Latest news with #Welsh-made
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC's new Welsh-made drama Death Valley is a ‘mix of Line of Duty and Poirot
BBC's new Welsh-made drama Death Valley is a 'mix of Line of Duty and Poirot Starring Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth, Death Valley debuts this Bank Holiday weekend BBC's new comedy crime drama Death Valley will star Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks ) BBC's Death Valley is a new comedy crime drama series which gazes upon a retired actor played by Timothy Spall, and a young detective played by Gwyneth Keyworth, who become an unlikely crime-fighting duo in the Welsh valleys. In a BAFTA Cymru Q&A session held in Cardiff on Monday, May 19 the show's writer Paul Doolan told audiences that the show was like a cross between "Line of Duty" and "Poirot" as it melds the different elements of the old and the new of crime dramas together. Paul is responsible for comedy giants such as Trollied and Mammoth (also set in Wales), and now his most recent series is about to grace our screens this weekend. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Death Valley, a comedy crime drama which follows an eccentric national treasure John Chapel (Timothy Spall) a retired actor who used to be the star of a hit fictional TV detective show who helps the Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) solve crimes around a small village. The programme will air on Sunday, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One, however if you're like me and love a good binge watch then the whole boxset will be launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time. Timothy describes his character as "a bearded recluse who has become a bit of a curmudgeon described by one of the locals as a 'grumpy old b**tard!" Article continues below In contrast to the grumpy male lead, Gwyneth's character Janie is a police officer, and she really wants to be good at her job. She described her character has not having "a social life and her whole existence is for work. But she is also upbeat and quirky!" The pairs dynamic makes for a companionship we rarely see on TV, but something that works quite well in the nature of a series like this. Gwyneth Keyworth plays Janie, a Welsh detective with an obsession for old TV detective shows (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks ) Paul explained why he created this retired actor and obsessive TV detective fan. He said: "When it came to drilling down what the partnership at the centre of it would be, my agents represent quite a lot of famous TV detectives. I am such a fan and there is something quite interesting about the dynamic of a TV detective and their biggest fan. "I then took this idea and explored whether it would be more interesting to solve murders together and what if the fan was also a detective? The different layers then became a retired actor who played a detective who helps his number one fan, who's an actual detective solve murders!" The series is set in Mountain Ash, in the Cynon Valley and it was created by BBC Studios Comedy Production with support from Creative Wales. Gwyneth who is originally from Aberystwyth shared that she enjoyed filming in Bannau Brycheiniog meanwhile the English actor Timothy, although acquainted with the country shared how "Wales is extremely beautiful." The series will comprise of six 45 minute episodes, and each episode will feature a new storyline, as the series follows a crime a week structure. When creating the series, Paul said: "It was that classic thing of writing what you wish was on TV. I'm a huge murder mystery fan and a massive comedy fan but felt that you hardly see them combined in a satisfying way. "So many crime shows are relentlessly grim with these joyless, troubled detectives. When murder mysteries try to do comedy, it often falls flat. You get this kind of overly cosy, twee sensibility. Or a spoof which is crammed full of jokes but doesn't have a satisfying mystery. I wanted to see a comedy, crime drama that was funny but would still satisfy the people that love a proper mystery." Death Valley airs on Sunday, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One and the whole boxset launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time. Article continues below
Pembrokeshire Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh food and drink makes impact at Asia's top hospitality event
Singapore showcase boosts exports and raises global profile WELSH food and drink producers have made a strong impression at FHA-Food & Beverage in Singapore, Asia's leading food and hospitality trade event. Held at a key strategic location for export markets, FHA provided a platform for Welsh businesses to showcase the very best of their produce to buyers from across southeast Asia, China, India, Australia and beyond. Exhibitors included Dairy Partners and Morning Foods, both proudly representing Welsh-made products on the international stage. The Welsh Government supported the trade mission under the Cymru/Wales banner, helping producers secure new opportunities across the ASEAN market. Will Bennett, Co-director at Dairy Partners, said the event had been highly valuable: 'We were delighted to be part of FHA Singapore and to demonstrate the quality and diversity of Welsh dairy products. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with interest from buyers in Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Australia, to name a few. 