Latest news with #JohnHughes
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Endeavour star looks VERY different 13 years on from his debut on ITV detective drama with beard and cropped hair - but do you recognise him?
A British actor best known for his role in the detective drama Endeavour has been spotted filming for another project - but he looks very different with a rugged beard and cropped hair. Whereas fans know him as a fresh-faced inspector with tousled locks, he now steps out with a coarser look, sporting an all-black ensemble and moody sunglasses. He made his first ITV appearance in 2012, and starred in the very well received Endeavour for an impressive nine seasons before its conclusion in 2023. The 45-year-old is set to star in the upcoming ITV spy thriller Betrayal, where he plays a troubled MI5 officer named John Hughes. The four-part series explores the 'emotional and professional strain of modern intelligence work, particularly on relationships' as John's covert operations and personal life begin to unravel. But can you guess who it is? The actor is none other than Liverpool-born Shaun Evans, who played Endeavour Morse in the titular ITV drama. The father-of-two was pictured filming in Rusholme, Manchester, looking worlds away from his days as the sullen but charming Endeavour. In a black puffer jacket and straight-leg jeans, Shaun was captured grinning on set alongside crew members. Betrayal will see Shaun play a spy who was at the forefront of the war on terror. Now in his mid 40s and married with two kids, he's finding it difficult to adapt to modern security threats. But when he impulsively gets himself involved in a dark scheme, he'll have to redeem himself to save his career and reputation - all while struggling with the mental health effects of his murderous actions. Shaun has also played Coxswain Elliot Glover in BBC One's Vigil, and real-life murderer John Sweeney in ITV's Until I Kill You. This summer is ramping up to be an exciting one in British TV, with new dramas and reiterations of popular pre-existing series set to hit screens in the coming months. Line of Duty is one beloved programme that is 'definitely coming back' for a seventh season, according to a lead actor in the hit BBC drama. Northern Irish actor Adrian Dunbar, who played Superintendent Ted Hastings in the show, confirmed the much-loved series will be returning to UK screens. Fans have been begging for another installment for years, and Adrian has previously hinted at another run, but now he has spoken more definitively. 'Oh, it's definitely coming back,' the 66-year-old told the Sunday Telegraph. 'Some time next year. We're just waiting for the BBC to announce it.' He continued: 'I know Jed [Mercurio] is writing. And Martin and Vicky [Compston and McClure, who play Hastings's anti-corruption colleagues, Steve and Kate] are very keen.' And in a separate interview with The Times, the Enniskillen native said: 'We're really excited about getting our hands on a Line of Duty script, to see what happens to us. 'We've talked to the BBC. It is down to the BBC to make an announcement, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that next year we'll be working on a new series. 'No doubt Jed will think of some interesting twists and turns. We are as much in the dark as you are.' Adrian suggested that viewers were drawn to the series, and to his straight-laced character in particular, owing to a time of political instability during Covid. When the news of Partygate erupted - the political scandal that saw Tories dancing and drinking during a state-imposed lockdown - Adrian believes fans sought solace in Ted Hastings. He told the Belfast Telegraph: 'When the Tories were dancing and having parties, people saw Line of Duty and thought "Surely somewhere there are people who, despite what it might mean to their careers, are willing to do the right thing?" 'I think that's why so many people gravitated towards Ted.' According to The Sun, the cast will start filming the new six-part installment next January when their other commitments have come to a close. A TV insider told the publication: 'This is the news Line of Duty fans have been waiting for since the sixth season left them deflated when it aired back in 2021. 'The BBC almost immediately requested more episodes to continue the story, but the success of the show meant Vicky, Martin and Adrian were instantly snapped up for other projects.'
