Latest news with #TheGlasgowTimes
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
First look at young Scot as Harry Potter in new TV series
As reported by The Glasgow Times in May that Dominic McLaughlin was selected to play the iconic role of the boy wizard in the upcoming HBO series. In newly released images, Dominic is seen dressed in Harry's classic Hogwarts uniform, complete with robe and a Gryffindor knitted jumper. The schoolboy also sports Harry's signature round glasses and the famous lightning bolt scar on his forehead, while holding a clapperboard on set. READ MORE: Meet the young Scot to star in HBO's new Harry Potter series Arabella Stanton will play Hermione and Alastair Stout will play Ron (Image: HBO) Filming officially began this week at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, in Watford, Hertfordshire. The series, based on J.K. Rowling's beloved children's books, is planned to span approximately ten years, with the first season expected to premiere on HBO and HBO Max in 2027. Over 32,000 children auditioned for the lead roles in what is being described as a "faithful adaptation" of the novels, with Rowling serving as an executive producer. Dominic is no stranger to the spotlight. He trained at Performance Academy Scotland in Cambuslang and recently finished filming Grow, a Sky Comedy project starring Nick Frost, set to air later this year. He has also appeared in the BBC's upcoming adaptation of Gifted by Marilyn Kaye and took to the stage in Macbeth at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, where he performed alongside acting legends Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma. Fiennes famously portrayed Lord Voldemort in the original film series. Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will portray Harry's close friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively. READ MORE: Tom Holland Confirms confirms plans to film newest blockbuster on Glasgow's streets (Image: HBO) Additional cast members include Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. Further casting highlights include John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. Johnny Flynn will take on the role of the villainous Lucius Malfoy, succeeding Jason Isaacs, who portrayed the character in the original film series.
Glasgow Times
14-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Brave woman shares experience of Glasgow homeless hotel
After spending more than three months in a city centre hotel, one woman shared her experience of her time there before she was finally able to get into a more suitable unit. A woman she befriended told her she was raped and she told of others having bruising and black eyes. (Image: newsquest) To protect her identity, we are not identifying the woman, who we will call Mary, or the hotel. Mary said: "I was in the hotel and then was told to leave after I intervened and phoned an ambulance when a man was choking. 'He was choking on his vomit on the stairs,' she said. She said staff took him away and she said soon after, she was accused of 'taking drugs and having parties in her room' and told to leave. Mary said: 'I don't take drugs and I didn't have people in the room. 'I was kicked out for helping to save a life.' She said: 'I spent almost a week sleeping rough, in closes, before I managed to get into a better place. Mary said: 'Women are not safe in these places. I saw women being punched. I saw them with bruises and black eyes. 'It was happening inside.' Her own experience, she said, was "frightening". She said: 'I was attacked three times and I had my phone stolen.' Mary added: 'I had a man on the same floor as me making sexual remarks towards me. Then he was banging on my door. "When I complained, the hotel refused to move me or him.' She told how there were some people who looked out for each other and that was the only way she stayed safe. But for one woman she was friends with, that was not enough. Mary said: 'She told me she had been unconscious and was sure she had been raped as she was bruised and sore. I told her to report it to the police but she was too frightened.' She said she is certain this has happened to other women. Mary told of her relief at finally securing a room in a safer place. She broke down in tears as she described a simple act that most people take for granted. Mary said: 'I have a clean room with en-suite and the use of a small kitchen. The first night there, I slept like a baby. 'I was able to go to the shops and buy some pasta and sauce and cook my own hot meal for the first time in months.' In the hotel, she said, she was offered a donut for breakfast. She added: 'I didn't know the places to get free food and was spending all the money I got on expensive ready-made or takeaway food.' The Glasgow Times has been running the End the Homeless Hotel Shame campaign, calling for improved conditions for people who find themselves at risk of rough sleeping. The number of women housed in the hotels has increased in the last year to more than 300 as the number of homeless people goes up. Glasgow City Council declared a housing emergency in December 2023 and is struggling to cope with rapidly rising demand for services. There have been calls to create women-only emergency accommodation in the city to offer better protection. The council policy is to phase out the use of hotels but in the face of the demand has instead had to increase its use, spending tens of millions of pounds a year on hotel and B&Bs. There is no policy of separating men and women in the hotels used for homeless people. A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'The council has rejected the idea of creating single sex bed and breakfast accommodation due to the potential for these establishments being targeted by predatory males. 'In relation to the use of bed and breakfast type accommodation for single women, we have worked with wider partners and the owners of these properties to put in place safeguarding policies that reflect the risks in relation to Violence Against Women and Girls. 'We also work with Police Scotland and the owners of bed and breakfast type accommodation to respond robustly to any risks to women from predatory behaviour. "We are not aware of any recent sexual violent attacks on female service users residing in bed and breakfast/hotel accommodation."
