Latest news with #ChristianCooke
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First Post
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Christian Cooke on playing chess legend Garry Kasparov in ‘Rematch': ‘He was a very aggressive player…'
In an interview with Firstpost's Lachmi Deb Roy, for 'Not Just Bollywood', English actor Christian Cooke shares how he prepared to play Garry Kasparov in 'Rematch'. He talks about the process that went behind approaching the part and how he tried hard not to mimic him. read more In 1997, the world watched as chess legend Garry Kasparov took on IBM's Deep Blue in a battle that blurred the line between man and machine. Christian Cooke captures Kasparov's brilliance and inner turmoil, while Sarah Bolger brings heart to the emotional storm behind the scenes. This was more than just a match; it was a test of pride, intelligence, and what it means to be human. As pressure mounts and trust falters, the game turns into something far bigger. Rematch dives deep into a defining moment where logic met legacy, and the clock never stopped ticking. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Firstpost, Christian Cooke talks about Rematch now showing on Lionsgate Play and how it was a challenge to him playing a real person. Edited excerpts from the interview: How much pressure was there to play the role; since you are playing a real person? I guess there's always pressure when it's you're playing a real person, a real historical figure. And it's an event, a lot of people know about, though it happened 30 years ago. If it was an event that happened five or ten-years ago, then it would be fresh in people's minds. I don't really look a lot like Garry, so I think that helps because obviously a lot of the audience maybe don't know what exactly Garry Kasparov looks like, so they can sort of get lost in the character a bit more. I didn't really want to imitate him, his voice or, you know, like, try and mimic him. I just wanted to sort of capture the essence of who he was as a person, the spirit of Garry Kasparov, which was someone who's very focused, single-minded and driven. If I did any sort of mimicry, it was how he was at the chessboard. When he was at the chessboard, it was his sort of posture, the way he moved the pieces, the way he leaned over the board. People used to say that he was a very aggressive player which I didn't know much about. Well, I find it quite odd that someone could be an aggressive chess player. Because it's you we see it as such a civilized game where people are just using their hands to move pieces. But I think it would I think, obviously, it's his style of play, how sort of, the speed at which he advances. There's always pressure, but I think we need that to thrive sometimes. For me that pressure is very important to do a good job. Christian Cooke on playing chess legend Garry Kasparov in 'Rematch': 'He was a very aggressive player…' How pro did you get with the game? To be honest, I'm probably not much better at all than when I started, I think, because a lot of what I was doing is playing. I was actually learning the actual chess moves that he played as opposed to sort of, like, learning to become a better chess player myself. It was more like we know, the chess games in the show are exact games and moves that were played in real life. It was another learning exercise, really. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD You would sort of have to learn your dialogue and whatever, but then also learn these moves. And the way that Yan shot the chess games, he would do these long continuous takes where he would want to shoot sort of 30 moves at a time. So, we would be meeting up in each other's hotel rooms on an evening to practice the chess games, just so that we really remembered where the pieces went. I am not sure my chess actually improved that much at all, really. Since he's a Russian, just wanting to know from you, he has an accent which is very Russian, so his English was very different right. How did you learn that accent and his mannerisms? He spoke with a Russian accent. Garry studied English at university. He travelled a lot. He spent a lot of time in America. I think he's lived in New York now and since the eighties, I believe. He is now anglicised or Americanised. So, the Russian accent was tough. I worked with a dialect coach. I just wanted to sort of have a convincing Russian accent, but one that wasn't sort of insanely strong. Because I think that can be quite distracting. And as I mentioned, I didn't want it to sound like I am mimicking him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think anytime you're doing a strong accent, but you're still using the English language, it's like if you were doing well, if you were speaking with an Indian accent or if you were speaking with a French accent, they're very strong accents in the English language. And I think that sometimes that can be, you know, when the audience might know that the actor is not from that place, that can be sometimes quite distracting. So, I wanted it to flow and be sort of believable, but not be too pronounced. I think that was true to Garry as well because Gary was so sort of Americanised, he didn't he, you know, he didn't sound like a Bond villain. A still from 'Rematch' How difficult was it to get inside the mind of this chess grandmaster? I think one of the things was he was quite like an athlete, I think. He approached the match like an athlete. I'm into boxing, and I watch a lot of boxing, and I used to train in boxing. I think when you have these disciplines and these sports like boxing, tennis, chess, there's a huge psychological element to it. It's not a skill playing the game, but also getting into the mind of the opponent and the mentality when you're on the back foot being able to bring yourself back and stay in the present. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The family friend who's ALWAYS been waiting in the wings for his shot with Mel B - and how he wooed Scary Spice
