White Lotus star Theo James and national treasure Stephen Fry star in grotesque new film exposing the UK's dirty fishing secret
Despite their designation, most UK marine protected areas (MPAs) still allow bottom trawling; the industrial practice of dragging weighted nets across the seabed, decimating habitats and indiscriminately catching and killing countless 'non-target' marine species in the process. Research by Blue Marine shows that 74% of England's inshore MPAs and 92% in Scotland still permit this practice, including in fragile habitats such as seagrass meadows.
With the United Nations Ocean Conference underway, Blue Marine Foundation (www.bluemarinefoundation.com), Only One and Oceana UK are calling on the UK Government to impose an immediate ban on bottom trawling in all UK marine protected areas. Take part in the e-action here: https://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/2025/04/30/the-bottom-line/
In the film, Theo James plays a diner at a smart restaurant who orders a seemingly sustainable fish course. But his evening takes a horrifying turn when an enormous net of rotting bycatch and oil is dumped on him and his table as the 'extras' to his 'sustainable' plaice.
Fry plays a comedic, shadowy waiter, delivering the harsh reality of the seafood industry; reminding Theo that what we don't see on the menu is often the most devastating to marine environments.
'This shockingly destructive practice continues even in the UK's protected areas,' said Stephen Fry.'I witnessed the waste firsthand and was absolutely appalled. It is morally corrupt to allow what should be thriving ecological wildernesses to be reduced to shells of destruction. Bottom trawling in marine protected areas must be banned now.'
Theo James added, 'As a keen diver I've long been captivated by the ocean and been horrified by the impact humans are having on it. Having had a load of bycatch dumped on me, it really drove home just how grotesque and devastating the practice of bottom trawling is. It was deeply unsettling but I was glad to do it if it helps drive real change.'
Jo Coumbe, Communications Director at Blue Marine Foundation, said'Making this film was an eye-opener, even for the seasoned conservationists. When we first saw the bycatch it was just devastating to see - almost unbelievably so. Baby sharks, rays, cuttlefish, angler fish - nothing gets away. The bycatch sourced to create this film was made up of 27 different species, including five species of shark or ray and numerous juveniles. Nothing is safe from the nets of a trawler.'
HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP:
Supporters can visit HERE (https://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/2025/04/30/the-bottom-line/) to send a direct message to Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP urging him to take action.
The film was co-produced between Blue Marine Foundation and Atomized Studios and all bycatch was authentic and legally sourced. It was responsibly disposed of through Billingsgate Market's regulated waste system. Blue Marine Foundation acknowledges sensitivities but defends the hard-hitting imagery as essential to confronting the true impact of industrial fishing.
1 . Contributed
Theo James & Stephen Fry in 'The Bottom Line' Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
2 . Contributed
Theo James & Stephen Fry in 'The Bottom Line' Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Related topics: Stephen Fry
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
19 minutes ago
- Metro
Inside Oasis' ‘last great gathering' at Knebworth that defined everything
Summer 2025 has felt somewhat nostalgic with acts like Pulp, Supergrass and of course, the band of the moment, Oasis, performing to sold-out crowds across the country. If we roll (with it!) back the years to the summer of 1996, Oasis were the band of the moment then too, and their record-breaking performance of Knebworth was infinitely the gig of the decade. Two-and-a-half million people applied for tickets, which equated to more than 4% of the population at the time, making it the largest demand for gig tickets in British history. There's no doubt that Oasis could have sold out another two weeks' worth of shows based on the insatiable demand. Noel and Liam Gallagher and co. approached everything with fearless determination, and their relentless spirit made what seemed like the musical equivalent of scaling Everest feel like a walk in the (Knebworth) park. Knebworth undoubtedly stands as one of the boldest and most monumental events in British music history. Oasis transformed it into a defining moment – it wasn't just a milestone for the record-breaking band; it became a life-changing experience for everyone who was there. Marcus Russell, the band's manager, told NME in 2006: 'Knebworth wasn't meant to be a historic moment. It became one because of the people who experienced it – every kid who was there,' while Noel himself told the publication, 'It was the last great gathering of the people before the birth of the internet.' The 250,000-strong sold-out crowd didn't just witness