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Penny Lancaster issues update on Rod Stewart's health
The 80-year-old singer contracted influenza A, described by his wife, Penny Lancaster, as the worst illness he has ever experienced. Speaking to Hello! magazine, Penny, who has been married to Sir Rod for 18 years, said: 'He had influenza A, which is the worst one you can get. "It knocked him sideways—he's never been so ill in his entire life.' Rod Stewart's dancers wore Celtic tops at the festival (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Sir Rod Stewart pulls out of second gig amid health concerns The Glasgow Times reported that the illness forced the music icon to cancel a slew of US shows in the weeks leading up the the Glastonbury gig. With less than a week to go before the festival, the Celtic-daft rocker began to doubt whether he'd be able to take to the stage. Penny revealed he was taken to a London hospital for a vocal cord check due to concerns over his voice. She added: "He was worrying so much about the expectations and pressure, everyone relying on him and not wanting to let anyone down. I think it just got in his head." Lulu Joined Rod on stage (Image: Newsquest) In a bid to recover in time, Sir Rod underwent steaming treatments and was placed on strict vocal rest. Miraculously, his voice returned just two days before the performance. He went on to deliver a triumphant set, joined on stage by Glasgow music legend Lulu. The pair performed a lively rendition of Hot Legs, during which the Dennistoun-born singer quipped: 'We'd make a great couple—sorry, Penny,' in a light-hearted nod to Rod's wife. READ MORE: Rod Stewart brings Lulu on stage at Glastonbury festival Family members, including sons Alastair, 19, and Aiden, 14, as well as daughters Ruby, 38, and Renee, 33, watched proudly from the side of the stage. Penny described the backstage atmosphere as being 'on fire'. Following the performance, Sir Rod revealed he is currently working on new material alongside Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and drummer Kenney Jones, although progress has been delayed by his packed schedule. Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Rod Stewart rocks Glastonbury main stage in Celtic shirt Speaking to The Express, he said: 'It's all down to me again. So I've got to get the lyrics finished. "I'm working so bloody hard. I've got two albums on the go, two documentaries. I'm just supposed to be doing a book about my model railway, which I've just dropped. I ain't got the time. But there is a documentary. We have been filming it for some time." In addition, the rock icon revealed that his record label is now pushing for him to record a country album. Reflecting on his many commitments, he concluded: "There's so much in the pipeline, but I've had to drop a few things. I'm just so busy, which thank the Lord I am."