Mel B is set to tie the knot with her fiancé Rory McPhee this weekend, in what's been deemed a long-awaited happily ever after for the star. The singer, 50, is set to exchange vows with the hairdresser, 37, at St Paul's Cathedral in London, three years after first announcing her engagement. While Mel has previously been known for her high-profile exes, Rory is a far cry from the Hollywood heavyweights and music stars she's dated in the past. Instead, Rory has been a patient man, having been a friend of the family for over two decades, before finally getting his chance to woo Scary Spice. Before their engagement, Mel revealed that Rory was a longtime friend of her cousin, actor Christian Cooke, and they met while they were at school together in the 1990s. She has also shared that even before she and Rory began dating, he was a 'favourite' of her late father Martin, admitting last year he'd be 'so happy' to know that they are set to marry. An insider also previously described Mel's fiance as 'normal, down-to-earth guy, with good morals', telling the Mail that he isn't interested in fame. Rory finally got his chance to pursue a connection with Mel following her split from husband Stephen Belafonte in 2017. The star has openly shared how she's had to 'rebuild her trust' in men after her second marriage, having accused Stephen of emotional and physical abuse, which he denies. Speaking on Elizabeth Day's How To Fail podcast last year, Mel said: 'He was my cousin's best friend so he was already part of my family, which meant there was already that foundation of trust, and safety, which when you leave an abusive relationship, you don't trust anyone, you don't even trust yourself, you don't even trust your own opinions, that can take years to build back up.' During an appearance on the TODAY show, Mel revealed that Rory's moves to win her heart were unconventional to say the least, as he was tasked with fixing her 'fried' curls after a botched hair treatment. She said: 'It was short and fried. So when I went back to England, [McPhee] would come over and give me hair treatments and get my natural curls back. 'And as he was nurturing my curls back, I guess he was nurturing my trust and belief in a relationship.' While the couple first began dating in 2018, it's thought Mel and Rory's relationship became more serious when she returned to the UK in 2019, following the Spice Girls' reunion tour. Describing himself as a 'hair-cutting and curly specialist,' Rory is the co-founder of multiple salons including RJ Men's, Rory James, and LAB. He's also an ambassador for the hair brand Redken as well as Lee Stafford Education, a not-for-profit hairdressing course that's partnered with colleges in the UK. While he only boasts 8,000 followers, he has previously shared sweet clips and snaps with Mel documenting their relationship, including a sweet birthday tribute to her back in May. Posting a video with Mel during a romantic trip to Paris, he penned the caption: '50 my love never looked finer. Sooo many exciting things this year but today is all about you! Happy birthday. I love you soooo much.' Mel first revealed her relationship with Rory back in 2019, telling Piers Morgan that she was learning to 'feel safe' again with her new partner, but refused to name him at the time. Admitting that at the time she was 'in lust,' she added: 'I don't think that person should even be talked about. 'For me it's nice cos when I left my ex I couldn't even be touched, I was terrified and paranoid and I'd wake up with nightmares and in hot sweats. 'So for me to feel safe with somebody, let me just feel safe for a little bit and I'll tell you when I'm comfortable to talk about it.' In a previous interview with Red Magazine, Mel credited Rory for helping her to discover 'honest, true love.' She said: 'Rory's given me the ability to understand what honest, true love looks like and what trust looks like with boundaries. 'It's very nurturing and very giving. We understand each other. I never thought I'd know how to love again.' Given he was a 'favourite' of her late father, it's no surprise that Rory also took him into consideration when planning to propose to Mel. Mel has openly discussed her close relationship with her father, and her vow to leave her marriage to Stephen was their last conversation before his death in 2017. Speaking on TODAY last year, Mel revealed that Rory made a touching gesture to ensure Martin was included in his proposal. She said: 'He knew my dad before he passed, he went to my dad's grave, so he told me afterwards, and asked for my hand in marriage. I mean, not that my dad could say anything … but it was so lovely.' 'And he kept this ring - he designed it himself - for three months in his sock drawer. It's beautiful.' Rory popped the question to Mel with a £100,000 diamond ring at luxury country hotel Cliveden House in Berkshire. According to The Sun, Mel B was 'overwhelmed' when Leeds-born hairdresser Rory got down on one knee, and burst out crying with tears of joy. The publication is reporting that he then held out a £100,000 ring consisting of a pear-shaped, champagne-coloured diamond set on a rose gold band. One insider told the outlet that Mel said ''yes'' immediately, adding: 'But it was incredibly emotional because after everything she has been through, it was a really big moment for her.' This will be the third wedding for Mel, who is 50 and a mother of three, Phoenix, 26, Angel, 18, and Madison, 13. And it has now been revealed the bride is going all out for a perfectly traditional, perfectly English white wedding, with a thoroughly conventional dress – not designed by Victoria Beckham, even though Mel herself said that was happening last year. Sources told The Mail's Alison Boshoff that she will wear British designer Josephine Scott for the service on Saturday, July 5, in the crypt at the church where Prince Charles married Diana Spencer in 1981. It can be revealed that there will be a further celebration with friends and family – and another wedding ceremony – at a hotel in Morocco later in July. Mel will wear a flashier gown, from US wedding designer Justin Alexander, for that one. The star told Women's Wear Daily in May: 'This will be a very formal, English wedding where I want to feel regal and very proper. All the ladies will wear hats or fascinators. Another source told how Mel 'is so happy' with the engagement, adding: 'It has taken a huge amount for a man to get her to trust him and to believe in love again. 'He's the absolute opposite of so many of the guys she had relationships with,' explaining how he has shown her that men can be 'caring, trustworthy and reliable. 'He has really taken the time to understand what she's been through. He is madly in love with her.'
