
Is Netflix's My Oxford Year a true story? Inspiration behind ‘best rom-com of the year' explained
Romance fans are in for a treat with Netflix 's latest offering, My Oxford Year. Starring Bridgerton favourite Corey Mylchreest, who starred in the hit spin-off series Queen Charlotte, the romcom packs an emotional punch.
Directed by BAFTA nominee Iain Morris, known for The Inbetweeners, the film premiered on the streaming platform today (August 1). It follows ambitious American student Anna (played by Sofia Carson), who moves to the UK to study at Oxford University.
She chooses the prestigious school to fulfil a childhood dream, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets local tutor Jamie (Mylchreest).
While their romance appears to be picture-perfect, there's one significant problem: Jamie is secretly battling a terminal illness.
As viewers have tuned into the new film, many have been left in tears by its bittersweet storyline. But is it based on a true story?
Is My Oxford Year a true story?
My Oxford Year is not based on a true story; the romcom is adapted from Julia Whelan's best-selling debut novel of the same name. The novel was first published in 2018 and features slight differences to the film.
For instance, the novel's lead character is named Ella Durran, not Anna. Explaining their reasons for picking up this story, producer Marty Bowen revealed he related to the plot because he had an Oxford romance of his own.
"It was a finite period of time that we were going to be there, like in the story," Marty told Tudum. But it made the relationship that much more heightened because there was less pressure about where it was going to go.
"I actually think it's those experiences that we take for granted. They become so much more important to you as memories of your life."
Meanwhile, co-producer Laura Quicksilver was drawn to the story's relatability.
She said: "One of the things we've always loved about this story that I think resonates with so many people is, it's not necessarily the quantity of time you spend with someone, but the quality of that time."
Viewers have already branded the Netflix release as the "best romcom of the year."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Herald Scotland
11 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Seven of the best spots to visit on the Clyde Coast
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural immersion or simply the restorative power of sea air and stunning vistas, the Clyde Coast always delivers. Tighnabruaich Hotel, Tighnabruaich With an elevated position above the village shoreline, the fuss-free beer garden at the Tighnabruaich Hotel benefits from uninterrupted views over the Kyles of Bute. Yet despite its enviable position it never gets too busy, even on a sunny day, making it a glorious spot to enjoy the best of the Clyde Coast scenery. Sugar Boat, Helensburgh This little gem of a restaurant and bar is surely one of the best in Helensburgh. It's named after the famous shipwreck that can be seen from the town, and it has become a real community favourite since first opening in Colquhoun Square. Visit on a weekend morning for their high-end brunch, or late in the evening for a cocktail – you can bring your dog, too. (Image: Gourock Outdoor Pool) Gourock Outdoor Pool Now immortalised in the pop world after an image of it adorned the cover of Blur's recent album, The Ballad of Darren, Gourock's refurbished outdoor attraction is Scotland's oldest salt water, open air swimming pool. Heated to a relatively balmy 29 degrees, it is open seven days a week and over the summer and offers spectacular views of the Clyde estuary during the day and the heavens at night with its magical Starlight Swims. Hill House Perched high overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Hill House in [[Helensburgh]] is regarded as Charles Rennie Mackintosh's domestic design triumph. Completed in 1904 for Glasgow publisher William Blackie, the exterior and interior were created by Mackintosh in collaboration with his wife Margaret Macdonald. [[Hill House]] is currently encased in a protective mesh box to protect it from the weather, but the exquisite interior is open to visitors, while gangways and steps inside the box provide unique angles from which to view the outside of the building. Cathedral of the Isles Cumbrae, just four miles long, epitomises the perfect Scottish island getaway accessible within an hour from Glasgow. The Cathedral of the Isles, Britain's smallest cathedral, sits in the charming town of Millport, where Victorian villas line the seafront and traditional seaside amusements endure. Founded in 1849 and consecrated in 1851, the Cathedral and adjacent College of the Holy Spirit, were designed by William Butterfield, one of the greatest nineteenth century British architects. The buildings remain with little alteration. Culzean Castle and Country Park Perched dramatically on Ayrshire clifftops, this Robert Adam masterpiece represents 18th-century architecture at its finest. The castle's oval staircase and circular saloon demonstrate Adam's innovative design genius, while the Eisenhower apartment commemorates the American president's connection to Scotland. The surrounding 600-acre country park features woodland walks, a restored walled garden, and the famous Culzean Beach with its distinctive volcanic rock formations. Red deer roam the parkland, while the clifftop paths offer spectacular views across to Ailsa Craig and Arran. (Image: Getty Images) Wemyss Bay Station Enter a world when rail was king and stations were designed and built to reflect its exalted status. Opened in 1865 and then rebuilt in 1903 to a design by James Miller for the Caledonian Railway, Wemyss Bay Station is widely regarded as one of the UK's finest. An architectural masterpiece which utilises glass and steel curves to assist the flow of passengers it is a much loved remnant of the age of the Clyde steamers. It still links with the Rothesay ferry and there are regular trains from Glasgow Central.