Telegraph
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Chapel where Bread of Heaven hymn was written saved from property developers
A Welsh chapel where Bread of Heaven was written has been saved from the threat of property developers after a crowdfunding effort. Campaigners are now looking to buy the Grade II-listed Capel Rhondda after raising the £47,500 for which it was put on the market. Villagers in Hopkinstown, South Wales, had feared it would be taken over by developers who could have turned it into flats. However, the future of the chapel, which was built in 1885 for worshippers in the mining valleys, now looks to remain in the hands of locals and become a community hub. Rhian Hopkins, who led the fundraising project, told the BBC: 'It's amazing. I keep thinking, 'Am I just having a vivid dream which I'll wake up from?' 'I saw that the chapel was for sale and immediately I just felt devastated. 'I thought, 'Oh my goodness imagine if it's turned into flats or somebody turns it into a home', and I just wanted the community to be able to enjoy it for the foreseeable future. 'This is a really important part of not just local heritage but Welsh heritage and potentially worldwide heritage from the response we've had.' Composer John Hughes wrote the well-known hymn Cwm Rhondda for an anniversary service at the chapel in 1907. Better known as Bread of Heaven, it is often sung at Welsh rugby matches, pubs and funeral services. The campaign, which was launched less than two weeks ago, has now surpassed the £60,000 mark which will help cover legal costs and restoration works. It received much public support on social media and was shared by Welsh actor Michael Sheen. Ms Hopkins added: 'A lot of money will also need to be spent on the chapel. There was a quote of £50,000 just to restore the vestry floor. 'There's also knotweed in the graveyard, it's going to take a lot of money and work.' The Baptist Union of Wales had put the chapel up for sale after a final service in December 2024. The group said waning attendance figures had meant areas of the building had started to deteriorate. They are set to have a meeting on Friday about the building becoming community owned. The chapel was Grade II-listed in 2001 for its 'architectural interest as a late 19th-century chapel in a prominent location retaining its original character'.
Edinburgh Reporter
5 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
John Hughes and Kirsty Howat make Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Preliminary Round Draws
Former Hibs captain and manager John Hughes has made the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Preliminary Round Draws along with Kirsty Howat . The draws for the Preliminary Rounds of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup took place on Wednesday evening at the National Stadium. Hughes tasted success in this competition a decade ago, when his Inverness Caledonian Thistle side defeated Falkirk in the 2015 Scottish Cup Final. Howat, meanwhile, has lifted the trophy on three occasions – with Glasgow City in 2019 and with her current side Rangers, in both 2024 and 2025. The pair joined host Gordon Duncan for a mammoth double draw as the First and Second Preliminary Rounds were decided for both the men's and women's competitions. The full results of the draw are listed at the bottom of this page. The Preliminary Rounds in the men's competition will be played on the weekend of Saturday, 9 August and the weekend of Saturday, 30 August. The Preliminary Rounds in the women's competition will be played on the weekend of Sunday, 17 August and weekend of Sunday, 7 September 2025. Following the draw, John Hughes reflected on his memories of the Scottish Cup, both from his playing and coaching career. He said: 'As a player, one stand-out memory was when Falkirk beat Hearts 4-0 at Brockville, with Colin Samuel scoring a hat-trick. It was a great game because Hearts were flying under Craig Levein, and with me being from the other side of Edinburgh, it was fantastic to get that result. 'At Hibs, it was disappointing with the club's history not to win the Scottish Cup. I remember we got to the Semi-Final when Alex McLeish was manager but Aberdeen beat us and that was a disappointment. 'Then as a manager, getting to the Scottish Cup Final with Falkirk in 2009 was amazing, and beating our rivals in Dunfermline in the semis. We got to the final and lost to Rangers through a wondergoal from Nacho Novo. I thought we were the better football team that day, our tactics were spot on and we hit the post but Walter Smith and Alex McCoist knew how to get over the line. I was so proud to have six academy players in that team as well.' After coming close in 2009, Hughes' crowning moment in the competition would come six years later, when he lifted the Scottish Cup with Inverness. He added: 'I remember in the Semi-Final against Celtic we had nothing to lose. We'd already beaten Celtic that season and we were a really good football team. 'Lady luck went our way that day as Josh Meekings should have been sent off for the handball, and then they were down to 10-men. But the goal was everything we worked on – one full-back Graeme Shinnie crossing it and David Raven, the other full-back, getting the winner. 'Then in the final against Falkirk we were favourites which was different but it was just about embracing the day and making history. James Vincent had to come on at right back – where he didn't usually play – because Raven was injured, then came on and scored the winner. 