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The family friend who has ALWAYS been waiting in the wings for his shot with Mel B: How hairdresser Rory McPhee had been smitten with star for two decades and finally got his chance to become Mr Brown as it's revealed how he wooed Scary Spice
Mel B is set to tie the knot with her fiancé Rory McPhee this weekend, in what's been deemed a long-awaited happily ever after for the star. The singer, 50, is set to exchange vows with the hairdresser, 37, at St Paul's Cathedral in London, three years after first announcing her engagement. While Mel has previously been known for her high-profile exes, Rory is a far cry from the Hollywood heavyweights and music stars she's dated in the past. Instead, Rory has been a patient man, having been a friend of the family for over two decades, before finally getting his chance to woo Scary Spice. Before their engagement, Mel revealed that Rory was a longtime friend of her cousin, actor Christian Cooke, and they met while they were at school together in the 1990s. She has also shared that even before she and Rory began dating, he was a 'favourite' of her late father Martin, admitting last year he'd be 'so happy' to know that they are set to marry. An insider also previously described Mel's fiance as 'normal, down-to-earth guy, with good morals', telling the Mail that he isn't interested in fame. Rory finally got his chance to pursue a connection with Mel following her split from husband Stephen Belafonte in 2017. The star has openly shared how she's had to 'rebuild her trust' in men after her second marriage, having accused Stephen of emotional and physical abuse, which he denies. Speaking on Elizabeth Day's How To Fail podcast last year, Mel said: 'He was my cousin's best friend so he was already part of my family, which meant there was already that foundation of trust, and safety, which when you leave an abusive relationship, you don't trust anyone, you don't even trust yourself, you don't even trust your own opinions, that can take years to build back up.' During an appearance on the TODAY show, Mel revealed that Rory's moves to win her heart were unconventional to say the least, as he was tasked with fixing her 'fried' curls after a botched hair treatment. She said: 'It was short and fried. So when I went back to England, [McPhee] would come over and give me hair treatments and get my natural curls back. 'And as he was nurturing my curls back, I guess he was nurturing my trust and belief in a relationship.' While the couple first began dating in 2018, it's thought Mel and Rory's relationship became more serious when she returned to the UK in 2019, following the Spice Girls' reunion tour. Describing himself as a 'hair-cutting and curly specialist,' Rory is the co-founder of multiple salons including RJ Men's, Rory James, and LAB. He's also an ambassador for the hair brand Redken as well as Lee Stafford Education, a not-for-profit hairdressing course that's partnered with colleges in the UK. While he only boasts 8,000 followers, he has previously shared sweet clips and snaps with Mel documenting their relationship, including a sweet birthday tribute to her back in May. Posting a video with Mel during a romantic trip to Paris, he penned the caption: '50 my love never looked finer. Sooo many exciting things this year but today is all about you! Happy birthday. I love you soooo much.' Mel first revealed her relationship with Rory back in 2019, telling Piers Morgan that she was learning to 'feel safe' again with her new partner, but refused to name him at the time. Admitting that at the time she was 'in lust,' she added: 'I don't think that person should even be talked about. 'For me it's nice cos when I left my ex I couldn't even be touched, I was terrified and paranoid and I'd wake up with nightmares and in hot sweats. 'So for me to feel safe with somebody, let me just feel safe for a little bit and I'll tell you when I'm comfortable to talk about it.' In a previous interview with Red Magazine, Mel credited Rory for helping her to discover 'honest, true love.' She said: 'Rory's given me the ability to understand what honest, true love looks like and what trust looks like with boundaries. 'It's very nurturing and very giving. We understand each other. I never thought I'd know how to love again.' Given he was a 'favourite' of her late father, it's no surprise that Rory also took him into consideration when planning to propose to Mel. Mel has openly discussed her close relationship with her father, and her vow to leave her marriage to Stephen was their last conversation before his death in 2017. Speaking on TODAY last year, Mel revealed that Rory made a touching gesture to ensure Martin was included in his proposal. She said: 'He knew my dad before he passed, he went to my dad's grave, so he told me afterwards, and asked for my hand in marriage. I mean, not that my dad could say anything … but it was so lovely.' 