'The Welsh Government's support has been invaluable in increasing our visibility and opening up international markets.' Also in attendance was the Culinary Association of Wales, which delivered live cooking demonstrations using premium Welsh ingredients available in the region. Their visit also promoted the upcoming Worldchefs Congress & Expo, set to take place in Wales in 2026, which is expected to draw participants from over 100 countries. Arwyn Watkins OBE, President of the Culinary Association of Wales, said: 'Showcasing Welsh food in Singapore has been a fantastic opportunity. We're thrilled to use this platform to promote next year's Worldchefs Congress in Wales—an event that will spotlight our industry and welcome chefs and buyers from around the globe.' Among the products featured were Rhug Estate Organic Lamb, Hilltop Honey, Cygnet Gin, Penderyn whisky, Halen Môn sea salt, Village Bakery goods, Moose Maple Butter, and others from Dairy Partners and Morning Foods. The Welsh Government continues to offer tailored support for businesses looking to export, including access to international trade shows, financial assistance, market insights, skills training, and innovation infrastructure to help companies grow. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS, who holds responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: 'Welsh participation at events like FHA reflects our commitment to promoting our world-class food and drink industry. ASEAN is a key growth region for Welsh exports, and this event highlights the exciting potential for future expansion.' The global spotlight will return to Wales later this year as Blas Cymru / Taste Wales takes place on 22–23 October at ICC Wales, Newport. The 2023 event attracted 276 buyers and 122 Welsh producers, delivering strong commercial outcomes through a combination of one-to-one trade meetings, networking, and product sampling. This year's edition will feature more than 200 new product launches and a wider showcase of 3,000 products, demonstrating the strength and diversity of Welsh food and drink. For details on Welsh Government export support and upcoming trade opportunities, visit:
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Havoc's Tom Hardy 'swore blind' he did a genuine Welsh accent in movie - until he found out he didn't
Havoc's Tom Hardy 'swore blind' he did a genuine Welsh accent in movie - until he found out he didn't The actor had based the Welsh accent on a man he knew, who turned out to be English English actor Tom Hardy has spoken about the accent mishap that happened over 10 years ago but still continues to haunt him (Image: AFP or licensors ) Actor Tom Hardy has revealed that a Welsh accent mishap continues to haunt him. In an interview with Absolute Radio, the Hollywood star spoke about his accent on the 2013 psychological drama film Locke, in which the actor plays the role of Ivan Locke who conducts a series of phone calls during his journey from Birmingham to London. In the film, which is directed by Peaky Blinders' Steven Knight, the character of Locke has a supposed Welsh accent. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . As it was reported around the time the film was released, the actor, who's currently appearing in Netflix's #1 film, Welsh-made Havoc, had based the accent on a man he knew. But when the film was released over a decade ago, the Welsh accent was described as "Machynlleth via Minsk" by some critics. And the actor later revealed there was a very good reason why his Welsh' lilt in the film had attracted so much stick - the person he based it on actually turned out to be English. In a recent interview with Absolute Radio, the actor revealed the blunder that continued to haunt him. Article continues below He said: "I'll tell you what, Locke was a funny one because I could have sworn blind I was doing a Welsh accent that I based off a man that I'd met. "So I based that character on him to the letter. And then WalesOnline called him, because I told them who he was, and they called him up. "And he said, 'Tom I've just had WalesOnline on the phone and they're very excited about, you know, me being Welsh', he said. 'But I'm from Norfolk'. 'Are you sure? Could have sworn you were Welsh'." He continued: "So, yes, my Welsh accent in Locke is a Norfolk accent apparently." The Hollywood heartthrob, who otherwise wowed critics with his lead performance in the hit low-budget drama, admitted he made the slip-up after spending time in war-torn Afghanistan with a pal of his who's an SAS veteran. Back in 2014, he said: "I'd been telling everyone in interviews that I'd based the character of Ivan Locke on this guy Bill Freear who runs a specialist risk management firm called Pilgrim's Group". He continued: "I went with him to the Middle East because I needed to do some research for another film I'm working on, and Bill got me in and out of hostile environments like Kabul with no body armour and the minimum of fuss – a very low key, down to earth and practical bloke. "And I spent a solid amount of time listening to him talk and thought to myself, 'This is the guy, that's Ivan Locke right there'. "Funny thing is though – and this is how off target I was – he later rang me up and told me he'd been approached by WalesOnline to speak about his background and growing up in Wales. "At which point he had to tell them he wasn't Welsh at all." Tom Hardy is starring in a brand new film called Havoc, directed by Welshman Gareth Evans (Image: Getty Images ) He then added: "So God knows where I got that from – I can only imagine I must have been so scared at the time that I'd just thought, 'You're Welsh, that'll do it for me'." Article continues below The actor is currently starring in a brand new film Havoc, which is directed by Welsh director Gareth Evans, and some scenes were filmed in Barry Island. The star recently defended the Vale of Glamorgan area after a radio DJ poked fun at a famous ghost train there and told him "you can't say that". You can read more on this story here.
