for the Doncaster Rovers ultras.
His football photography is time-travelling magic.
Here are Halifax's top boys lying in wait for the Doncaster Rovers ultras.
Reposted by Simon Hattenstone
‘This is the golden age of women’s sport. What British women have achieved over the past couple of years will shape the next generation.’
Ellie Kildunne on winning the World Cup and much more, with @shattenstone.bsky.social
Ellie Kildunne on winning the World Cup and much more, with @shattenstone.bsky.social
‘What’s my life like away from rugby? Chaos’: Red Rose superstar Ellie Kildunne on confidence, cowboy dances and why it’s cool to be different
Kildunne is known for her startling speed and audacious tries, but there’s more to the talented full-back than rugby, from a passion for photography to a sideline in DIY tattooing
www.theguardian.com
December 7, 2025 at 8:03 AM
‘This is the golden age of women’s sport. What British women have achieved over the past couple of years will shape the next generation.’
Ellie Kildunne on winning the World Cup and much more, with @shattenstone.bsky.social
Ellie Kildunne on winning the World Cup and much more, with @shattenstone.bsky.social
Jessie J on leaving US day Trump was elected:
Did she want to be far away from him? “As far away as possible. I feel awful for the people who are still there. It scares me that I can’t even get into that mindset to try to understand what he does.'
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Did she want to be far away from him? “As far away as possible. I feel awful for the people who are still there. It scares me that I can’t even get into that mindset to try to understand what he does.'
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
‘It has made me live life more’: Jessie J on cancer, comebacks and cracking China
Endometriosis, failed relationships, suicide and gaslighting … they are all laid bare in the singer-songwriter’s new album. But just as she finished recording it, she found out she had cancer. She tal...
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Jessie J on leaving US day Trump was elected:
Did she want to be far away from him? “As far away as possible. I feel awful for the people who are still there. It scares me that I can’t even get into that mindset to try to understand what he does.'
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Did she want to be far away from him? “As far away as possible. I feel awful for the people who are still there. It scares me that I can’t even get into that mindset to try to understand what he does.'
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Lovely interview with Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke by
@xanbrooks.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/film/2025/no...
@xanbrooks.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/film/2025/no...
‘It felt dangerous. You got naggy’: Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater on power, combovers and Blue Moon
Ahead of their 11th movie together, the actor and director discuss musicals, the legacy of Philip Seymour Hoffman and what being bald and 5ft tall does to your flirting skills
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Lovely interview with Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke by
@xanbrooks.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/film/2025/no...
@xanbrooks.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/film/2025/no...
Such a beautiful tribute to Rachel Cooke by her husband Anthony Quinn
observer.co.uk/style/featur...
observer.co.uk/style/featur...
‘Her amazing smile was undimmed, and I would try anything to summon it’ | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Such a beautiful tribute to Rachel Cooke by her husband Anthony Quinn
observer.co.uk/style/featur...
observer.co.uk/style/featur...
So @JessieJ talks to me about the shock of cancer, men who've gaslit and abused her, taking back that bisexuality comment, and leaving America the day Trump got elected. Oh – and her new album!
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
‘It has made me live life more’: Jessie J on cancer, comebacks and cracking China
Endometriosis, failed relationships, suicide and gaslighting … they are all laid bare in the singer-songwriter’s new album. But just as she finished recording it, she found out she had cancer. She tal...
www.theguardian.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:24 PM
So @JessieJ talks to me about the shock of cancer, men who've gaslit and abused her, taking back that bisexuality comment, and leaving America the day Trump got elected. Oh – and her new album!
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Reposted by Simon Hattenstone
If you're interested in the power of journalism in supporting CSA survivors to challenge abuse, here is the latest newsletter from @tbij.bsky.social about @shattenstone.bsky.social and Eric Allison's impactful work on Medsomsley.
(Ghost written by me) ⬇️
the-spark-tbij.beehiiv.com/p/the-road-t...
(Ghost written by me) ⬇️
the-spark-tbij.beehiiv.com/p/the-road-t...
The road towards justice and change
Survivors and journalists are still campaigning on historic abuse in prisons
the-spark-tbij.beehiiv.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:49 PM
If you're interested in the power of journalism in supporting CSA survivors to challenge abuse, here is the latest newsletter from @tbij.bsky.social about @shattenstone.bsky.social and Eric Allison's impactful work on Medsomsley.
(Ghost written by me) ⬇️
the-spark-tbij.beehiiv.com/p/the-road-t...
(Ghost written by me) ⬇️
the-spark-tbij.beehiiv.com/p/the-road-t...
