Latest news with #Taggart
Belfast Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Former Paralympian and world boccia champion Claire Taggart announces retirement
The 30-year-old, who was named an MBE in the 2024 New Years Honours list, won gold at the 2022 World Championships in Rio de Janiero, the crowning moment of a remarkable career. Taggart, who competes in the BC2 category, competed in her first Paralympics in Rio in 2021 and would go on to feature in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 as well, both in the individual and team sections. As part of a three-person team with David Smith and Reegan Stevenson the Larne woman secured gold at the 2019 European Championships and a silver in the individual competition before her career really took off in 2022. After winning two gold medals at the World Cup in Portugal, she would go on to be crowned world champion on her return to Rio later that year. Away from competing, Taggart works as a stationer for her day job and also serves as a disability officer for Larne Football Club.
The Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Karen Pirie star on pressures of hit Scottish crime drama
When ITV drama returns on July 20, nearly three years after the first series aired, the stakes are even higher for Lyle and Pirie. Read more: Pirie has been promoted to detective inspector and is responsible for an expanded team in a new adaptation of crime writer Val McDermid's best-selling series focusing on the character. In the new series, Pirie is thrust into a reopened investigation into an unsolved mystery involving one of Scotland's richest oil tycoons, played by veteran Scottish actor James Cosmo. Lauren Lyle plays recently-promoted detective inspector Karen Pirie in the ITV drama series. (Image: Mark Mainz) The case will take Pirie and her team back 40 years to the kidnapping oil heiress Catriona Grant and her son Adam outside a fish and chip shop in Fife, but are never seen again despite the sending of two chilling ransom notes. Meanwhile he is still struggling to win acceptance into what Lyle describes as 'the boys' club' within her police force, is unwilling to let her superiors know she has been in a relationship with a colleague for more than two years and seems prepared to bend the rules at work even more than before. Zach Wyatt and Lauren Lyle star in Karen Pirie. (Image: Mark Mainz) Although she had previously starred in Outlander and Vigil, Karen Pirie was the most high-profile role to date for Glasgow-born Lyle. Despite winning two BAFTA Scotland awards for her performance in that first series, which aired nearly three years ago, Lyle admitted she was 'worried' about returning to the role in the new series which was filmed across Scotland and also moves to Malta for an action-packed finale. James Cosmo stars in the new series of Karen Pirie. (Image: Mark Mainz) Taggart star John Michie is among the other special guests appearing in the new series, which sees the return of Zach Wyatt as detective sergeant Phil Parhataka, who is also Pirie's boyfriend, her series one sidekick, detective constable Jason 'Mint' Murray, played by Chris Jenks, and newcomer detective constable Isla Stark, played by Saskia Ashdown. Lyle said: 'Karen has a lot more power in this series. She is semi-in charge of everyone, which is really funny to play because she's so young. Saskia Ashdown, Lauren Lyle and Chris Jenks headed to Malta for filming part of the new series of Karen Pirie. (Image: Mark Mainz) 'There's this very funny balance we've got to try and strike where she is very good at her job, she is reliable and she gets results, but with very obscure methods. The bosses sort of hate that they have to deal with that. 'She is thrust into a huge case in this series and has a much bigger team, so it's a big step up for her. 'She does feel the pressure more. But she has got a bit more armour this time and is less afraid to break the rules than maybe she was the last time. 'There are definitely times in this series when she breaks the rules to get what she needs. I think she just thinks: 'Well, that works. Why would I not do that?' 'It feels like way more happens in this season. Every episode has way more hooks. A lot more people die and there are a lot more suspects.' Lyle got her TV breakthrough when she landed the recurring role of Marsali in time travel fantasy Outlander and went to appear in four episodes of the submarine thriller Vigil, starring alongside Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Martin Compston and Gary Lewis. Lyle said she could easily relate to Pirie's efforts to handle the pressures and responsibilities of a taking on a bigger job. She added: 'It's funny, I compare it a bit to what I felt like when I did the first series. 'I had this thing of being like: 'Can I do it? Can I actually do this role? Can Karen do it?' It was huge what she cracked in the first season. 