Latest news with #JamesNesbitt
ITV News
6 hours ago
- Business
- ITV News
James Nesbitt 'disappointed' at closure of 'iconic' Coleraine theatre where career began
Hollywood actor and Coleraine native James Nesbitt says he is 'disappointed' over a decision by Ulster University to close the Riverside Theatre. Nesbitt, who honed his craft at the venue and was Chancellor of the university for 10 years also expressed his sadness at the long term reduction in arts investment across the North West. Ulster University says the cost of running the theatre does not align with their academic goals and available funding stating the building would require significant capital investment to remain in use, with refurbishment works estimated to cost nearly £750,000, in addition to annual running costs of almost £500,000. The Riverside Theatre at Ulster University's Coleraine campus has been at the heart of performing arts in the town since it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II almost 50 years ago. Its stage has been graced by the likes of Liam Neeson and of course James Nesbitt. After hitting the stage in Coleraine, he went on to superstardom with hits including ITV's Cold Feet and the Hobbit movies. In January 2025, the university announced that it was looking into how the theatre was funded. In March it proposed Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council consider a lease agreement for the venue with a meeting expected to take place in June. However on 29 May the university announced the closure in August. Mr Nesbitt expressed his sadness at the closure: 'It's so disappointing that the university of which I was Chancellor for 10 years finds itself in the position that it feels it necessary to close this iconic arts venue which was the launch pad of my career. "However, I'm also disappointed in the long- term reduction in investment in the arts by the arts council, the NI Executive and the local authority in performing arts in the North West. "I think the agencies involved need to get together to invest in the future of the arts in this community. It will be sorely missed.' Mr Nesbitt is not the only one disappointed by the news of the theatres imminent closure. A protest outside Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council offices in Coleraine is planned while a petition to save the venue has got more than 3,500 signatures. In a statement Ulster University added: "We remain focused on the university's core purpose: to deliver high-quality teaching and impactful research across our multiple campuses; and in the face of unprecedented financial challenges, with the funding model in Northern Ireland acknowledged as unsustainable, it is more important than ever that we focus our resources on core academic activities. "Having supported and delivered this civic asset for 50 years, the building itself has now come to the end of its life and requires significant capital investment to remain in use. "This is estimated at £745,000 in the immediate term alone and is in addition to the annual running costs of £495,000. "While we appreciate that this news will come as a disappointment to many, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the artists, audiences, staff, and supporters who have made the Riverside Theatre such a special place for so many years." Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Where Cold Feet cast are now from Hollywood movies to shocking revival demands
Cold Feet became a cult show in the '90s and was so popular it made a return in 2016, but with the series now on a 'prolonged hiatus' the cast strayed onto very different paths TV shows have often struggled to get across the reality of relationships on screen, but one show that managed to show the ups and downs was Cold Feet. The original series ran from 1997 to 2003, and was equally likely to make you cry as it was to make you laugh as it followed three realistic couples in Manchester. Revolving around couples Adam and Rachel (James Nesbitt and Helen Baxendale), Pete and Jenny (John Thomson and Fay Ripley), and David and Karen (Robert Bathurst and Hermione Norris), the ITV show was an instant hit. Alongside providing laughs, Cold Feet was also known for tackling hard-hitting storylines including fertility issues, illness, and financial woes - and went even further by killing off main character Rachel in a car crash. Considering its popularity, Cold Feet came back for a revival in 2016, with all the main stars returning apart from Helen. Like the cast, the characters all had very different lives compared to the original, with teen kids and career changes alongside new partners. Ending in 2020, the show is now on a 'prolonged hiatus' with no confirmation about whether it will return or not. That doesn't mean that the stars of the show haven't been busy with other projects, with some having launched incredible careers after Cold Feet set them on the path to fame.. James Nesbitt James Nesbitt's first major TV role was playing the charming Adam Williams in Cold Feet. The serial womaniser settled down with Rachel while still having an eye for his next-door neighbour, but became a single dad to their son Matthew when Rachel was tragically killed. At the start of the revived series we saw Adam marrying a woman he met in Singapore but the relationship fell apart and he eventually started a romance with his late partner's best friend Karen. Nesbitt won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actor in 2000 and NTA for Most Popular Comedy Performance in 2003 for his role. Thanks to his success, the Northern Irish actor continued getting TV roles in shows such as Murphy's Law, Jekyll and TV movie Bloody Sunday. Away from TV he also became a movie star, appearing in Danny Boyle drama Millions in 2004 and a small role in Woody Allen's thriller Match Point in 2005. Then, in 2012, Nesbitt really hit the big time when he was cast as the Bofur the dwarf in all the three of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit films. He is also well