Reposted by Simon Hattenstone
So many of the problems with the UK asylum system - culture of disbelief, poor or nonexistent advice, endless delays, cruel accommodation policies - rolled into one awful case.
@diane-writer10.bsky.social always gets the human stories others miss or don’t care about
@diane-writer10.bsky.social always gets the human stories others miss or don’t care about
The life and limbo of a UK asylum seeker: one man’s harrowing 17-year wait for leave to remain
Ussu fled imprisonment and torture, only to find himself treated like a liar and outcast in the UK. Here’s how he survived homelessness and horrific injury in almost two decades without a decision
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:51 PM
So many of the problems with the UK asylum system - culture of disbelief, poor or nonexistent advice, endless delays, cruel accommodation policies - rolled into one awful case.
@diane-writer10.bsky.social always gets the human stories others miss or don’t care about
@diane-writer10.bsky.social always gets the human stories others miss or don’t care about
AI summaries of my emails? Seriously? Oh fuck the fuck off, AI.
November 24, 2025 at 11:17 AM
AI summaries of my emails? Seriously? Oh fuck the fuck off, AI.
Eric Allison and I 1st wrote about Meldomsley in 2012. 13 years on, Neville Husband is said to be possibly Britain's biggest sex abuser. This piece should obviously have Ecca's name on it, but he died 3 years ago. Thinking of him, and all the victims❤️
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
‘Possibly the most prolific sex offender in British history’: the inside story of the Medomsley scandal
At a youth detention centre in north-east England, the paedophile Neville Husband raped and assaulted countless boys. Why was his reign of terror allowed to go on – and why hasn’t there been a public ...
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Eric Allison and I 1st wrote about Meldomsley in 2012. 13 years on, Neville Husband is said to be possibly Britain's biggest sex abuser. This piece should obviously have Ecca's name on it, but he died 3 years ago. Thinking of him, and all the victims❤️
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Beautiful piece by @TimAdamsWrites on the brilliant Observer journalist Rachel Cooke who could write wonderfully about anything, has died tragically young and will be hugely, hugely missed by so many people.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Remembering Rachel Cooke | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Beautiful piece by @TimAdamsWrites on the brilliant Observer journalist Rachel Cooke who could write wonderfully about anything, has died tragically young and will be hugely, hugely missed by so many people.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Jeremy Bamber, The New Yorker and the mystery of
the dead cop who may have cleared his name. (By me)
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
the dead cop who may have cleared his name. (By me)
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
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dashboard.ophan.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Jeremy Bamber, The New Yorker and the mystery of
the dead cop who may have cleared his name. (By me)
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
the dead cop who may have cleared his name. (By me)
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Simon Hattenstone
As a young reporter, I interviewed Jilly Cooper about the Animals in War memorial – she was so warm, kind and funny. I imagine she was a great friend to everyone she met. A lovely person.
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
Dame Jilly Cooper obituary
Author whose bestselling novels, including Riders and Rivals, were set deep in an English countryside where the natives pursued land, sports, and each other, with lust and gusto
www.theguardian.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:40 PM
As a young reporter, I interviewed Jilly Cooper about the Animals in War memorial – she was so warm, kind and funny. I imagine she was a great friend to everyone she met. A lovely person.
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
Crumpsall is an amazing melting pot where so many cultures, classes and religions have lived peacefully alongside each other. That mustn't be forgotten amid the horror of the Heaton Park synagogue attack
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I didn’t realise how much I loved my home town until a terrorist attacked it. I pray unity prevails there | Simon Hattenstone
Last week’s attack on the synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, was also an assault on a model and diverse community, says Guardian features writer Simon Hattenstone
www.theguardian.com
October 7, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Crumpsall is an amazing melting pot where so many cultures, classes and religions have lived peacefully alongside each other. That mustn't be forgotten amid the horror of the Heaton Park synagogue attack
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Simon Hattenstone
You don’t have to be called Steve or Stephen to work at Blackpool, but it does help.
