Latest news with #SexEducation
South Wales Argus
21 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Newport has ‘lost out' over university investment promises
Newport has missed out on around £3 million of investment since a university merger and the closure of Caerleon Campus, a councillor has claimed. Cllr Matthew Evans said student numbers in the city have plummeted in the past 15 years, and criticised 'broken' promises to invest in higher education. The University of South Wales (USW) was created in 2013 when the University of Newport, Wales merged with the University of Glamorgan – two years after a new city-centre campus for business and media opened on Usk Way. The university's campus in Caerleon was eventually closed down in 2016, despite opposition, and most of the site has been redeveloped for housing – except for the main block and some other listed buildings, which later found fame in the Netflix series Sex Education. Speaking at a council meeting this week, Cllr Evans, the leader of the opposition Conservative group, alleged the only university students apparently living in Newport these days are 'a few from Bristol' – a far cry from the 10,000 he said the city welcomed in 2010/11. Cllr Evans raised a recent claim that 'when the Caerleon campus was sold for £6.2 million, there was an initial promise that all of this would be spent in the city'. On the university merger, he added: 'Promises were made that there would not be any campus closures, which were then broken.' The development of a so-called Knowledge Quarter in central Newport was meant to safeguard higher and further education, but Cllr Evans questioned the progress to date, and urged Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, the council leader, to 'ensure that this much-needed investment in the city centre materialises'. Cllr Batrouni said he had held 'honest and robust' discussions with USW's chancellor and vice-chancellor on the university's 'current status and future' in Newport, but described the sector as being 'in real trouble'. 'I think if we're all being candid with each other, not just in Wales but across England, higher education [and] universities are facing a financial crisis,' said Cllr Batrouni, who understands USW has 'no contractual obligation… to commit that money here'. 'I can also raise those matters directly with them next time I meet them – but I wouldn't hold our breath on that,' he added. Cllr Evans said public documents, published around the time the redevelopment of Caerleon Campus was decided, suggested 'the university intended to reinvest proceeds into the Newport Knowledge Quarter'. 'Yet again, we appear to have lost out,' he claimed. 'Apparently they have spent £3.2 million in Newport but that still leaves a shortfall of £3 million.' Cllr Evans called that spending a 'pittance' when compared 'to the £40 million they've just spent on a building in Treforest'. 'They promised us money,' he added. 'I do think it's important… we try and get some of this money back or at least buildings here.' Cllr Batrouni defended the Knowledge Quarter project as 'a beacon for this city' and said there were 'definitely students there' during his visit to the city-centre campus. He also noted several USW investments in Newport, including a 'state of the art' research and innovation centre, and a cyber centre 'which has won four national awards for cyber excellence, beating all the Russell Group universities'. 'I always want more, I always ask them for more and you know, if I can get more there, I will,' added Cllr Batrouni, with a note of caution that he could not 'sit here and promise' anything because the Covid-19 pandemic had 'decimated' higher education. USW was approached for comment.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Aimee Lou Wood dons dramatic period dress while making rude gesture in cheeky behind-the-scenes shots from upcoming film The Idiots
Aimee Lou Wood has delighted fans by sharing behind-the-scenes pictures from her upcoming film The Idiots on Instagram. Taking to the photo-sharing site on Sunday, the Sex Education star, 31, was transformed by period clothing as she stepped into the shoes of the writer Fydor Dostoyevsky's second wife Anna. Tagging the film's director Małgorzata Szumowska and her co-star Michał Englert, she captioned the pictures: 'Move over Hollywood, it's POLlywood time.' Her caption was a reference to her location as shooting begins in Poland for the big screen adaptation of The Gambler Wife by Andrew D. Kaufman. Aimee playfully made a rude gesture in one snap of herself in an eighteenth-century dress and hat. In another, she could be seen enjoying a coffee in the outfit, with her hair styled in a long side plait. Other snaps saw the star donning a straw feathered hat and dramatic pink dress. She wore a Russian bear hat topped with flowers in another behind-the-scenes look. With the film focusing on the life of Dostoyevsky, played by Michał Englert, Aimee posed with her on-screen husband outside a mansion. More playful on-set footage saw the cast dancing in their period costumes. Fans were quick to express their excitement about the film in the comments section, praising: 'Can't wait for this... Favourite actress... This looks amazing... Aimee you're gorgeous, have fun in Poland.' Fans were quick to express their excitement about the film in the comments section, praising: 'Can't wait for this' News of the film's production was first announced in February 2022, however, principal photography and first-look images were not released until this month. A release date has not yet been scheduled. Opening up about why she became an actress, Aimee, who has spoken candidly about her battle with bulimia, told The Guardian: 'It's funny, people like me get into acting because it helps them in some way. 'It helps you express yourself, or gives you a shield from "bad things". Following Aimee's successful stint in Netflix's Sex Education as Aimee Gibbs, she went on to find even more fame in the HBO drama The White Lotus, where she played Chelsea. The filming snaps came just days after Aimee shared a fun picture from Glastonbury after spending the weekend at the festival with her new boyfriend Adam Long. The actress took to her Instagram Story to document some of her fun-filled Glastonbury weekend which included a picture with a pal. She looked stylish in a denim jacket layered over a red patterned dress as she enjoyed the festival held at Worthy Farm. During her time in Somerset, Amiee was spotted sharing a giggle with her new boyfriend. Actor Adam is best known for his role as convict Lewis Whippey in Happy Valley and looked like he was enjoying the festival as he relaxed in the snap with Aimee. The pair - who are starring together in the upcoming BBC series Film Club - were first spotted sharing a kiss last month.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on exit and Eurovision controversy