Wales Online
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Tom Hardy stunned fans by turning up in these random places while filming new Netflix film Havoc in Wales
Tom Hardy stunned fans by turning up in these random places while filming new Netflix film Havoc in Wales The Hollywood actor, 47, filmed his upcoming Netflix movie Havoc across south Wales in 2021 Tom Hardy had a great time filming in Wales (Image: Barry Island Pleasure Park/Facebook ) Hollywood actor Tom Hardy caused quite a buzz during his time in Wales for the filming of his new blockbuster. The 47-year-old star had been shooting scenes for the Netflix film Havoc across south Wales in 2021 and was often spotted by excited fans. The movie was directed by Gareth Evans, the Aberdare-born filmmaker. Havoc has dropped on Netflix in the UK and Main star Tom, who is playing Walker and known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and the Venom films, was spotted having a great time in Wales from Barry to Swansea during filming. Havoc is one of the biggest films ever to be produced in Wales and will also star Forest Whitaker. Netflix's investment in Welsh-made TV and film is growing in significance to the economy, with productions filmed in Wales generating over £200 million since 2020. You can read more here. Article continues below Walker, played by Tom, is a bruised detective who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son after a drug deal goes awry while untangling his city's dark web of conspiracy and corruption. While filming Havoc Tom appeared to be loving his time in Wales and here's a rundown of all the times Tom Hardy has posed for photos with fans while in Wales. Tom in Cardiff (Image: M&S Culverhouse Cross ) In August 2021, Hardy visited the M&S store at Culverhouse Cross, pausing for a selfie with some of the staff members. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Sharing the moment on Facebook, the team at the M&S store wrote: "Amazing to see the wonderful Tom Hardy at M&S Culverhouse Cross today! The team couldn't resist a picture. Thank you Tom!" Barry Island Tom enjoyed the rides (Image: Peter Gillibrand/Twitter ) In July 2021, the acclaimed actor was spotted having a grand time at Barry Island. The Barry Island Pleasure Park Facebook page shared an image of the celebrity with the caption: "Thanks to the legend Tom Hardy for visiting us today and loving Barry Island as much as we do." He actually visited Barry Island on two consecutive days, when he returned with his family. Pictures even showed the star, normally seen on the red carpet, enjoying one of the rides. Cardiff (again) Tom popped into Tesco (Image: Media Wales ) The renowned star made another appearance in Cardiff in August 2021, this time at a Tesco store, where he posed for a photo with police officers. The South Wales Police Cardiff took to their X account to post: "Ely NPT picking up a spot of lunch and guess who we bump in to." Swansea Tom in Swansea (Image: Christopher Beckers ) August 2021 also saw Tom turning heads in Swansea while on location at Brangwyn Hall for filming. With roads around Brangwyn Hall closed off and several trailers set up for the film's cast and crew, the area buzzed with activity. Christopher Beckers, 43, from Sandfields, invested two-and-a-half hours hoping to snap a photo with Hardy and fellow actor Forest Whitaker. "I live not too far away in Sandfields and work from home and I'm a huge TV and film fan so thought I would pop down after seeing the rumours," he recounted. "There were a number of vans and trailers with people coming in and out of the hall." He even recognised one of the dogs on set as belonging to the 'Peaky Blinders' actor. "I recognised one of the dogs as Tom Hardy's, a small French bulldog, I was told by security that they were done with filming but nobody goes far away from their dog," he mentioned. "I decided to wait a few hours and saw Forest Whitaker who was escorted heavily by security into a car but I saw Tom and managed to call him over. "It surprised me, I thought there was no harm in asking but if he said no, I wouldn't have blamed him. I'm a huge fan and it's the opportunity of a lifetime. "He was very polite and I was very appreciative, it was really nice of him to do it. He was really happy to pose for a photo with me, it all happened so quickly, I was star-struck by him." Tom returns to Wales Tom returned to Wales (Image: Tom Hardy/Instagram ) It was not just in 2021 that Tom was spotted having a fab time in Wales. In May 2024 he returned to Wales with his dog, Blue, and climbed Pen y Fan. Article continues below Sharing a photo with his adorable French Bulldog called Blue, Tom captioned the snap: "That time Blue nailed the [Fan] in the wet and cold #dogsdo #bestoffriends #teams #nodripormoan. Thankyou for being my little big wingman always."