one of the world's biggest bands at their peak; they also got to enjoy some of the most electrifying acts from the UK music scene, including The Charlatans, Ocean Colour Scene, The Prodigy, and more. Russell shared the reasoning behind the lineup, saying, 'I think Oasis went out of their way to put a special bill together that was representative of the time and pretty diverse.' Even back in 1996, the idea of seeing a lineup like the one at Knebworth was mind-blowing. As Alan McGee put it to The Independent, 'At that moment in 1996, that bill was probably as good as it got.' Oasis aimed to create an event that would be etched in memory forever, and they wanted to share that experience with their musical peers. So, what do the supporting acts remember about this unforgettable moment? One of the standout acts at Knebworth was The Prodigy, who were invited by Noel to be part of the history-making gigs. Recalling how the band were asked to get involved, Prodigy member Liam Howlett once said, 'Remembering back, Keef was friends with Noel and on a night out, Noel asked Keef if we would play one of their Knebworth gigs. It was the slot right before they [Oasis] played. Keef mentioned it to the rest of us, and without much discussion, we all said 'F**k yeah!'' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video He added: 'The main memory I have of it is as we were walking on stage to play, Noel came up to me and said 'Play Poison!'. We did our thing , came off and we were buzzing! Then I remember grabbing a load of booze and going out the front to watch them play. It was epic, a moment in time never to be forgotten!' For the 4% of the UK population fortunate enough to score tickets to the biggest show on Earth, it was, for some, a Squid Games-style challenge, while for others, it was a perfect example of trusting the universe and sheer determination in action. More Trending While some Oasis fans were locked in a battle with phone lines for tickets, others, like Georgina Sturmer, stood in line outside the London Astoria and subsequently took a coach up to Hertfordshire. She vividly remembers sprinting with her friends to claim the best spot for a perfect view of her musical idols and still has her original Knebworth tickets, in near mint condition. Musician and Oasis fan Steve Mahoney also kept his tickets from that unforgettable day. His strongest memory is the thrill of hearing two brand new, unreleased Oasis tracks It's Gettin' Better (Man!!) and My Big Mouth, which would later appear on Be Here Now in 1997. Oasis's Knebworth shows are considered to have defined the Britpop era and had a significant impact on live music. The two gigs were the absolute pinnacle in the band's career, both musically and culturally. For the rockers, Knebworth marked the pinnacle of their rapid ascent, with a two-night set that defined both their career and an entire era for thousands of music fans. Oasis had always set their sights on becoming the world's biggest rock 'n' roll band, and thanks to those two unforgettable nights at Knebworth, they achieved it. Their performances remain some of the most iconic and celebrated in their history, cementing Knebworth as one of their greatest gigs ever. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Road Rash Is the best Sega Mega Drive racing game – Reader's Feature MORE: Sarah Michelle Gellar proves she still slays in first look at Buffy revamp MORE: Wembley Stadium investigating Oasis ticket scam that 'allowed hundreds to sneak into gig'
Daily Mirror
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Yungblud hints at 'secret recording' before friend Ozzy Osbourne's death
Yungblud, who performed at Ozzy Osbourne's farewell gig just days before his death, says he had "a lot in the works" with the late Prince of Darkness He has been hailed the new Prince of Darkness thanks to his close friendship with the late Ozzy Osbourne. And as he takes his explosive live shows on a world tour, rising star Yungblud, like his rock mentor, seems more than ready to shake things up. The 28-year-old – real name Dominic Richard Harrison – says: 'I want to achieve what Ozzy did. He was a great inspiration to me.' It comes after Sharon Osbourne breaks down in tears at Ozzy's funeral in heartbreaking scenes. And the Doncaster-born singer adds: 'British rock music needs a bit of a kick up the a***.' Ozzy and Dom, who burst on to the music scene in 2018, became friends after the Brummie rocker appeared in the video for Yungblud's song The Funeral in 2022. The pair bonded over their shared love of music and their rebellious nature, with Ozzy gifting Dom one of his famous crucifix necklaces. Yungblud was among huge bands such as Metallica and Guns N' Roses who performed at Black Sabbath's final gig at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. He gave a heartfelt rendition of Changes, the No1 hit Ozzy recorded with daughter Kelly in 2003, to the 45,000-strong crowd. Speaking before Ozzy's death, Dom hinted he was working with Sabbath star and at a possible secret recording with his mentor, saying: 'There is a lot in the works as me and Ozzy are friends.' The wild man of rock died aged 76 on July 22 at home in Buckinghamshire after suffering a cardiac arrest. Dom was among big names from the music world, such as Sir Elton John, James Hetfield of Metallica and Marilyn Manson, who attended Ozzy's funeral in Birmingham on July 30. It is established singers like Ozzy and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury that Yungblud can thank for paving the way for his soaring success. He says: 'People like Freddie Mercury and Elton John, they are huge. When I released my first single, Hello Heaven, Hello a few months ago, Brian May actually sent me an email to say how he loved it as the song is over nine minutes long – longer than Bohemian Rhapsody. 