'I remember the celebrations the following day, going in with all the families and going on the open-top bus. You could just see what it meant to everyone. We then kept the trophy for the whole season at the reception at the stadium in Inverness and it was an amazing thing for the community. 'I can't believe it's ten years now. You sometimes you come across the photos on your phone and the memories are amazing.' The former Falkirk, Hibernian and Ross County manager has been out of work since leaving Dunfermline three years ago, but he insisted he's ready to step back into management if the opportunity arises. 'I felt out of love with football for a bit after leaving Dunfermline, if I'm being honest', he said. 'I had to take a break and I've enjoyed the ambassadorial things I've done with Hibs and the media work and spending time with the family. There's a lot of sacrifice when you're a football manager and so it's been nice to spend time with my children and even grandchildren now. 'But football never leaves you. The batteries are really recharged and I'm ready to go. I don't lose sleep over it but I still feel my CV is good so we'll see what happens.' Kirsty Howat has been fortunate enough to lift the trophy on three occasions, with the stand-out memory being her recent two-goal appearance in the final in May, when Rangers defeated Glasgow City 3-0. Looking back on her Scottish Cup memories, she said: 'This season we'd obviously had a bad result a week before in losing the league to Hibs on the last day, so we had a point to prove and it felt like a dominant performance which we probably didn't expect. 'Great memories and it was an amazing overall performance. If we'd finished our whole season on the league disappointment then it would've been tough so having the cup final the week after was definitely a good thing for us to put it right. That defeat on the final day gave us all the motivation we needed to go and do it on the day. 'It's definitely up there with one of the proudest moments of my career, scoring two in the final with all my family there. It doesn't get much better. 'I've had two good years in the cup now, winning two years in a row at Hampden. The experience of playing here is a dream come true. It's a brilliant stadium and hopefully we can keep building on the crowds.' As well as her cup final double, Howat also ended the season on a high with a recall to the national team under new head coach Melissa Andreatta and she is aiming to maintain her place in the national side for their next camp in October. 'Last season I started a bit slowly but I got a lot of minutes in the second half and scored some big goals when it mattered', she said. 'Getting the call-up to the national team just before the summer was really pleasing. It's a fresh start for everyone and I was delighted to get minutes. 'My last camp before June had been a year ago so it was great to feature in both games and help us to a positive result in the Netherlands. Hopefully there's many more to come.' Rangers Women have recently seen manager Jo Potter leave her position, but despite the uncertainty, Howat remains optimistic for another big season ahead. She added: 'We're looking ahead. It's a lot of change, with a new manager to come and new players coming in but after the disappointment in the league, winning that has to be our aim. 'It's been a few years now that we've not managed to do that. Our standards are high and we're at Rangers to win trophies. We'll be looking to put that right this season.' Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup Preliminary Round One Dundee North End v Culter Invergordon v Lochar Thistle Irvine Meadow XI v Johnstone Burgh Whitburn Juniors v Steins Thistle Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup Preliminary Round Two Auchinleck Talbot v Haddington Athletic Benburb v Easthouses Lily MWFC Blackburn United v Darvel Bonnyton Thistle v Girvan Bo'ness Athletic v Creetown Dunbar United v Cumnock Juniors Dundee North End or Culter v Whitehill Welfare Dundonald Bluebell v Edinburgh University Glasgow University v Newton Stewart Glenafton Athletic v Dalkeith Thistle Golspie Sutherland v Coldstream Hawick Royal Albert v Threave Rovers Hill of Beath Hawthorn v St Andrews United Invergordon or Lochar Thistle v Dunipace Jeanfield Swifts v Preston Athletic Penicuik Athletic v Kilwinning Rangers Rutherglen Glencairn v Newtongrange Star Sauchie Juniors v Hutchison Vale St Cadocs v Pollok St Cuthbert Wanderers v Burntisland Shipyard Tayport v Dalbeattie Star Tweedmouth Rangers v Lochee United Tynecastle v Carluke Rovers Vale of Leithen v Musselburgh Athletic Whitburn Juniors or Steins Thistle v Irvine Meadow XI or Johnstone Burgh Wigtown & Bladnoch v Camelon Juniors Scottish Gas Women's Scottish Cup Preliminary Round One Arbroath Women v Giffnock Central Ladies v Musselburgh Windsor Cumbernauld Colts v Penicuik Athletic Cumnock Juniors v Benburb Danderhall Miners v Nairn St Ninian Drumchapel United v Aberdeen City Ladies Dundee West v Bishopton Ladies Edinburgh South v Cumbernauld United Ladies Grampian Ladies v Bayside Ladies Muirieston United Ladies v Stewarton Annick Ladies Thornton Hibs Ladies v Ardrossan Winton Rovers Receiving Byes into the Second Preliminary Round: Alloa Athletic Annan Athletic Ladies Blairgowrie WFC Buckie Ladies Edinburgh Uni Thistle Gretna FC Ladies Harmony Row Huntly Jeanfield Swifts Ross County St Anthony's Ladies Stonehaven Ladies West Park United FC Scottish Gas Women's Scottish Cup Preliminary Round Two Arbroath Women or Giffnock v Ross County Danderhall Miners or Nairn St Ninian v Central Ladies or Musselburgh Windsor Drumchapel United or Aberdeen City Ladies v Edinburgh Uni Thistle Dundee West or Bishopton Ladies v Alloa Athletic Edinburgh South or Cumbernauld United Ladies v Muirieston United Ladies or Stewarton Annick Ladies Gretna FC v Grampian Ladies or Bayside Ladies Huntly Women v Annan Athletic Ladies Jeanfield Swifts v Cumbernauld Colts or Penicuik Athletic St Anthony's Ladies v Blairgowrie Stonehaven Ladies v Buckie Ladies Thornton Hibs Ladies or Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Cumnock Juniors Ladies or Benburb West Park United v Harmony Row Like this: Like Related