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Netflix's Havoc filming locations: Where was Tom Hardy's Welsh-made action movie made
Netflix's Havoc filming locations: Where was Tom Hardy's Welsh-made action movie made Tom Hardy's latest movie Havoc was made and filmed in Wales Hardy in Havoc (Image: Netflix ) Tom Hardy's and Netflix's latest movie, Havoc, which is packed full of action was actually filmed in Wales. While the film is set in a fictional American city, many filming locations in Wales were used to create the action thriller. Releasing in the UK on Netflix on Friday, April 25 filming for the movie actually finished in 2021. Main star Tom Hardy, who is playing Walker and known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and the Venom films, was spotted having a great time in Wales from Barry to Swansea during filming. Coming from Welsh director Gareth Evans, Havoc is one of the biggest films ever to be produced in Wales and will also star Forest Whitaker. Article continues below Walker, played by Tom, is a bruised detective who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son after a drug deal goes awry while untangling his city's dark web of conspiracy and corruption. In a nod to its Welsh roots, Netflix has ensured that HAVOC will be available to view with Welsh-language subtitles, much like The Adam Project starring Ryan Reynolds and Dal Y Mellt which was the first S4C Welsh-language drama picked up by Netflix. Anna Mallet, Vice President of Production, UK, Netflix, said: 'From Sex Education to The Crown, and now to HAVOC, some of our most beloved titles were filmed or produced in Wales. Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful natural landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment, so Netflix is delighted that our Welsh productions can continue to create such enduring cultural and economic opportunities.' HAVOC is the latest in a long line of major TV and film productions filmed in Wales thanks to Welsh Government backing through Creative Wales: from HBO's House of the Dragon, to Amazon's recently announced Young Sherlock and the much-acclaimed recent cinematic release Mr Burton. The £28.6 million of production funding Creative Wales has invested so far in the screen sector is projected to bring an additional £342 million of additional spend into the Welsh economy, meaning for every £1 it has invested, Creative Wales has seen nearly £12 invested back in the Welsh economy. This investment has delivered 420 trainee placements and apprenticeships, ensuring a thriving pipeline of skilled professionals. Here are some of the Welsh filming locations used. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Cardiff Home to many other great productions, including Doctor Who and Industry, is not surprising the Welsh capital was used for Havoc. Seren Stiwdios, the iconic Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, AB Ports, Trade Street and Crockherbtown Lane were all used. Bute Street was transformed into an American Boulevard, with a foot of snow. Photographs from the set show fake snow and police cars parked along the street. Bute Street was transformed (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Swansea The second biggest city in Wales, Swansea, was also used in Havoc. Exact locations include Brangwyn Hall - often used for filming including in recent dramas Dope Girls and Until I Kill You - Kon-Tiki Bar, The Strand, Proud Mary and Evening Post Cambrian House. Tom with a fan outside Brangwyn Hall (Image: Christopher Beckers ) Swansea University was also used and the Bay Campus was the scene where Forest's character, Lawrence Beaumont, gets attacked in the car. Article continues below Other Other locations in south Wales were used including Dragon Studios and Candleston Woods in Bridgend and residential street, Lynmouth Drive in Sully. Tom was also spotted having a fab time at Barry Island, so maybe called in at the seaside hotspot after filming in Sully. Baglan Bay Train in Port Talbot was used to film the climax of the film.
