Latest news with #Swindon-born
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Swindon-born actress 'odds-on favourite' to be the next Doctor Who
Speculation is mounting that a Swindon-born celebrity is set to be announced as the next star of Doctor Who. Rumours are continuing to swirl as to who could replace Ncuti Gatwa as the face of the iconic BBC TV series, following reports that he will step away from the show. Swindon's very own Billie Piper is now the odds-on favourite to be the next Doctor, with online betting guide listing her as the strong 1/3 favourite with a 75% chance of landing the role. Jenna Coleman, another of the show's former sidekicks, is currently second favourite with odds of 2/1. Doctor Foster's Suranne Jones, Jessica Gunning of Baby Reindeer fame, and Derry Girls and Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan also make the lists as outside bets. Billie is already a fan's favourite among Doctor Who enthusiasts after playing the Doctor's companion Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant's versions of the character in 2005 and 2006. She also returned for several guest star appearances in 2008 and featured in the show's 50th anniversary special in 2013. Recommended reading Google shows what Swindon's streets looked like decade ago Hammer-wielding thief "hit 13-year-old on the head" and stole his bike Future of old golf course in the balance as protesters fight housing plans Jake Ashton, OLBG's entertainment betting expert, said: "The return of a former companion like Billie Piper in the lead role would be a seismic twist and the odds suggest it's more than just fan fiction. "Expect markets to move fast once casting chatter heats up officially." The speculation comes as Sunday's edition of The Observer described Billie as being "in pole position" to take over as the next Doctor should Ncuti Gatwa depart, although the newspaper does not cite a particular source for the claim. The BBC has denied that he has been "axed" but had not yet confirmed whether he will be staying in the Tardis for a third series in the role. If the rumours are true, Billie would be the first person ever to appear in the show as both a companion and as the Doctor. Billie was born in Swindon in 1982 and attended Brandon Forest School in Purton before moving to London at the age of 12 to pursue a career on stage and screen. She won two National Television Awards for Best Actress in 2005 and 2006 for her performances in Doctor Who, and won an Olivier Award for her performance as the lead actress in the 2016 production of Yerma. Piper also enjoyed a successful singing career, becoming the youngest female singer to enter the UK singles charts at number one with her debut single "Because We Want To", aged just 15.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cheese rolling and the 80-year-old newsagent
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Bristol Live are reporting on the teenager arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an incident under an underpass at Cribbs Causeway. Somerset Live reported on 106-year-old GW Hurley newsagents in Burnham. Colin Morris, 80, was born above the shop and is still running the family business. A nurse in Wiltshire has been struck-off after filming people through a cubicle wall in Asda, as reported by Bristol Live. He's been convicted of voyeurism and making an indecent image of a child. And could Swindon-born Billie Piper be the next Doctor Who? That's being posed by the Swindon Advertiser. YouTuber 'risks his life' for cheese-rolling win Carer, 21, on what it's like to look after little brother Teen sets record for solving 12-sided Rubik's cube The number of homes in the Weston-super-Mare area who can use the Grand Pier for free has been expanded by almost 73,000. It follows the controversial price increase there from £1 to £2. This picture of someone's mum with the Double Gloucester from the bank holiday Monday cheese rolling is proving popular on X. People in the Weston in the Spotlight group are talking about the often controversial subject of some households having recycling left after putting their bins out. Follow BBC West social channels in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Headlines: Crop circles and village 'overtourism' High rise fire and eerie shipwrecks
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘He was scraping the bottom of the barrel' – Caddie who battled booze and drug addiction now on bag for Ryder Cup hero
Ace has a surprising job outside the golfing world CAD YOU BELIEVE IT CAD YOU BELIEVE IT 'He was scraping the bottom of the barrel' – Caddie who battled booze and drug addiction now on bag for Ryder Cup hero Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CADDIE who battled booze and drug addiction is now carrying bags for Ryder Cup hero Luke Donald. Sam Matton, 36, is regarded as a top caddie who once held hopes of becoming a superstar golfer himself. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Caddie Sam Matton has battled booze and drug addiction to become a caddie for Luke Donald Credit: Getty 3 The pair are working together at the PGA Championship Credit: Getty He began playing at the age of 12 and eventually spent six years as a professional playing in mini tours across Europe. Matton packed things in to become a teacher 10 years ago. But the lure of the green came calling again and he ended up in the world of caddying. However, Matton left the course two years ago as he battled drinks and drugs. READ MORE IN GOLF TEE-RIFIC Rory McIlroy worth £260m as Sunday Times Rich List sees golf icon take top spot The ace bravely underwent a self-imposed recovery, telling The Athletic: 'Things were way, way out of control. 'It got worse and worse and worse and finally was so far off track and I had to walk away, take some time off. It was as simple as that.' Matton's belief and determination, coupled with a new gym and diet regime, helped him take control of his demons. And now, he is caddying for PGA Championship hopeful Donald, 47, who currently sits joint-third in the rankings after Day One. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Reflecting on the shock call he received from Donald last summer, Matton said: 'Really, even now, I don't know why. He was scraping the bottom of the barrel.' On his recovery, Matton added: 'This isn't something I hide from. I'm very open about it. CBB star rushed to hospital after horror golf cart accident as stag do goes wrong 3 Matton has been open about his addiction problems with Ryder Cup captain Donald Credit: Getty 'The important thing isn't where you've been, it's where you're going.' Donald, who led Europe to the 2023 Ryder Cup and has been named captain again for this year's edition. certainly appreciates Matton's honesty. Donald said yesterday: 'He was extremely honest about everything. 'That was all I needed to hear. Everyone deserves second chances and everyone makes mistakes. Sam seems to have figured it out. 'He's in a much better place, and I'm all for supporting that. I think having him out here is good for him. 'It keeps his mind busy and he's very popular among the caddies. Everyone knows him. This is a healthy space.' Despite being back on the big stage, Donald's schedule is not full-time enough to become Matton's main job. So the Swindon-born caddie will next week be working on a job site laying down the foundation for a new build. He added: 'S**t work but it pays and it makes me appreciate these long walks, that's for sure. I'm not taking a minute for granted.' On Donald's PGA hopes, Matton noted: 'He's still a long shot but it's not impossible. 'I think he can hang around if he just keeps on keeping on.'