'And he kept this ring - he designed it himself - for three months in his sock drawer. It's beautiful.' Rory popped the question to Mel with a £100,000 diamond ring at luxury country hotel Cliveden House in Berkshire. According to The Sun, Mel B was 'overwhelmed' when Leeds-born hairdresser Rory got down on one knee, and burst out crying with tears of joy. The publication is reporting that he then held out a £100,000 ring consisting of a pear-shaped, champagne-coloured diamond set on a rose gold band. One insider told the outlet that Mel said ''yes'' immediately, adding: 'But it was incredibly emotional because after everything she has been through, it was a really big moment for her.' This will be the third wedding for Mel, who is 50 and a mother of three, Phoenix, 26, Angel, 18, and Madison, 13. And it has now been revealed the bride is going all out for a perfectly traditional, perfectly English white wedding, with a thoroughly conventional dress – not designed by Victoria Beckham, even though Mel herself said that was happening last year. Sources told The Mail's Alison Boshoff that she will wear British designer Josephine Scott for the service on Saturday, July 5, in the crypt at the church where Prince Charles married Diana Spencer in 1981. It can be revealed that there will be a further celebration with friends and family – and another wedding ceremony – at a hotel in Morocco later in July. Mel will wear a flashier gown, from US wedding designer Justin Alexander, for that one. The star told Women's Wear Daily in May: 'This will be a very formal, English wedding where I want to feel regal and very proper. All the ladies will wear hats or fascinators. Another source told how Mel 'is so happy' with the engagement, adding: 'It has taken a huge amount for a man to get her to trust him and to believe in love again. 'He's the absolute opposite of so many of the guys she had relationships with,' explaining how he has shown her that men can be 'caring, trustworthy and reliable. 'He has really taken the time to understand what she's been through. He is madly in love with her.'
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Disney+ premieres 'breathtaking' drama rivaling Netflix's show The Queen's Gambit as obsessed viewers hail the new series a 'masterpiece'
Disney+ has premiered a 'breathtaking' drama that rivals Netflix 's show The Queen's Gambit - and viewers have already hailed it as a 'masterpiece'. The six-part thriller series, titled Rematch, stars Christian Cooke, Sarah Bolger and Tom Austen, amongst others. It first aired last September but launched on the streaming platform today (May 21) and delves into the historic tale of chess champion Garry Kasparov when he faced Deep Blue, a computer. The new series shares similarities with The Queen's Gambit on Netflix, which first aired in 2020. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as chess prodigy Beth Harmon, it tells the story of her quest to become a world champion. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It first aired last September but launched on the streaming platform today (May 21) and delves into the historic tale of chess champion Garry Kasparov when he faced Deep Blue, a computer Since Rematch's release last September, it has attracted raving reviews from fans on Google. One fan said: 'A good series that keeps you on the edge of your seat, good acting, especially Kasparov's performance, it made me want to play chess again.' Another added: 'Absolutely amazing. Gripping and exciting until the very last second.' 'As exciting as a crime thriller. Great class,' someone else chimed in. One viewer said: 'Excellent suspense even though we know the outcome of the story.' Rematch has a respectable 7.3/10 score on IMDb and some fans left their thoughts on the review site. One called it a 'masterpiece' while someone else wrote, 'Have fun watching, it is breathtaking all along the 6 episodes'. Though not everyone has been impressed and one viewer on Google penned: 'Terribly boring, slow and overacted. I couldn't last more than 2 episodes....' Another show on Disney+ has caused fans to confess that they've binged the 'best series of the year' after it landed on the streaming service earlier this year. Comedy series Mid-Century Modern follows the lives of three gay best friends who live in Palm Springs. The 10-part series landed on Disney+ on March 28 and on Hulu in the US on the same day. Actor Nathan Lane, 69, plays Bunny Schneiderman, Matt Bomer, 47, has taken on the role of Jerry Frank and Nathan Lee Graham, 56, is Arthur Broussard on the show. And those who have watched the programme have loved it and it's received an impressive 86 percent on review website Rotten Tomatoes.