'The first series was my first time as number one on the call sheet, and it was quite overwhelming at times, but it was really exciting and thrilling. I just wanted to do the best job I could. "I honestly didn't know how the first series would go down with me being the face of the show, but not being Hollywood-star-famous. But people just jumped in and went with it. "I think it's to do with the fact that there are lots of crime shows on TV, but pretty much all of them are about men who have drinking problems who hate everything. It's crime by a cool young person that actually understands what people want to see on TV. 'I was worried coming back to this season that I couldn't do it again. 'I was like: 'Can I still be funny and likeable, and a bit sarcastic and rude? 'It was really satisfying at how I was able to slip straight back into who she was. I think that's sort of down to the foundation of the writing, what we made in the last season and the dynamic between the characters.' The new season, which has again been adapted by a McDermid novel by screenwriter Emer Kenny, sees Pirie struggle to cope being in a relationship at work that she insists on keeping from almost all of her colleagues. Wyatt said: 'Karen and Phil do come across some difficulties when their values as police officers come into play. It causes friction in their relationship. 'Karen and Phil are both strong-willed and stubborn. They have very different ways of working. Phil is very much a straight-laced cop who wants to abide by the book. It's very important to him to move up the ranks in the right way and not skip any steps. 'The bottom line in Karen is a more talented police officer and is much more creative than Phil. I think that challenges Phil's ambition a bit and pushes him to be better, but they definitely butt heads.' Lyle said: "Karen and Phil's relationship is a couple of years down the line now, but it's still a secret at work. 'Phil really wants things to be exposed, but she is still quite nervous about that. She has never been able to be part of the boys' club. She is always having to prove herself. To jeopardise that for love feels like too much of a risk for her. 'I think Karen's under the impression that, as a woman, you can only have one or the other – a career or a home life. She's misguided in thinking she can't have both. 'Phil's a good, smart man who's willing to support her, but Karen thinks she has to choose her career to keep getting ahead. Her career gives her a sense of worth, but it can damage her love life. 'I think she's right to protect Phil because he's really good for her. It's important to have meaningful relationships, and that's what makes Karen a layered character.' More light relief is on offer from the character of Mint, who is described as "a bit of a prima donna" by Jencks. The actor said: "He is a bit more ambitious in this series. "His deluded dream is that he wants to work for MI5, so he is putting in the steps to try to make that happen. He has got ideas based on what he has seen on TV and in the movies. He thinks he should be involved in high-profile cases. "It was good for him to step up a bit and show that he can lead things and take the initiative – but I think Karen's a bit alarmed by it." Lyle added: 'Karen is blunt and direct, and I love that about her. She's not overly concerned about how she's perceived, which sometimes gets her into trouble. 'It's refreshing to play someone who says what she thinks. I also love how funny she is. There aren't many roles for women my age that balance humour, depth, and action. "Karen also gets these epic, high-stakes moments - big arrests, chase sequences, and dramatic reveals. It's rare to get to do all that in one role. As an actor, it's the dream.'
The Herald Scotland
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
STV children's presenter Glen Michael dies aged 99 at Ayrshire home
Born Cecil Edward Buckland in May 16, 1926, he was advised to change his name to Glen Michael at the start of his career and went on to host Glen Michael's Cartoon Cavalcade for 26 years from 1966. He also starred in shows such as Taggart during his career and was one of the first presenters on Radio Clyde. His family announced his death came after a short illness but he was still outgoing before his death. The well-loved presenter had still been driving up until a month before his death and had just completed a video for veterans charity Erskine as well as doing work for Age UK. He is survived by his children Yonnie McInnes and Christopher Buckland, son in law Colin, daughter in law Anne, grandsons Grant, wife Christi, and Fraser McInnes, and Mark and wife Karyn Buckland, as well as his latest family joys great granddaughters Katie and Victoria (Tori) McInnes. Bobby Hain, MD Audience at STV, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear that Glen Michael has passed away. Glen was a wonderful performer and personality and we know that many viewers will have very fond memories of him. 'He was an STV legend, with Glen Michael's Cavalcade a particular favourite for children across Scotland during its 26 year run. Our thoughts are with his family at this time and we send them our deepest condolences.'