'The old boys of music have been such a source of inspiration for me as that was when pure emotion was injected into music. 'Freddie and Brian were always such massive influences. Brian told me to keep evolving as he watched Freddie evolve and he loved my music. It was an honour.' And as well as being close to Ozzy, Dom also counts Queen's lead guitarist as a pal. He says: 'Brian May and I are friends. I would love to do a song with Brian and I have been working with Joe Perry from Aerosmith. It is my dream, man. 'That is why I named my new album Idols as I have looked at people my whole life, but it is time to look to myself. I guess we always look back, but it is time to look forward.' In homage to Queen, Dom included the We Will Rock You style 'clap-along song' Ghosts on his new album. He says: 'I'm gonna make you all clap and imagine that I'm in the O2 next year. It can't come quick enough!' The hope is that his Idols tour – which starts last this month with 21 dates in the US followed by Canada, Europe and a string of UK gigs next spring – will help cement him as one of Britain's biggest male solo stars. Timed with this is the release of a documentary, Yungblud: Are You Ready, Boy?, which hits cinemas later this month. The feature-length film, directed by Bafta-winner Paul Dugdale, charts Dom's early life growing up in Doncaster and shows him performing at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, the birthplace of David Bowie's album Heroes, and U2's Achtung Baby. Ever proud of his northern roots, Dom made his new album in Leeds so it could have an authentic vibe. He says: 'I don't think I've ever been more proud to stand by anything I've ever made. This album was made with love by four people in the North of England.' The album features Yungblud singing a ballad, which Dom reveals he was inspired to include by pop star Lewis Capaldi. Dom says: 'When I was making this album, I was really close with Lewis... I've always been shouting a lot, and he just said, 'Just sing, man' and so I am.' To get ready for his tour, the rocker cut back on the beer and got into shape through boxing training. He says: 'I like the new physique. I will take it if people say I look like Iggy Pop any day, or Bowie during the Thin White Duke era. 'They were big inspirations to my body and I am just trying to be like them. I am ready to work and kick ass.' And ready to conquer the globe... He adds: 'The whole world is f***** up right now and we have to find a sense of unity. We have to find a sense of common ground and means of co-existing and compromise. 'We need to look at each other; we are all human and we have that in common. My new album has a nod to Britpop and British music. 'I'm really proud to be British and I really wanna take our ideas and our vibes all over the world.'
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Still Game legend revealed thoughts on film rumours
Mark Cox, who played tight Tam Mullen in the popular programme, will share his stories, memories, and 'loads of laughs' at his brand-new show in the city. The 53-year-old Glaswegian will host the event at Woodside Hall in the city's North on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm. Cox will also be hosting shows in several towns and cities across Scotland. The TV star is well-known for starring in Still Game, Chewin' The Fat, and Dept. Q, which is a British crime thriller on Netflix. READ MORE: Still Game cast members announced exciting Glasgow show READ MORE: Michelle McManus reunites with Still Game stars for smiley snap Ahead of his stint of shows, Cox shared his thoughts on the Still Game movie rumours, which circulated earlier this year, while also revealing what it was like growing up in Glasgow. In January 2025, Ford Kiernan, who played Jack Jarvis in the sitcom, addressed rumours that the comedy would be returning as a film. The co-creator of the programme claimed there would be 'no film', while quashing the rumour, saying it was 'crap'. However, Cox has now said the rumours should be 'put to rest'. Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Cox said: "There's been talk of how you would even do a movie. Do they work, comedy movies like that? "I don't know. I don't even know where that rumour started." (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, the Craiglang icon, who currently resides in the Southside, reminisced about his younger days and growing up in the city. He said: "I grew up in Springboig in the East End, not far from Carntyne and Easterhouse. "I went to the Glasgow Schools Youth Theatre at around 14, and I fell in love with that. I knew right away it was what I'd love to do." Before the funnyman began his acting career, he worked in several 'normal jobs', with one being in the city's Tron Theatre. However, the Chewin' The Fat hero jokingly claimed he almost 'had to call in the UN' after telling his father he was giving up his apprenticeship to pursue his dream acting career. READ MORE: Still Game legend praises 'magical' store in Glasgow Cox added: "When I had to tell my old man that I was going to give up my apprenticeship to become an actor, I thought I was going to have to get the UN in. "I loved living in Springboig, I had a lot of pals, but nobody was doing acting." The TV legend revealed it was 'great coming from somewhere different' as he claimed actors were always associated as being 'West Enders'. As a big lover of the city, Cox also shared his go-to spots for some scran in Glasgow. He told the Glasgow Times 'there are so many' restaurants, pubs, and cafes he enjoys. However, one local Southside cafe was a clear favourite for him. The Still Game star said: "I go to a cafe in the Southside a lot at the moment, Kothel in Battlefield." The comedian also said he likes a trip to El Jefe's, a top Mexican eatery located in Finnieston. The born-and-bred Glaswegian went on to reveal his deeper love for the city, saying, 'there's a warmth to Glasgow'. "There's something different about the heart of Glasgow, there's something warm and mental," Cox said. (Image: Newsquest) In terms of whether the city has the best humour, Cox said: "I think it's a place where humour is used for the good and the bad. "People in Glasgow use humour, and I think you can see that as a city it doesn't take itself too seriously. "It's a great place if you're into comedy or are born in. There is no two-way about that." After starring in Still Game, the comedian revealed he has been recognised by fans of the show from across the globe. Cox said he once got recognised in the Bronx Zoo in New York. He also said he's had tons of fan interactions, with many asking: "What happened to Tam's wean?" In the programme, Tam (Cox) had a child (Tam Mullen Junior) with his wife, Frances. READ MORE: Still Game legend has addressed rumours that the show will return READ MORE: Still Game cast members announced exciting Glasgow show READ MORE: Still Game legend pictured 'back behind the bar' at local boozer Regarding his 11-date action-packed tour, the comic said he decided to do it as he's the 'only one' out of the Still Game cast who's 'never really gone out' on his own. "I've done stuff with the five of us and the two of us," Cox said. "There's a big market for it. "People are very keen to hear different things from each of us, so I thought to myself, 'it's maybe time'." Cox added: "Paul (Paul Riley, Winston in Still Game) and everybody else have all gone out, and I thought for the autumn time I would go out and do some stuff myself. "I've written some stuff myself before, and it's good to get out; it's a good environment." READ MORE: Still Game stars' hilarious Tinder profiles for characters READ MORE: Still Game star has revealed love for iconic Glasgow pub The East End funnyman revealed the show will include 'tons of Still Game' chat. He added: "I was in Chewin' The Fat before Still Game for a long time, and there are lots of stories and different things about growing up in the East End, being an actor and becoming an actor in a place where no one was an actor. "I look forward to speaking to the audiences, that's a thing I quite like doing. "People come, they know who I am, and it feels as if you're in the right place, you're not trying to impress, you come with the stories and other stuff you've got to tell them, and audiences are great. "They eat it up, they love it." READ MORE: Still Game legends spotted with chuffed fans at Glasgow store READ MORE: Still Game legend pictured at Glasgow's iconic Barras Market READ MORE: Famous faces in Still Game you probably forgot about As part of Mark's run of shows, which will start in Aberdeen on Saturday, August 9, and end in Kirkcaldy on Saturday, October 25, the star will also host events in Irvine, Bearsden, Dumbarton, and Kilbarchan. Here is exactly where and when each show will take place: Aberdeen, Breakneck Comedy Club, Saturday, August 9, 2pm. Lockerbie, Lockberie Town Hall, Saturday, August 9, at 8.30pm. Perth, Salutation Hotel, Friday, August 22, at 6pm. Bo'ness, Bo'ness Town Hall, Saturday, August 23, at 6pm. Irvine, Volunteer Roos, Saturday, August 23, at 8m. Bearsden, Kilmardinny House, Friday, September 5, at 6pm. Dunblane, Victoria Halls, Friday, September 5, at 8.30pm. Dumbarton, Denny Civic Theatre, Friday, October 24, at 6pm. Kilbarchan, Kilbarchan Performance Arts Centre, Friday, October 24, at 8.30pm. Glasgow, Woodside Hall, Saturday, October 25, at 6pm. Kirkcaldy, Styx Kirkcaldy, Saturday, October 25, at 8.30pm.