October 5, 2025 at 7:57 AM
You don’t have to be called Steve or Stephen to work at Blackpool, but it does help.
brilliant. been playing it a lot recently. that man @xanbrooks.bsky.social had educated me in cultural shiz over the decades
40 years old this week. One of those rare life-changing albums when I first heard it at 16; the whole wild world kicking in the front door. ‘We sail tonight for Singapore …’
October 4, 2025 at 11:57 AM
brilliant. been playing it a lot recently. that man @xanbrooks.bsky.social had educated me in cultural shiz over the decades
Reposted by Simon Hattenstone
Israel accused of “sowing division” by rolling out the red carpet for far-right thug and EDL founder Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (also known as “Tommy Robinson”)
@sayeedawarsi.bsky.social and @sundersays.bsky.social quoted
@sayeedawarsi.bsky.social and @sundersays.bsky.social quoted
Israel accused of ‘sowing division’ in UK by inviting Tommy Robinson
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi criticised the ‘deeply dangerous behaviour’ by Israel in inviting the far-right activist.
www.independent.co.uk
October 4, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Israel accused of “sowing division” by rolling out the red carpet for far-right thug and EDL founder Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (also known as “Tommy Robinson”)
@sayeedawarsi.bsky.social and @sundersays.bsky.social quoted
@sayeedawarsi.bsky.social and @sundersays.bsky.social quoted
My interview with Lionel Richie. his backstory is amazing (and his front story's pretty good too)
‘Politics is nasty. And it’s getting worse’: Lionel Richie on his worries for America, his friend Michael Jackson – and why he still believes in the power of love
‘Politics is nasty. And it’s getting worse’: Lionel Richie on his worries for America, his friend Michael Jackson – and why he still believes in the power of love
He’s known for his ballads and winning smile – but the singer has also had a ringside seat to history, from the civil rights battles in his native Alabama to the rise and fall of pop’s biggest superstar
www.theguardian.com
October 4, 2025 at 8:57 AM
My interview with Lionel Richie. his backstory is amazing (and his front story's pretty good too)
Congrats to all at The Nerve for a fantastically successful launch. May you go from strength to strength♥️🥂
Was a good day at Nerve towers* when we landed this
Unsurprisingly, Nicole has impeccable taste 🙏
(*sitting at our desks in our bedrooms/ box rooms etc. We don’t actually have an office as yet 😬)
Unsurprisingly, Nicole has impeccable taste 🙏
(*sitting at our desks in our bedrooms/ box rooms etc. We don’t actually have an office as yet 😬)
Introducing The Recommender
Guess who agreed to share the culture she's been loving lately, to kick off our new weekly series?
Only Oscar winner Nicole Kidman!
Huge thanks, Nicole.
🙏
Guess who agreed to share the culture she's been loving lately, to kick off our new weekly series?
Only Oscar winner Nicole Kidman!
Huge thanks, Nicole.
🙏
October 3, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Congrats to all at The Nerve for a fantastically successful launch. May you go from strength to strength♥️🥂
Please read this piece by @patrickbarkham.bsky.social
about his daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. It's important and impacts so many more people than most of us realise. Get well soon Milly ♥️
·
about his daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. It's important and impacts so many more people than most of us realise. Get well soon Milly ♥️
·
As my daughter got sicker and sicker, our quest for answers dragged on. How did we all miss the bacteria taking over her body?
I write about nature, but when Milly got sick with a mystery illness, it never occurred to me that a long-forgotten tick bite could be the cause
www.theguardian.com
September 28, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Please read this piece by @patrickbarkham.bsky.social
about his daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. It's important and impacts so many more people than most of us realise. Get well soon Milly ♥️
·
about his daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. It's important and impacts so many more people than most of us realise. Get well soon Milly ♥️
·
@bjennings90.bsky.social Hi Ben, loved your Trump cats n dogs cartoon. hope all's good x
September 26, 2025 at 8:35 AM
@bjennings90.bsky.social Hi Ben, loved your Trump cats n dogs cartoon. hope all's good x
Reposted by Simon Hattenstone
It no longer even registers as news that the president behaves this way, but if a child acted like this you would punish him.
“When will we get details on MEMPHIS?”
Trump: “Quiet. You’re really obnoxious.”
“I’m not obnoxious. I’m trying to ask you about your plans for Memphis.”
Trump: “Quiet. You’re really obnoxious.”
“I’m not obnoxious. I’m trying to ask you about your plans for Memphis.”
September 20, 2025 at 4:16 PM
It no longer even registers as news that the president behaves this way, but if a child acted like this you would punish him.
Here's Matty lad McConaughey on God, reefers, abuse, and political ambitions. It's kinda wide-ranging as we say in the business, and I'm obviously biased (I wrote it), but I think he's worth every cent you spend reading this
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/se...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/se...
September 20, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Here's Matty lad McConaughey on God, reefers, abuse, and political ambitions. It's kinda wide-ranging as we say in the business, and I'm obviously biased (I wrote it), but I think he's worth every cent you spend reading this
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/se...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/se...