Culture Counter: What’s hot and what’s not in the last seven days

Fintan McCarthy, left, and Paul O’Donovan of Ireland celebrate with their gold medals after winning the Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls final in Tokyo. Picture: Getty

Up

Irish Olympians: From the ecstasy of gold medals to the agony of character-building heartbreak, Ireland’s athletes have left a major impression on this year’s Olympic Games.

Strictly Come Dancing: The popular BBC show announces its first all-male partnership with former Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite set to compete. “It’s about intimacy and respect,” says Whaite.

The Lord of the Rings: Amazon’s long-awaited TV adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s beloved fantasy epic has confirmed ...