The Guardian
7 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Welsh community races to save chapel where Cwm Rhondda hymn first sung
A Welsh valleys community has launched a campaign to save the chapel where the popular hymn Cwm Rhondda, or Bread of Heaven, was first sung. The composer John Hughes wrote the hymn in 1907 to celebrate a new organ at Capel Rhondda in Hopkinstown, near Pontypridd. The Grade II-listed building closed its doors in December after years of shrinking congregations and was put up for sale by the Baptist Union of Wales for £47,000 two months ago. When Rhian Hopkins, who grew up in Hopkinstown, drove past the chapel and noticed the for sale sign, she said she was 'devastated'. 'I wasn't able to stop thinking about how this piece of history could be lost or turned into flats by a property developer who could pick it up for next to nothing,' she said. 'I arranged a viewing and took an architect friend who said the building was fine.' Hopkins and other campaigners set up a last-minute crowdfunding drive on 17 July, the day before the deadline for potential buyer bids. The union has since extended the deadline to 28 July to give the fundraiser the chance to meet its target. As of Wednesday, 65% of the total – £31,000 – had been pledged. Hopkins said: 'At a time when the world can feel rather bleak, this community effort seems to be resonating with people and reminding us that although we might no longer feel the need to attend a religious service every Sunday, we do need spaces and occasions where we can come together as a community.' Hopkinstown residents hope that Capel Rhondda can be maintained as a community space, with a potential focus on choirs and Welsh-language groups. 'We have lots of ideas about how the building can be used going forward but really want to engage with those living in the village to find out what they want and need,' the fundraising page says. More challenges lie ahead, Hopkins acknowledged. 'The first step is to secure the building. Then we probably need to set up a charity of some sort… There are all sorts of maintenance and repair costs, heating and maintenance, things like that to think about,' she said. About a quarter of Wales's places of worship have closed over the last decade as congregations have declined, according to research by the Bevan Foundation, the leading Welsh public policy charity and thinktank. Chapels across Wales have been redeveloped into private homes or second homes and holiday lets.
Telegraph
20-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Historic chapel where ‘Bread of Heaven' hymn written under threat from property developers
A Welsh village is battling to buy an historic chapel where the classic hymn Bread of Heaven was written. The Grade II-listed Capel Rhondda is on the market for £47,500, including the graveyard. The chapel in Hopkinstown, South Wales, was built in 1885 for worshippers in the mining valleys. But now the village wants to buy it to turn it into a community hub – and stop it being bought by property developers. Composer John Hughes wrote the well-known hymn Cwm Rhondda for an anniversary service at the chapel in 1907. Better known as 'Bread of Heaven', it is often sung at Welsh rugby matches, pubs and funeral services. Fund-raiser Rhian Hopkins said: 'It would be a real shame if the incredible building which was funded and built by our ancestors was lost to a property developer who may not respect the building's history'. She added: 'It was built by the community, for the community so I would like to see it remaining as part of the community. 'My worry is that although it's a Grade II-listed building, and will obviously be protected in some way, it's on the market for what is a relatively low price for a property these days. I'm concerned that it could be bought by a wealthy property developer from outside the area and has no connection to the building. 'It's at that sort of price where someone might just buy it speculatively and leave it to sit empty. There are repairs that are needed already, so things would only get worse.' She decided to set up a crowd funder in an attempt to raise the asking price for the chapel and to ensure it would remain in the community's hands. Architectural interest The chapel was Grade II-listed in 2001 for its 'architectural interest as a late 19th century chapel in a prominent location retaining its original character'. A spokesman for The Baptist Union of Wales said: 'The union is sad to have had to close the chapel and we are thankful for all that has been done there over the years. 'Until recently, it was a very active church. But unfortunately, attendance numbers have declined and the buildings have started to deteriorate. It's a decision not taken lightly. The vestry in particular is in a very poor state of repair and can't be used. 'At the end of last year we looked at different options for uses for the building but could not find anything suitable – there was no other available option than to put it on the market. It's such a shame, but the building needs some investment and we hope we will find an appropriate buyer and a new lease of life to this historic building that has served the community so well.'