Glasgow Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Nearly 60 Glasgow streets to close for Spider-Man filming
Motorists are being urged to plan ahead as it is rumoured that film crews for the upcoming Spider-Man film will descend on the city later this month. The highly anticipated sequel, titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day, will see Tom Holland reprise his iconic role, with direction from Destin Daniel Cretton. READ MORE: TV star pictured at plush Glasgow restaurant while on trip from Hollywood It is also believed that Stranger Things star Sadie Sink will appear alongside Holland. Filming is scheduled to officially begin on August 1, but the shoot will result in widespread disruption for more than two weeks, with road closures, parking bans, and bus lane suspensions in place across the city centre. Glasgow City Council has confirmed that traffic diversions will be in place and warned that bus and taxi lanes will also be impacted. Delays and congestion are expected, particularly around key commuter routes. For the safety of pedestrians, a prohibition of pedestrian movements will also be enforced during periods of filming action. (Image: Newsquest) This restriction will apply to the same areas detailed under the Prohibition of Vehicle Movements section and will be in force only while action is taking place. Pedestrians are advised to follow all on-site signage and instructions from stewards or film crew personnel during these periods for their own safety and to avoid disruption to filming. It is currently unknown who will be travelling to Glasgow. READ MORE: More details as 'Spider-Man 4' filming to shut Glasgow roads The Glasgow Times previously reported that residents and businesses in the city centre had been notified that a production will shut down the area. On the papers, the project is only referred to as a "feature film". Glasgow City Council and the officials from the London-based production company both said they would not be able to confirm which film will use the set. However, the phrase Blue Oasis has been spotted on the written notices, which was reportedly the working title for the newest Marvel film in the past (Image: Newsquest) A full list of the roads affected is here: Prohibition of waiting, loading and unloading From 3pm on July 31 until 11.59pm on August 15 Bothwell Street between Pitt Street and Hope Street Wellington Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street West Campbell Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street Blythswood Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street Douglas Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street Pitt Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street (southbound closed) St Peter's Lane for its full length Bothwell Lane between Blythswood Street and Wellington Street St Vincent Lane between Hope Street and Pitt Street Waterloo Lane for its full length Prohibition of vehicle movements From 5am on August 1 until 10pm on August 9 Bothwell Street between Pitt Street and Hope Street Wellington Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street West Campbell Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street Blythswood Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street Douglas Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street Pitt Street between St Vincent Street and Waterloo Street St Peter's Lane for its full length Bothwell Lane between Blythswood Street and Wellington Street St Vincent Lane between Hope Street and Pitt Street Waterloo Lane for its full length Prohibition of waiting, loading and unloading From 3pm on August 7 until 11.59pm on August 9 Blythswood Street between Waterloo Street and Argyle Street Cadogan Street between Wellington Street and Douglas Street West Campbell Street between Waterloo Street and Argyle Street Prohibition of vehicle movements From 5am on August 9 until 10pm on August 9 Cadzow Street for its full length Oak Street for its full length Prohibition of waiting, loading and unloading From 3pm on August 8 until 11.59pm on August 10 Queen Street between Ingram Street and George Square South Frederick between Ingram Street and George Square St Vincent Lane between Wellington Street and Hope Street West Nile Street between West George Street and Gordon Street Ingram Street between Queen Street and Glassford Street Prohibition of waiting, loading and unloading From 3pm on August 8 until 11.59pm on August 13 Bothwell Street between Wellington Street and Hope Street Drury Street for its full length Hope Street between Waterloo Street and West George Street Renfield Lane for its full length Renfield Street between West George Street and Gordon Street St Vincent Lane between Wellington Street and Renfield Street St Vincent Street between George Square and Wellington Street Waterloo Lane between Waterloo Street and Bothwell Street West George Lane between Wellington Street and Hope Street Prohibition of vehicle movements From 12am on August 9 until 11.59pm on August 10 Bothwell Street between Wellington Street and Hope Street Drury Street for its full length Hope Street between Waterloo Street and West George Street Queen Street between Ingram Street and George Square Renfield Lane for its full length Renfield Street between West George Street and Gordon Street South Frederick between Ingram Street and George Square (northbound closed) St Vincent Lane between Wellington Street and Renfield Street St Vincent Street between George Square and Wellington Street St Vincent Lane for its full length Waterloo Lane between Waterloo Street and Bothwell Street West George Lane between Wellington Street and Renfield Street West Nile Street between West George Street and Gordon Street Ingram Street between Queen Street and Glassford Street (westbound closed) Revocation of one-way to make it temporarily a two-way From 12am on August 9 until 11.59pm on August 13 Drury Street for its full length Prohibition of vehicle movements From 12am on August 11 until 6pm on August 13 St Vincent Street between West Nile Street and Wellington Street Bothwell Street between Wellington Street and Hope Street Drury Street for its full length Hope Street between Waterloo Street and West George Street West George Lane between Wellington Street and Hope Street St. Vincent Lane between Wellington Street and Hope Street Renfield Lane for its full length Renfield Street between West George Street and Gordon Street St Vincent Lane for its full length Waterloo Lane between Waterloo Street and Bothwell Street Suspension of bus lane regulations From 6am on August 9 until 11.59pm on August 13 Hope Street, northbound between Waterloo Street and Gordon Street Prohibition of waiting, loading and unloading From 3pm on August 12 until 11.59pm on August 16 Wilson Street for its full length Brunswick Street for its full length Hutchison Street between Trongate and Garth Street Prohibition of vehicle movements From 6am on August 13 until 11.59pm on August 16 Wilson Street for its full length Brunswick Street for its full length Hutchison Street between Trongate and Garth Street Candleriggs between Ingram Street and Bell Street Revocation of one way to make it temporarily a two-way From 6am on August 14 until 4pm on August 16 Bell Street between Candleriggs and Albion Street Prohibition of vehicle movements by use of traffic management stop-and-go From 9.30am on August 14 until 4pm on August 14 and from 9.30am on August 15 until 4pm on August 15 Glassford Street northbound before Wilson Street Glassford Street southbound before Wilson Street Virginia Street northbound before Wilson Street Virginia Street southbound before Wilson Street Suspension of bus lane regulations From 6am on August 13 until 11.59pm on August 16 Glassford Street, northbound between Trongate and Wilson Street With a film of this scale, Glasgow is expected to receive global attention, but for locals, traffic headaches may lie ahead. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay updated via Glasgow City Council's official traffic notices.
