In the heart of Dundee, Scottish icon Brian Cox isn’t holding back. With a fiery critique aimed at “Little Englander†Sir Keir Starmer, the beloved actor expressed his frustrations over what he perceives as an England-centric attitude. “I’m not pleased with Mr. Starmer and his attitude towards Scotland, because everything for him is England,†Cox declared while starring in James Graham’s play Make It Happen. His critique didn’t stop there; venting further about Prime Minister rhetoric, he said, “He talks about England, he talks about English football… I’m sick of it really, I’m fed up.†More than performance or politics, Cox’s sentiments resonate with the current Scottish push for individuality within the UK.
Mind you, with the England football team stumbling recently, the PM might not relish the discussions about sports either.
In the realm of personal revelations, John Cleese, known for his sharp wit, has taken a reflective turn. After three divorces, he’s pointing the finger at his late mother, Muriel, whom he believes contributed to his romantic challenges. “I developed an ingrained habit of walking on eggshells when dealing with her. If you start life like that, you’re likely to make bad choices with women when you’re an adult,†he shared. Those bad choices have had considerable financial implications; as Cleese navigates his fourth marriage, his previous unions have reportedly cost him around £25 million.
Meanwhile, Sir Jonathan Pryce has found humor in his resemblance to Pope Francis, a role he played in the Oscar-nominated film The Two Popes. “I watched the election of the new Pope with interest… seeing if he looked like me too. I wanted to do the sequel!†he laughed, embodying the light-hearted nature that often accompanies serious reflections. The connection between actors and their roles frequently bridges into our collective imagination, making Pryce’s observations particularly engaging.
Shifting gears, celebrity vicar and writer Richard Coles, once Britain’s most famous dachshund owner, has made the decision to venture into new canine territory. After losing his beloved companions Daisy and Pongo, he’s ready to embrace a corgi. “I am looking for a corgi,†he announced, suggesting a refreshing change in his life.
In a more personal evolution, actor and author Rupert Everett has committed to a healthier lifestyle at the age of 66. Leaving behind alcohol to aid his creativity, he noted, “Just to see if it’s not the up and down of being jolly in the evening and feeling grumpy in the morning that is stopping me from being able to do it.†Rupert’s newfound clarity presents a fascinating insight into the connection between health and the creative process, with potential literary successes on the horizon. “I feel that my brain mist is to a certain extent lifting,†he added, hinting at promising projects ahead.
Finally, actress Emily Mortimer is stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut in the film Dennis, drawing inspiration from her own past. The story revolves around a British student and a Russian poet who discover love in post-Cold War Moscow during the 1990s. Mortimer reminisced fondly about her past romance with a real-life Russian poet named Dennis. “If you’re going to be a Russian poet you should be called Vladivostok or something. Dennis isn’t quite good enough,†she jested, blending humor with nostalgia.