known for his appearances in Sky's Premier League coverage TV adverts and plenty of crime show hits. He's recently starred in Stan Lee's Lucky Man, BBC dramas The Missing and Bloodlands, Line of Duty, and this year's Netflix hit Missing You. Nesbitt has also opened up about working on his looks to stay Hollywood-ready after noticing that his hairline was receding. In 2019, he admitted: "I began losing hair several years ago. I felt it could affect my career." That February it was reported that the actor was having his sixth £20,000 hair transplant, and he has openly discussed how he believes it has "probably helped" his ability to get leading roles. Fay Ripley Ripley's character Jenny Gifford spent most of Cold Feet being on and off with husband Pete. The ballsy character threw Pete out after discovering his affair, let him back, separated again, started dating a millionaire, got back together, then divorced when she went off to America. Jenny came back for Rachel's funeral, moved back in with Pete and they actually stuck together this time, with Pete being her rock through her cancer ordeal. Ripley left the show to take more varied roles and spend more time with her family, telling writers to either kill Jenny off or have her lose a limb. Luckily they decided to send her character to New York so she could return for a guest appearance in the final episode of the original seasons and then come back for the revived series. Fay went on to play a murderer in BBC drama Green-Eyed Monster and was also in Fungus The Bogeyman, Hustle, New Tricks, Reggie Perrin and Moving On. She has also fronted her own ground-breaking drama series Suspects on Channel 5, appeared in comedy The Delivery Man and been a guest host on The One Show. Most recently, she bagged a role in the Channel 4 drama Finders Keepers. John Thompson Pete Gifford was Adam's childhood friend and Jenny's husband, whom he cheated on in series two with colleague Amy. When Jenny left for America with their son Adam he got into a relationship with Jo and they got married, but it was doomed. In the revived series, we saw Pete struggling with crippling depression while struggling to hold down multiple jobs. Before Cold Feet, John Thompson was best known for his comedy turns in sketch hit The Fast Show, particularly as a black polo-necked jazz expert. After five years as Pete, John spent some time on stage and appeared in various one-off dramas as well as New Street Law and the third series of ITV show Kingdom. The Mancunian actor returned to high-profile telly with a role in Coronation Street as struggling children's entertainer Jesse Chadwick. After his stint in Corrie he moved onto Waterloo Road, and has also been in The Keith Lemon Sketch Show, Casualty and Trollied. He changed things up when he was unmasked as Bush Baby in the second series of singing contest The Masked Singer, before getting back to acting with roles in Father Brown and Silent Witness. Hermione Norris Karen Marsden was the well-to-do and very middle-class mum who had a successful career as a publishing editor. Karen's husband David sadly became an alcoholic and had an affair - with her also cheating in return. The couple got divorced but remained friends while bringing up their son and twin girls, but there were tensions in the later series when Karen got into a relationship with David's pal Adam. After Cold Feet, Norris went on to become the queen of TV dramas, starring in Robson Green police thriller Wire In The Blood. She then moved over to the BBC to star as super spy Ros Myers in Spooks, Kingdom, Outcasts, In the Club and Doctor Who. She also delighted fans by reuniting with her Cold Feet co-star Robert Bathurst in Sky One's Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, and also appeared in series five of Luther. She went on to star in Doc Martin and Riches, and joined Thompson with a 2024 feature in Silent Witness. Robert Bathurst Bumbling David Marsden had a high-paying management consultant job but his life was turned upside down when he got made redundant in series two. David went on to have an affair, with wife Karen then cheating on him afterwards. They soon divorced and he got into a relationship with his solicitor Robyn, but that also ended. Before Cold Feet, actor Robert Bathurst has been a theatre star and appeared in Red Dwarf, The Lenny Henry Show and Joking Apart. He joined the cast of the popular children's sitcom My Dad's The Prime Minister, playing a bedraggled PM, then had a role in Kingdom, alongside former Feet co-stars Hermione Norris and John Thompson. Bathurst's television career went from strength to strength with roles in The Pillars of the Earth, Wild at Heart and Downton Abbey. More recently he appeared in Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie, Sky One's adaptation of best-selling novel Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death alongside fellow Cold Feet star Hermione Norris and Channel 4 comedy Toast of London. He reunited with Matt Berry for the spin-off Toast of Tinseltown, and has most recently appeared in Casualty. Helen Baxendale Baxendale played Rachel Bradley, who shocked boyfriend Adam when she admitted that she was already married. She got a divorce but slept with her ex and had an abortion which caused her to become infertile, but she married Adam and they had a miracle baby together. The infertility plot was rewritten because actress Helen Baxendale was pregnant in real life while filming series four. Rachel tragically died in a car crash in series five, which obviously meant Helen couldn't come back for the revived series aside from a guest appearance in series eight. The acclaimed actress, who shot to fame in series Cardiac Arrest, is best known for playing Ross Geller's demanding wife in Friends. She only appeared in 14 episodes but her character dated, married then divorced Ross, and her appearance made Baxendale well-known on the other side of the pond. Since then Helen has appeared in Cuckoo and Kidnap and Ransom, Poirot and Noughts + Crosses.