Ncuti Gatwa has opened up on his decision to quit Doctor Who after two years and two series, as he also opened up on his decision not to represent the UK at Eurovision. Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa revealed the real reason for his exit from the long-running BBC series. He admitted it was because "I'm getting old and my body was tired". The 32-year-old Scots actor, who shot to fame as Eric Effiong in Netflix's Sex Education, embodied the role of the famous time lord across two series following his debut in a 60th anniversary special alongside the 10th and 14th versions of the Doctor, David Tennant. During his farewell episode as the 15th Doctor back in May earlier this year, he appeared to be replaced by former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper when his character underwent regeneration, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Speaking to the BBC 's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ncuti explained: "I'm getting old, and my body was tired... and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions. "It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous. It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time." When questioned about a potential return to the programme, he playfully hinted: "Never say never," meaning fans could see him grace the small screen in the role in the future. Ncuti took on the Doctor role after Tennant's Time Lord underwent bi-generation in 2023, following his character's return to the series as the 14th Doctor. Elsewhere, he had been tipped to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in May but withdrew, with rumours suggesting the move was linked to controversy over Israel's involvement in the competition. "It all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced," he revealed. "And it was announced when it was announced, I don't know why, but I was just very busy. "Just had a lot of work schedules, a lot of press around The Roses, around Doctor (Who)." When quizzed about the rumours regarding his exit, Ncuti, who didn't tune in to this year's contest, admitted: "I was just very busy." The actor graced the Sunday morning news programme to discuss the West End debut of Born With Teeth, an imaginative play that explores the dynamic between competing dramatists Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Taking on the role of Marlowe alongside his Sex Education co-star Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare, he will feature in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production at London's Wyndham's Theatre starting later this year in August. "It's a really great story between these two huge literary icons, and it's very exciting to imagine what could have happened in a room together," Ncuti remarked.
South Wales Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Ncuti Gatwa says he left Doctor Who as ‘I am getting old and my body was tired'
The Rwandan-Scottish actor, 32, whose breakout role was Eric Effiong in Netflix hit Sex Education, played the Time Lord for two series after first appearing in a 60th anniversary special with the 10th and 14th incarnations of the Doctor, David Tennant. In May, during his final episode as the 15th Doctor, Gatwa appeared to be replaced by former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper when his character regenerated. Gatwa told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'I'm getting old, and my body was tired… and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions. 'It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous. 'It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.' Asked if he would ever come back to the show, he said: 'Never say never.' Barbie star Gatwa has played the Doctor since Tennant's Time Lord bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the alien character was brought back to the series as the 14th Doctor. Gatwa was expected to be the UK's spokesperson at the Eurovision Song Contest in May but pulled out, with speculation the decision was connected to controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the competition. 'It all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced', he said. 'And it was announced when it was announced, I don't know why, but I was just very busy. 'Just had a lot of work schedules, a lot of press around The Roses, around Doctor (Who).' Asked about the speculation surrounding his withdrawal, Gatwa, who did not watch this year's competition, said: 'I was just very busy.' The actor appeared on the Sunday morning news show to discuss the West End premiere of Born With Teeth, a play that re-imagines the relationship between rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Gatwa plays Marlowe with his Sex Education co-star Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare in the Royal Shakespeare Company production at London's Wyndham's Theatre from August. 'It's a really great story between these two huge literary icons, and it's very exciting to imagine what could have happened in a room together', he said.
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Ncuti Gatwa says he left Doctor Who as ‘I am getting old and my body was tired'
The Rwandan-Scottish actor, 32, whose breakout role was Eric Effiong in Netflix hit Sex Education, played the Time Lord for two series after first appearing in a 60th anniversary special with the 10th and 14th incarnations of the Doctor, David Tennant. In May, during his final episode as the 15th Doctor, Gatwa appeared to be replaced by former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper when his character regenerated. Gatwa told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'I'm getting old, and my body was tired… and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions. 'It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous. 'It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.' Asked if he would ever come back to the show, he said: 'Never say never.' Barbie star Gatwa has played the Doctor since Tennant's Time Lord bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the alien character was brought back to the series as the 14th Doctor. Gatwa was expected to be the UK's spokesperson at the Eurovision Song Contest in May but pulled out, with speculation the decision was connected to controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the competition. 'It all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced', he said. 'And it was announced when it was announced, I don't know why, but I was just very busy. 'Just had a lot of work schedules, a lot of press around The Roses, around Doctor (Who).' Asked about the speculation surrounding his withdrawal, Gatwa, who did not watch this year's competition, said: 'I was just very busy.' The actor appeared on the Sunday morning news show to discuss the West End premiere of Born With Teeth, a play that re-imagines the relationship between rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Gatwa plays Marlowe with his Sex Education co-star Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare in the Royal Shakespeare Company production at London's Wyndham's Theatre from August. 'It's a really great story between these two huge literary icons, and it's very exciting to imagine what could have happened in a room together', he said.