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
John Swinney 'from age of Taggart rather than Department Q', claims Labour minister
Kirsty McNeill made the jibe about the two Scottish crime dramas in the House of Commons on Wednesday morning. John Swinney is "from the age of Taggart" rather than Department Q, a Scotland Office minister has said. Kirsty McNeill made the jibe about the two Scottish crime dramas in the House of Commons on Wednesday morning. Taggart ran from 1983 to 2010, while Department Q came out earlier this year. It comes after Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting branded the First Minister an "analogue politican" in a row over Scotland's NHS app. The comment was mentioned by Labour's Kenneth Stevenson during Scotland Office Questions. The Airdrie and Shotts MP said: "It's refreshing to have a UK Government to committed to investing in and developing AI, in comparison to John Swinney and the Scottish Government, stuck in an analogue age, unable to even provide patients and staff with a functioning NHS app." assessment. "I'm afraid the First Minister is from the age of Taggart, when what's upon us is the age of Department Q." There was little reaction from MPs in the chamber. Scottish ITV series Taggart was known as one of the UK's longest running shows. The hit programme, which had a total of 27 seasons, followed a group of detectives as they solved crimes around Glasgow. The show became well-know for lead actor Mark McManus' catchphrase, "There's been a murder. Edinburgh-based Department Q was released on Netflix at the end of May this year. It has several Scottish stars including Chloe Pirrie, Kelly Macdonald, Shirley Henderson, Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives. The programme follows detective Carl Morck, who sets up a cold case unit following a shooting incident in which he was badly wounded. Streeting blasted Swinney after it was announced England's NHS app it is expanding before Scotland has even managed to get its version off the ground. The UK Government announced proposals to improve England and Wales' NHS app last week - saying it would give patients a "doctor in your pocket". Scotland's version will only go on a limited trial earlier this year, with a full rollout not expected for till 2030. England's app came out six years ago and the plans will be implemented by 2028.
Edinburgh Live
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Scottish star's life after quitting acting 30 years on from debut
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Daniela Nardini, who became a household name as lawyer Anna Forbes in the 1996 BBC2 hit series This Life, is now barely recognisable from her days on screen. The actress, who also graced episodes of the Scottish crime drama Taggart, was close to quitting acting before securing her role in the acclaimed sitcom. This Life, which spanned 33 episodes and 11 years, followed a group of aspiring law graduates navigating their careers at a London law firm. The show enjoyed two successful series and a sequel TV movie in 2007 titled This Life +10. Daniela's portrayal of Anna won her a BAFTA at the age of 57, but she later chose to leave the limelight and now runs her own cognitive behavioural therapy practice in Glasgow. Her second BAFTA came in 2009 for her performance in the BBC Four drama New Town. Daniela's career also included roles in Vera, Waterloo Road, and The Fades, until she stepped back from acting in 2019, reports the Express. Pursuing a new direction, Daniela trained as a mental health professional, offering support to individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, behavioural issues, and those affected by cancer and addiction. Three decades after her breakout role, Daniela has transformed remarkably, embracing a fresh chapter in her life. In a Psychology Today profile, she reflects on her extensive acting career, stating: "I have worked as an actress for over 35 years. (Image: BBC) "This has been an invaluable education for me to study what it is to be human and how we can all suffer at times and feel misunderstood and lonely. "I myself have struggled at times. My practice involves helping you gain insight, clarity and believe it or not humour at times. I don't shock easily so I won't judge." Speaking with the Daily Mail in 2020, she shared her personal tribulations saying: " went through a very dark period. Sometimes I wonder if it was all the emotional stuff I was going through that caused my cancer.'" She added: "A couple of years down the road, I now feel as if I've emerged stronger and a better person, really. Anna would be proud."
