Latest news with #BoyfromtheValleys:MyUnexpectedJourney
Mint
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Luke Evans recalls King Charles' surprising link to Vlad the Impaler
Actor Luke Evans has shed light on how he met King Charles in his 2025 memoir 'Boy from the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey'. The incident, which took place back in 2014, at Prince's Trust gala dinner held at The Savoy Hotel in London, led the actor to learn some "fascinating" royal family history, reports People. The actor, who had been named an ambassador for the charity, which the King founded in 1976 to support disadvantaged youth, was meeting the monarch for the first time. The meeting also saw the two exchange what Evans describes as 'a good, strong handshake' before the King casually inquired about his latest project, which had a Vlad the Impaler connection. Evans had just wrapped Dracula Untold when he met the King. He portrayed Vlad the Impaler, the brutal 15th-century Romanian ruler who inspired Bram Stoker's iconic vampire in the film. But little did he know that the King would reveal a distant family link to the real-life Dracula himself. When Luke mentioned his role as Vlad the Impaler in Dracula Untold, 'the King's eyes lit up,' Evans wrote. The royal then said, 'I will tell you an interesting story. I am actually related to Vlad Tepes.' To Evans' surprise, 'he then proceeded to talk me through his entire lineage, all the way back to the 1400s,' and added, 'He told me he now owns a number of properties in Romania, where Vlad was ruler.' Charles then smiled, saying, 'Yes, and not a lot of people know it.' "I noticed he had stayed a little longer with me than he had with other guests, probably because we had this fascinating thing to talk about," Evans wrote. In his memoir, Evans has also shared his first impression of meeting King Charles, noting the monarch's rare ability to truly engage. "Charles makes you feel as if he's genuinely interested in what you have to say, which is remarkable when you consider he has to do this several times a day," Evans wrote. "You imagine he'd become robotic, just going through the motions every time, but he really seems to engage," he added. Evans also expressed deep pride in being part of 'a fantastic institution.' For those unaware, long before his conversation with Luke Evans, King Charles had publicly claimed a distant link to Vlad the Impaler during a 2011 TV special focused on forest conservation in Romania. 'The genealogy shows that I am descended from Vlad the Impaler,' he said, adding, 'So I have a bit of a stake in the country.' Luke Evans' memoir Boy from the Valleys, released in the US on April 22. Through distant royal ancestry, King Charles claims to be descended from Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Romanian ruler who inspired the legend of Dracula. Evans said King Charles was genuinely engaged in conversation. The memoir is titled Boy from the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Luke Evans says he wants children with Fran Tomas in next five years: 'I can certainly see myself becoming a parent'
The well-known actor Luke Evans has opened up about his wanting to start a family with his partner Fran Tomas, with his revelation that parenthood is a goal he hopes to achieve within the next five years. The Welsh star made the revelation in his memoir 'Boy from the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey,' released in the US on April 22, 2025. Luke Evans says timing finally feels right for fatherhood As reported by People, Evans wrote: 'I do want to have children, and hope I'm able to do so in the next five years, whether that's through adoption or surrogacy.' He added that while he once imagined being a young dad, he now feels ready to slow down and make space for children in his life: 'I've realized now that I needed to find my feet and have my own journey before I could slow down and make changes in my life in order to focus on children. ' - rewrite without using direct quote Evans also reflected on the kind of parent he hopes to be, saying he wants to remain energetic and involved even into his 70s: 'As long as I look after myself, I can hopefully be an able-bodied, energetic 70-year-old with a 20-year-old kid.' Evans and Tomas take first steps with new family member Before diving into parenthood, Evans and Tomas decided to adopt a dog together, a miniature dachshund named Lala. On January 27, Evans posted a photo of her curled up on his chest with the caption: 'Mine 💛' He later shared a video of her on a leash, describing her as: 'Velvet ears, black boop, nap champion.' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo by Taboola by Taboola The couple sees Lala as a symbolic first step toward building a family, with Evans writing that bringing her home 'feels like the beginning of something new'. A relationship built on grounding and growth Evans and Tomas have been together for over three years, publicly confirming their relationship at a gala in December 2022. In interviews with People, Evans described Tomas as his anchor and best friend: 'He's the calm, deep waters, and I am the rushing, bubbly water.' He added, 'He literally makes me a better person. And he has to put up with my s---, which I can't imagine what that would be like.' The couple also co-run a lifestyle brand called BDXY, which Evans describes as an extension of their shared life and values. Memoir reveals personal journey and future hopes Evans' memoir also dives into his upbringing as a gay Jehovah's Witness in Wales, his early struggles with identity, and the bullying he faced in school. He writes honestly about the emotional feeling 'wrong' and the strength it took to embrace his truth. Now, with a stable relationship and a clear vision for the future, Evans says he's ready to take the next step: 'We're building a life together. And I can certainly see myself becoming a parent.'
