logo
Jane Austen would be annoyed women still do not have equality

Jane Austen would be annoyed women still do not have equality

Glasgow Times16 hours ago
Lucy Worsley was speaking at Austen's birthplace in Steventon, Hampshire, at a country fair to mark 250 years since the novelist was born.
Austen's novels include Sense And Sensibility, Pride And Prejudice and Emma.
Worsley said: 'It's such a special feeling to be on the spot where she herself walked and everybody here agrees with me, everybody here really loves Jane Austen.'
The historian said she thinks Austen 'changed the world', adding: 'Although she was a novelist, and she gives entertainment and her books are funny, I think they have a serious message that was very important then and now, which is that women shouldn't have to marry for money. In Jane Austen novels, that's always what happens.
'In the world of Pride And Prejudice, women and men were not equal. In the world of today, women and men are still not equal.
'It's 250 years later but we're still not where we should be with our society. So if Jane Austen were to be here in the world today, I think that she'd say, 'hmm, I thought things would have been better than they are for women'.'
Actor Adrian Lukis, who played George Wickham in the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Pride And Prejudice, was also at the event.
Lukis said he was offered a different role originally, then Wickham became available, and he screen-tested and got that, which he called a 'wonderful part' in a 'fabulous book'.
He added: 'I've just done a Q&A for an hour to the audience, and having people say how much it means to their family that they all sit down at Christmas with their grandparents, and they've watched it for years, and it's just a wonderful series. And I'm very proud to have been a part of it.'
Lukis said Austen's novels are 'wonderful stories driven by a compelling narrative' and praised the 'quality of her writing and her observation'.
Of Wickham, Lukis said: 'He's not a great guy, but what he is is charming and really good fun. And I always say, if at the end of the evening you spent with Wickham in a bar or a restaurant, you would have had a fantastic time, it's just at the end of the evening, he will say, 'I'm so sorry I forgot my money'. That's what you expect from Wickham.
'Darcy would sit there being all pompous and proud and serious and would pick up the bill, but you'd have a better time with Wickham.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals she continued to film after cancer diagnosis because she thought she'd DIE
EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals she continued to film after cancer diagnosis because she thought she'd DIE

The Sun

time32 minutes ago

  • The Sun

EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals she continued to film after cancer diagnosis because she thought she'd DIE

EASTENDERS actress Heather Peace has revealed why she decided to continue filming for her dramatic wedding scenes just hours after her cancer diagnosis. The 50-year-old, who plays Eve Unwin on the BBC One soap, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October last year but despite her health issues, she bravely continued to film for the soap. 5 Her character was embroiled in dramatic scenes which included her wedding to Suki Panesar as well as being poisoned by Suki's ex-husband Nish Panesar. Revealing why she decided to continue working, she told Gaby Roslin on her podcast that she wanted to film the important scenes because she feared she would die. The former Waterloo Road star expressed: 'We got back to Brighton at 7 o'clock, and I was on the road at 10 past five that morning, to Elstree, to start possibly the two biggest weeks that I've done on EastEnders.' Heather explained that she had told bosses about her diagnosis and was told she didn't need to come in while she was taking in the life-changing news as well as undergoing treatment. 'I said 'I need to come in' because at this point I don't know what's going to happen,' she continued. 'And I want to finish this arc of the story. Not coming in for the next two weeks is not going to change anything, but at least let me put the full stop on a story that's been playing out for nearly two and a half years. 'If we get to the end of that and we see them get married and we see them successful, if beyond that it's a mess, I can leave and feel like I've put a full stop on something." The soap star went on to have chemotherapy as well as undergoing a left breast mastectomy and a reconstruction. Just as she's about to begin radiotherapy, Heather revealed the heartbreaking news last week that her wife Ellie has also been diagnosed with the disease. She told the Mirror: 'Her breast cancer was a smaller, aggressive lump, so she had a lumpectomy and then radiotherapy. EastEnders actress reveals secret cancer battle as she's supported by co-stars in emotional video "Of course then I come along with my 12 cm lump, absolutely ginormous, and mastectomy, chemotherapy, just about to go into radiotherapy. "She's like 'Even that you have to do bigger.' It's like 'Hold my beer.'" Last month Heather shared a video on Instagram of her at a wig fitting and captioned it with a heartfelt message. She divulged: 'This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. 5 5 'It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. "I needed a wig fitting. I've been on quite a road for many months now. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. "Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. "I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. "To conclude - I've just picked up my medal." She also took the opportunity to thank the EastEnders team for 'going above and beyond' and 'felt totally supported' by them. Heather concluded her post on a positive note as she said: 'I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather xxx" Her co-star, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter on the show, was quick to comment on the post and sent warm wishes to her pal. She gushed: 'I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you." Heather joined the long-running soap back in 2021 as Stacey Slater's prison pal-turned-wife and has been involved in a number of huge storylines over the past four years. Her character Eve was involved in an affair with Suki before being left for dead by Ravi Gulati and nearly killed on her wedding day on New Year's Day. 5

Kate's sister Pippa debuts bold new look in extremely rare public outing
Kate's sister Pippa debuts bold new look in extremely rare public outing

Daily Mirror

time37 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Kate's sister Pippa debuts bold new look in extremely rare public outing