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘He was scraping the bottom of the barrel' – Caddie who battled booze and drug addiction now on bag for Ryder Cup hero
A CADDIE who battled booze and drug addiction is now carrying bags for Ryder Cup hero Luke Donald. Sam Matton, 36, is regarded as a top caddie who once held hopes of becoming a superstar golfer himself. Advertisement 3 Caddie Sam Matton has battled booze and drug addiction to become a caddie for Luke Donald Credit: Getty 3 The pair are working together at the PGA Championship Credit: Getty He began playing at the age of 12 and eventually spent six years as a professional playing in mini tours across Europe. Matton packed things in to become a teacher 10 years ago. But the lure of the green came calling again and he ended up in the world of caddying. However, Matton left the course two years ago as he battled drinks and drugs. Advertisement READ MORE IN GOLF The ace bravely underwent a self-imposed recovery, telling 'It got worse and worse and worse and finally was so far off track and I had to walk away, take some time off. It was as simple as that.' Matton's belief and determination, coupled with a new gym and diet regime, helped him take control of his demons. And now, he is caddying for Advertisement Most read in Golf BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Reflecting on the shock call he received from Donald last summer, Matton said: 'Really, even now, I don't know why. He was scraping the bottom of the barrel.' On his recovery, Matton added: 'This isn't something I hide from. I'm very open about it. CBB star rushed to hospital after horror golf cart accident as stag do goes wrong 3 Matton has been open about his addiction problems with Ryder Cup captain Donald Credit: Getty Advertisement 'The important thing isn't where you've been, it's where you're going.' Donald, who led Europe to the 2023 Ryder Cup and has been named captain again for this year's edition. certainly appreciates Matton's honesty. Donald said yesterday: 'He was extremely honest about everything. 'That was all I needed to hear. Everyone deserves second chances and everyone makes mistakes. Sam seems to have figured it out. Advertisement 'He's in a much better place, and I'm all for supporting that. I think having him out here is good for him. 'It keeps his mind busy and he's very popular among the caddies. Everyone knows him. This is a healthy space.' Despite being back on the big stage, Donald's schedule is not full-time enough to become Matton's main job. So the Swindon-born caddie will next week be working on a job site laying down the foundation for a new build. Advertisement He added: 'S**t work but it pays and it makes me appreciate these long walks, that's for sure. I'm not taking a minute for granted.' On Donald's PGA hopes, Matton noted: 'He's still a long shot but it's not impossible. 'I think he can hang around if he just keeps on keeping on.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Beloved' donkey born at popular farm park dies aged 18
A Swindon-born donkey who has spent the last 18 years greeting visitors at Roves Farm Park has died. Jimmy the donkey was born at Roves Farm just outside of Swindon on March 18, 2007, to mum Hetty, and has been brought up under the supervision of the farm park employees ever since. The "friendly and stubborn" character has seen generations of Swindonians pass through the park, and has been remembered by both staff and visitors for his love of carrots. Jimmy leaves behind one brother, Bobby, who is now the only donkey left at Roves Farm. Sharing the news, a spokesperson for the popular tourist attraction said: "It is with very heavy hearts we have to let you know that our lovely donkey Jimmy has passed away. "He was a very friendly boy, if a little stubborn at times. "He leaves behind his brother Bobby, who is being well looked after by the team with lots of fuss. Jimmy and Bobby were Roves Farm's only donkeys (Image: Roves Farm) "Bobby is currently in the activity barn where he can receive plenty of extra attention and has our group of bottle-fed lambs for company." The park has confirmed that Jimmy was cared for and supported by Equine Valley Vets in his final days, and Roves Farm will be looking for a new companion for his brother Bobby "very soon." Reacting to the news, one ex-staff member at Roves Farm said: "I have lots of happy memories of brushing and chatting to him when I worked there. Recommended reading: 'Only dedicated model shop' in area opens saving enthusiasts long journey Salon owners and dog celebrate 20th anniversary in style New 48-acre country park opens in 'landmark moment' for town "He was a really lovely boy, and yes, he could be very stubborn. "Sending loads of love and hugs to you all." One Swindon resident, 18, who says she remembers regularly visiting Jimmy at the park as a small child, added: "It almost feels like I grew up with him. "Such sad news for Roves Farm and Swindon today."