Metro
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'One of the best police dramas ever made' finally lands on Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime viewers are 'very sad' that they have binge-watched the entirety of a 'jewel' of a crime drama. They have been devouring detective drama Murphy's Law, which was recently added to the streaming platform. First airing on the BBC in 2001, the series stars James Nesbitt as undercover police officer Tommy Murphy as he tackles various investigations. Murphy's Law ran for a total of five seasons until 2007 and was also adapted by the screenwriter Colin Bateman into a novel. On Google, viewers have been raving about the police procedural, including Mark, who shared: 'If I could give this great series 100+ stars I would. I'm 61 years old and tired of the new Hollyweird and have been for a few decades. I live in the States and have been watching different UK shows over the past few years or so, then I stumbled across this jewel. Thank to all who made this show some 25 years ago!!!! I will binge Murphy's Law this weekend…' Echoing their sentiment, James F Manning commented: 'One of the best police dramas ever made, James Nesbitt's best performance as Undercover Cop Tommy Murphy, dark, gritty, and I feel a lot more realistic.' Dave Phillips agreed and shared: 'Just started watching series 3, excellent. James Nesbitt is a class act. Going to watch the rest of the series as soon as.' Faye Nicoli also added: 'Wow! Very sad, hubby and I have watched all the episodes. James Nesbitt was fantastic, as were all the actors. Sad ending, but we hope that it gets many awards for the acting being recognised.' While there has been no chatter of a Murphy's Law reboot, James did previously tease that another of his hit shows could return. Last year, he told ITV show Lorrraine that he would not rule out Cold Feet's comeback five years after it was last seen on screens. The British comedy-drama that followed the exploits of three couples was a smash hit when it first burst onto the screens in 1998 When James was asked if Cold Feet could be rebooted, he replied: 'I'd love to do that. 'It was such a big part of my life, it opened so many doors for me, people still talk to me about it on a daily basis. 'It'd be good to do more of it because I think people are still interested in what the characters are doing.' Viewers can also binge-watch James on Channel 4 in gritty thriller Suspect in which he plays detective Danny Frater, called in to identify a corpse, only to find it's his estranged daughter Christina. It's assumed that she took her own life, but Danny suspects foul play and questions her friends and associates to get to the truth. More Trending Speaking about the drama, he previously told Metro: 'The real challenge for me was sustaining Danny and being alert to what the other characters were saying to me,' says Nesbitt. 'The week before the first episode, we'd do a readthrough and rehearse for a day, then shoot for four days. Then I'd have a couple of days off to learn the next episode, come in and spend a day talking about the script, and then shoot again. 'It was thrilling, demanding and an affirmation of why I still love the job – an opportunity to show myself what I could do. This was a job where I could form a relationship with the person I was playing and not be scared by it, but embrace it.' View More » Murphy's Law is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. 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: Gary Lineker reveals truth about Match of the Day departure in revealing interview MORE: Richard Hammond makes rare comment about divorce in new Grand Tour special MORE: How accurate is Conclave? A Pope's death as depicted by Hollywood
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Yahoo
'I paid just £14.99 for a flight from Manchester Airport to a dream sunny destination and had a holiday like no other'
Who doesn't love a holiday? Over 46 million Brits set off every year to escape our gloomy UK weather, get some sun and to top up their Vitamin C levels. On average, a typical person spends between £1,000 and £1,500 on a holiday, after months of working tirelessly, saving the pennies and even picking up overtime shifts. Things have become tougher in recent years with the cost-of-living crisis emptying our pockets before we even leave the office. While casually browsing Ryanair (as we all do when fantasising about a trip abroad), I found a flight for just £14.99 to Morocco from Manchester Airport. I didn't hesitate and booked it immediately - with no guilt either. At £14.99, you can't go wrong; it's less than a meal out. READ MORE: James Nesbitt's drama-filled night in Greater Manchester as he films Harlan Coben's next Netflix hit READ MORE: The 'must-visit' waterfall walk that's the perfect day out from Greater Manchester Morocco is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa and one of the world's fastest-growing holiday destinations. According to the latest UN Tourism data, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million international tourists in 2024— a 20 percent increase over 2023. Its rapid tourism growth combined with its rich cultural heritage have seen it be compared to Turkey, while airline bosses have even tipped it as an alternative to the Canary Islands. Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in Morocco and one of the most captivating - rich in culture and things to do. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, a Berber dynasty that ruled over a vast empire, Marrakesh continues to attract many visitors each year. Locals often speak up to four languages—Arabic, French, Spanish, and English, so they are well-equipped to welcome tourists. But does Morocco live up to the hype? I think so and here's why. Hotels can often blend into one another regardless of your holiday destination, yet Marrakesh offers a more unique hospitality experience. A riad is a traditional Moroccan guesthouse with stunning courtyards, intricate tilework, and a serene escape from the lively streets outside. Unlike conventional hotels, riads offer an authentic Moroccan experience with rooftop terraces, pools, and homemade breakfasts. Enjoy delights like: Beghrir a spongy, melt-in-your-mouth Moroccan pancakes drizzled with argan peanut butter, Msemen: a flaky, square Moroccan pan bread Khobz el-dâr – Traditional Moroccan bread, eggs, lentil, yoghurt, fresh mint tea, coffee, and juices. No trip to Marrakesh is complete without experiencing Jemaa el-Fnaa, the heart of the city. By day, this lively square is full with a mix of snake charmers, henna artists, and orange juice vendors. By night, it transforms into a bustling open-air market with traditional Moroccan street food. Visitors can indulge in traditional Moroccan foods; kebabs, Harira, Taco poulet Shawarma or even pizza for just under £2. Venture into the souks (markets) to shop for unique souvenirs: from traditional Moroccan garments; Thobes and kaftans to Berber jewellery which are handmade silver and beaded pieces or spices to take back home such as saffron and cumin. Wandering around can be thirsty work, so be sure to stop for a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. A visit to Morocco wouldn't be complete without experiencing its breathtaking desert landscapes. Discover the Agafay Desert with a tour which involves quad biking, a camel ride, traditional Berber music and a fire show, along with dinner under the stars. The best bit? It only costs £17. After days of exploring, unwind in a traditional hammam, a Moroccan steam bath experience. A visit to a hammam typically includes a black soap scrub – made from olive oil, which deeply cleanses the pores. Then there's a Ghassoul clay mask which naturally detoxes the skin. For the ultimate relaxation, an Argan oil massage rubs away tension and leaves you feeling rejuvenated. Discover the Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum where you can explore lush botanical gardens and the legacy of the famous designer. Stop by the Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque to marvel at Moroccan architecture and history. If you have extra time, consider a day trip to the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley. Visit Berber villages and learn how locals live, hike to waterfalls, and enjoy scenic landscapes. Marrakesh truly has it all - bustling markets, tranquil hammams, cultural landmarks and delicious food. It's easy to see how this country is fast-becoming a top tourist destination. Nusayba paid £14.99 for a one-way ticket to Marrakesh with Ryanair. She paid £28.41 for a return ticket and £12.50 for seat allocation and travelled with hand luggage only. Skyscanner shows one-fares from Manchester Airport to Marrakesh in March from £15 one way in March, with returns from £14. For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Victorian park that's one of Greater Manchester's oldest you need to visit this spring
Without a doubt, spring is definitely in the air. The Met Office has forecast sunny spells for Manchester in the coming days and blue skies with sunshine are on the cards. While winter is a time for hunkering down inside and wrapping up warm on the sofa, spring is a chance to step outside and rediscover the green spaces we have on our doorstep. Greater Manchester is home to a wide range of parks and gardens. Some of them are shiny and new like Mayfield park in town, while others have been long standing green spaces for generations, like Heaton Park, which has been around since 1902. READ MORE: James Nesbitt's drama-filled night in Greater Manchester as he films Harlan Coben's next Netflix hit READ MORE: Extra tickets released for Olivia Rodrigo Guts Tour at Manchester Co-Op Live One of the region's oldest parks is Vernon Park, which opened in 1858. In fact it's Stockport's oldest Park and today has Grade II status. Like many Victorian parks, Vernon Park has stunning historical features and beautiful design details from formal flower beds to winding paths. Spring is one of the best times to visit as the park remerges from its wintery slumber, with flowers starting to bloom and lush, green leaves sprouting from the trees. While the park is rather small - only 21 acres - there's lots to take in as it's split over different levels, with a stone staircase linking them together. The River Goyt flows to the east of the park, separated by woodland terraces. There are lots of paths you can follow through the park, allowing you to take in its various features, including the fountain, bandstand and even a picturesque weir hidden among the trees. A café located within the park provides the perfect place for a pitstop, where you can grab a sweet treat and a warming drink. It also has lovely views from the terrace of the surrounding area. Vernon Park did have a rather interesting anime in the past. The park was constructed by unemployed mill workers when the American Civil War disrupted the cotton industry, using land George John Warren (Lord Vernon). The hungry mill workers gave it the name 'Pinch Belly Park' due to their low wages. Although it was initially popular, the park was neglected for decades during the 20th century and fell into disrepair. Thanks to a heritage lottery fund grant it was restored to its former glory in 2000, so visitors can still enjoy its Victorian grandeur today. Parking is available at Woodbank and Vernon Park carpark (SK1 4AR) while several bus routes stop nearby. For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