The Herald Scotland
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Famous city barber shop closing after 34 years in business
Originally from Dundee, Mr Morrison and his shop proved to be revolutionary for the city's hair-cutting scene. He told The Herald's sister title The Glasgow Times: 'The whole scene of 90s barbershops in Glasgow was men in white coats who only knew one haircut. It was horrible and clinical. READ MORE: 'We decided to open a barbershop where barbers wore waistcoats and aprons, and men were offered free beer and coffee, and the football was on the TV. We wanted to create a men's club atmosphere. 'We prided ourselves on the fact that no matter who walks through the door we've got staff members to do their hair. The other day, a girl came in with long hair and said she wanted a baseline cut. When I said to come in, she was surprised because we were a barber and I said, 'What does that matter?'' The 64-year-old added: 'If you look at barbershops now, there are a lot of Turkish places offering the shave and it's all about being trendy. But we started the trend. 'We've even had Jim Kerr in the shop and loads of other famous faces over the years. It's been an incredible 34 years.' (Image: Keith Morrison, owner of Merchant City Barbers, pictured by Colin Mearns) Mr Morrison's decision to shut up shop comes after he was diagnosed with two different cancers – one of which is terminal. Following doctors' orders, the grandfather will be giving his time and energy to his loved ones. He said: 'I have a wee grandson coming in August and my plan is to meet him, that's the priority. And who knows, maybe we will then get to Christmas.' (Image: Keith Morrison, owner of Merchant City Barbers, pictured by Colin Mearns) Mr Morrison and his wife also plan to visit their second home in Kassiopi, Greece, after the barber closes its doors for the final time. Kassiopi is where he and his wife were married, and he even claims they were the first-ever Brits to get married there in 1986. He said: 'We had to change the law because Greece required a Certificate of no known impediment, and they require one from each person getting married. 'At the time, the British authorities assumed that you were marrying a local, so they only issued one. So, we had to go to court and change the law, so the British authorities were allowed to issue two certificates.' (Image: Keith Morrison, owner of Merchant City Barbers, pictured by Colin Mearns) The pair hope to get over to the 'tiny town' towards the end of this year, so Mr Morrison can say one last farewell to their friends. He said: 'It'll be a sad time, but nothing gets me down. You can't let it get you down because that is just a defeatist attitude. 'It's just about taking it day by day, but there is not a sad thought there at all. I've lived a fantastic life. Not a minute of my life do I regret.' (Image: Keith Morrison, owner of Merchant City Barbers, pictured by Colin Mearns) Mr Morrison was diagnosed with the first cancer after the primary lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. As he was well on his way to completing treatment, he was then diagnosed with the second. 'I guess I must just be lucky,' he joked, before revealing that he has been given around a year left to live. However, as he said himself, nothing gets him down and he plans to close his shop in style. The barbers will host a farewell do on Saturday. He added: 'We're still open that day and will be cutting hair, but people have the option to come in, have a bit of a giggle, share stories of old times and at the end of the day, that's what it is all about.'