Pippa Matthews, the sister of the Princess of Wales, has stepped out for her first public appearance in six months at the British Grand Prix, as she showed off her stylish new look Pippa Matthews made an extremely rare public appearance alongside her husband James during a day out at the British Grand Prix. Making her first public appearance in over six months, Princess Kate 's sister stepped out to debut her stylish new look as she sported a short bob haircut. Pippa, 41, wore a smart-casual ensemble to Silverstone as she donned a white midi dress that she teamed with suede tan jacket and a pair of lace-up wedges. But the star of the show was her stunning new haircut, which is her shortest bob to date. She had her sleek hair tucked behind her ears to show off her stud earrings. ‌ ‌ The rare outing to Silverstone marked Pippa's first public appearance since she attended Princess Kate's Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey last December. The middle child of Michael and Carole Middleton joined the rest of her family at the event, as the entire Middleton family stepped out to support Kate's festive event. Prior to the outing at Christmas, Pippa joined her sister Kate and niece Princess Charlotte in the royal box at Wimbledon last year for the men's singles final, as Pippa and Charlotte's sweet relationship captured the attention of many. Royal fans were quick to spot the camaraderie between the duo, with one person writing on X: 'You can sense their closeness!' while another added: 'Pippa is such a great role model.' Another user commented on X: "Princess Charlotte with Auntie Pippa is so adorable. It's nice to know the The Princess of Wales and Prince William 's children have a very close bond with the Middletons. ‌ "George, Charlotte and Louis are growing up in a huge loving and supportive environment with the Windsors, Spencers and the Middleton family." Another commenter quipped about the little "resemblance" Charlotte has inherited from her mum and her aunt, and said: "I can see a little bit of Auntie Pippa in Charlotte. Lottie has certainly inherited a 50/50 gene pool of her Windsor and Middleton ancestors. And what a beauty she is and will become as she enters into adulthood." Pippa is rarely seen at major royal events, as she prefers to keep much of her life out of the spotlight, as she chooses to live privately with her husband James and their three children: Arthur, Grace and Rose.

Strictly star insists he'll have to be 'dragged off show' after exit rumours
Strictly star insists he'll have to be 'dragged off show' after exit rumours

Wales Online

timean hour ago

  • Wales Online

Strictly star insists he'll have to be 'dragged off show' after exit rumours

Strictly star insists he'll have to be 'dragged off show' after exit rumours BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro Johannes Radebe has become a fan favourite on the show Strictly Come Dancing favourite Johannes Radebe has spoken out about his future on the hit show amidst swirling rumours suggesting he might be leaving. The 38-year-old professional dancer, who has become a fan favourite since joining the BBC contest in 2018, has been at the centre of speculation regarding his departure. ‌ Johannes made history on Strictly by forming the first same-sex pairing with John Whaite, reaching the final in the 2021 series in what was seen as a groundbreaking moment for the show. ‌ Towards the end of last year, there were whispers that some of the show's professional dancers might not make a comeback. However, Johannes has now been officially announced as part of the returning professional line-up, which includes Amy Dowden, reigning champion Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, and Nikita Kuzmin, reports Edinburgh Live. During an appearance on This Morning, the South African star reassured hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard by saying: "I'm not going anywhere." Article continues below Johannes Radebe insisted he's not going anywhere (Image: Johannes Radebe Instagram ) In response to the exit rumours, he quipped: "You're going to have to drag me off that show with my sequins." Johannes also expressed how life would seem "dull" without the annual glitz and glamour of Strictly, describing his role on the programme as a "privilege". ‌ "That is a sparkling world I live in and I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be a part of it every year and to be called back," he commented. Reflecting on his time on the show, he said: "I've been blessed with incredible partners throughout the years," having danced with celebrities like Gladiators star Montell Douglas and Annabel Croft in recent series. He concluded by praising the show for its impact, saying: "I love the show because of what it does, the community it builds and the reach it has. ‌ "Sometimes I look back and I'm like, I can't believe I call this a job." Johannes was partnered with Gladiators' Montell Douglas last year (Image: PA/BBC ) Before the professional dancers for this year's Strictly were revealed, Johannes took to Instagram to quash rumours that he was leaving the show. ‌ "I'm going nowhere, nowhere. It's a lie. Liza Minelli lies," he declared, posting a clip of himself in a dance studio. Directly addressing his followers, he passionately stated: "Why do you tell lies about me?" "I'm not going nowhere! The story isn't true – I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me – and the body will allow." ‌ In the post's caption, he further clarified his commitment: "I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline, yes, but nothing will take me away. Love you all Jojo Xx." The star was previously forced to address rumours he was quitting (Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/PA ) Johannes is set to return to the dance floor with fellow professionals Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przysta, Aljaz Skorjanec, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and the trio Amy, Dianne, and Nikita. ‌ While the celebrity contestants for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing are yet to be confirmed, speculation is rife with names such as Stacey Solomon, Dani Dyer, Sir Mo Farah, and Tom Parker Bowles being floated as potential participants. Earlier this year, Sarah James, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, shared her anticipation: "The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025." Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, also commented on the show's core talent: "The Strictly Professional Dancers are the beating heart of the programme, showcasing to viewers in every corner of the UK their world-class talent by lighting up the famous Strictly ballroom every Saturday and Sunday night. Here's to another fab-u-lous series!" Article continues below This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store