Daily Mirror
31 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson gives update on show's future after Channel 4 axe
Naked Attraction first graced our screens back in 2016 and quickly became a fan favourite before wrapping up last year Naked Attraction star Anna Richardson has given an update on the show's future after a year off air. The Channel 4 programmes sees every day people take their kit off in a bid to find love. One person is met with several naked figures and have to choose who they want to go on a date with without seeing their faces or even chatting first. The controversial programme first landed on our screens back in 2016 but came to an end last year. 65 episodes aired across seven series before it ended in March of last year. Many fans have been hoping that the show is just taking a break and that it will actually return at some point. Anna has spoken to the Daily Mail where she said she also hopes that Naked Attraction will come back to our screens once again. She said: "I am desperate for it to come back. "I want a campaign that basically says 'Bring back Naked Attraction'. It is wildly popular. People absolutely love it. It is funny. It's about acceptance. "And I think at the moment, in a world where we're all actually a bit p***ed off and we feel ground down in this country, you know, there's a huge amount of division and anger. I think Naked Attraction brings a bit of levity. "So the fact is, the truth is, I have no idea whether it's coming back. I really hope so, because it's a fun show to do, and it does very well, but I have no idea about about the politics of whether it is or not, but let's keep our fingers crossed." Viewers were shocked when the show first aired nine years ago. Anna helps the single person choose who they want to date while they all stand in different coloured pods. Those standing in the pods reveal a different part of their body during each round while the single person sends one person home each time. At the end they finally reveal their faces while the single person strips off as well. A final person is then chosen as they pop their clothes back on and head out on a date together. Anna said that she believes that Naked Attraction has paved the way for other controversial dating shows. She said that reaction was "crazy", as she explained: "Everybody had a breakdown when Naked Attraction was announced. And, you know, the press went absolutely crazy... 'this is a new low for, you know, new low and moral standards on British television.' "And of course, we were trailblazers, so now we've paved the way to things being more open and talked about and accepting. "


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Celebs Go Dating agents reveal the ‘real reason' Christine McGuiness quit the E4 show and admit it was a ‘brave' move
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE CELEBS Go Dating agents have revealed the "real reason" Christine McGuinness quit the E4 show just weeks into the process. The model - who was married to comedian Paddy McGuinness, 51, until their split in 2022 - signed up alongside six other famous faces in the bid to find love and get help on their dating life. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 The Celebs Go Dating agents revealed the 'real reason' for Christine McGuinness' exit Credit: Channel 4 5 The model quit the E4 show after a short stint Credit: Instagram/mrscmcguinness 5 Anna Williamson said Christine's decision to join the show took 'bravery' Credit: Instagram But early into the process, Christine, 37, announced that she had quit after becoming "overwhelmed" with the attention on her love life and missing her family. In an exclusive interview, love gurus Anna Williamson, Paul C. Brunson and Dr Tara opened up Christine's sudden exit when The Sun visited the Celebs Go Dating agency ahead of the new series. Anna admitted Christine's decision to join the show after her public split was a "brave" move, and it equally took courage for her exit the process after discovering it "wasn't the right time" for her. Anna explained: "It wasn't the right time for Christine to continue her journey in the agency. "I think this is the absolute beauty of what the Celebrity Dating agency does - yes it's a TV show, but it's also real. "What myself, Paul, Dr Tara do, we are not scripted, our skill sets are something we very much practice on the outside as well as within the agency construct. "And for Christine it was very brave that she wanted to dip her toe back into the world of dating and throughout the process of us getting to know her, she realised that perhaps this actually wasn't quite the right time for her to be doing that and took a great deal of confidence and bravery inside to recognise and actually now is not the right time." Anna said that viewers will get to see a different side to Christine and revealed the mum-of-three did in fact go on dates during her short stint on the show. "Christine is a fascinating woman and I think viewers are going to really empathise with everything she brings to us and the show and the Dating Agency," Anna continued. "And Christine for the short amount of time she was with us, she wanted to date and date she did." Inside the Celebs Go Dating house with Anna Williamson and Dr. Tara ahead of the new series CGD EXIT The Sun revealed that Christine decided to quit the show in a surprise move. In a statement, Christine said: 'I joined Celebs Go Dating with great intentions but have realised that dating on a public platform and the attention that brings is just too soon for me. 'They've said the door is always open for me, which I'm so grateful for, but for now I'm returning home to my family.' Christine had spent a few days in Ibiza filming for the show with stars including Kerry Katona and Olivia Hawkins. Pals told The Sun she was looking forward to moving on and potentially finding love again. At the time, a source said: 'Christine has been through so much but she's ready to move on. 'When she signed up to Celebs Go Dating the production team were told she was open to dating women as well as men. 'Taking part in a TV show about finding love is all new for Christine but she's just having fun and is enjoying herself.' However those close to Christine said since she flew to Ibiza, she had struggled with putting her private life on camera. A friend added: 'Christine has decided that some things are important for her to keep private. 'She thought signing up to Celebs Go Dating was a good idea at first but now she feels overwhelmed by the attention. 'Christine has stepped away from the show and they have been really supportive of her and her decision. 'Her wellbeing was their main priority and Christine is looking forward to getting home to be with her family.' Christine and her ex, comedian Paddy McGuiness announced they had separated in 2022 after 15 years together. The couple first met through a mutual friend in 2007, when she was 19 and he was 33. Two years later, he popped the question and they married in 2011 at Merseyside's Thornton Manor Estate. The TV personality delighted her former co-stars when she made a surprise return to the series' finale in June. A insider told The Sun: "Christine's return was kept top secret from everyone, so they were all so excited to see her come back. "The cast were really sad when she quit the show, even though they totally supported and understood her reasons, so it was great to see her come back. "She started the journey with them all, so it was the perfect end that she got to finish the series with them too. "Christine may not have found love on the show, but she seemed really happy and in a great place. "Leaving the show was the right decision for her but she loved being back in the mix without the pressure of having to actually date on camera." Watch Celebs Go Dating on E4, or stream on Channel 4 from Monday 11 August, 9pm. Celebs Go Dating 2025 cast S Club 7 singer Jon Lee The Chase quizzer Mark Labbett Too Hot To Handle hunk Louis Russell Love Island All Stars contestant, Olivia Hawkins Singer Kerry Katona Made in Chelsea heartthrob Sam Prince QUIT - Christine McGuinness 5 Christine become 'overwhelmed' with the attention on her love life Credit: The Mega Agency