Ryan Leston
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Cardiff
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Articles by Ryan Leston
The Alien Easter Egg In Blade Runner You May Have Missed
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-Beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate. Then I spotted this "Blade Runner" Easter egg, which connects Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi classic to his earlier 1979 space survival horror, "Alien." During a time long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe, when big franchises were only dreamt of, Ridley Scott had laid the groundwork to connect his two biggest sci-fi flicks.
One Of Lethal Weapon 3's Most Memorable Scenes Wasn't In The Script
"Lethal Weapon" redefined action movies for a generation with the antics of Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover). Helicopter shoot-outs and drive-by killings as well as a healthy dose of exploding buildings add up to a high-octane buddy cop movie that made us think twice about what makes an action movie. But then "Lethal Weapon 3" dialed it up a notch.
The Alternate Ending For Ronin We Didn't See In Theaters
"Ronin," one of my favorite movies of all time, is a stone-cold classic. The 1998 action thriller stars Robert De Niro as Sam — a former-CIA operative hired by the IRA along with a band of fellow mercenaries to snatch a mysterious briefcase. What's in the case? That's not important. What matters is what everyone around him will do to get their hands on it.
5 Marvel Characters We'd Love To See Joaquin Phoenix Play
Let's face it -– Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect as Doctor Strange. His dry wit and natural ability to shrug off enemies with nothing more than a raised eyebrow makes him the only choice for Marvel's most famous sorcerer. But did you know that Joaquin Phoenix was once up for the role? Ultimately, he passed on "Doctor Strange" for some pretty good reasons, and explained that he felt it all turned out for the best: "I think that everybody was, is ...
12 Sci-Fi Movies To Watch If You Liked Lightyear
It's space, Buzz, but not as we know it. "Lightyear" brings Pixar's toy hero to the big screen in his very own epic sci-fi adventure. An origin story like no other, "Lightyear" is the movie that inspired the action figure. As the tagline goes, "In 1995, Andy got a toy from his favorite movie ... this is that movie." The original "Toy Story" introduced us to Woody and Buzz, the now-iconic duo who just wanted to make it to Andy's new home in one piece.
Why Almost Every Studio Turned Down The First Spider-Man Movie
It's hard to remember a time when Spider-Man movies didn't dominate the multiplexes. But long before "Spider-Man: No Way Home," and before "The Amazing Spider-Man" movies, Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" proved the impossible: that Spider-Man could stand on his own in a major Hollywood blockbuster. It's crazy now to think that this was ever a doubt, but "Spider-Man" wasn't always the sure thing it is now.
Iron Man Caused A Years-Long Feud Between Robert Downey Jr. And Terrence Howard
Back in 2008, Marvel was a very different beast. The MCU didn't exist, The Avengers hadn't even Assembled yet, and we only saw a brief tease of what was yet to come. "Iron Man" is where it all began, with Robert Downey Jr. stepping into his signature armor to become Marvel's most iconic Avenger. Of course, fans went wild. Downey was perfect for the role, embodying the rich, playboy superhero like he had been born for it.
What The DHARMA Initiative Was Really Trying To Accomplish On Lost
Namaste and welcome to the DHARMA Initiative, the scientific research project at the center of many of the biggest mysteries of the hit TV show, "Lost." As a fan, I remember when John Locke and Boone first encountered the mysterious hatch with no idea what awaited them within. But as the series progressed, we discovered the enigmatic DHARMA Initiative with its shadowy motives and weird orientation videos. Who were they? What did they want with The Island?
The Real-Life Mobster Who Inspired The Sopranos
Landmark American crime drama "The Sopranos" is renowned for its authenticity. The story of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) tackling his mental health issues while balancing family life and his duties as a mob boss made for some of the most gripping television of all time. Often thought to be one of the greatest TV shows ever made, it's obvious that "The Sopranos" is grounded in reality.
Breaking Down All Of Groot's Superpowers
Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" is packed full of oddball aliens, but none are quite as weird or as wonderful as Groot. He's a Flora Colossus from Planet X (also known as Taluhnia), an ancient race of sentient trees. That's right: Groot is a walking, talking, plant-based lifeform, and with a variety of plant-based superpowers, he's more than a bit handy in a fight — even if he's not so good at the smack talk.
Timothy Spall's new crime drama filmed entirely in Wales
When the former star of a police crime show moves into town, the local real-life detective can hardly believe her luck. So begins the plot of the BBC's new comedy-crime drama Death Valley, filmed entirely in Wales, in which Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth pair up to portray an unlikely crime solving duo. Wales has become a popular destination for film and TV production in recent years, but often stands in for other places.
The tiny Welsh game studio taking on Hollywood
Dr David Banner once worked on the original Tomb Raider as well as the first ever Grand Theft Auto. Now, as co-founder of Wales Interactive, he is taking aim at Hollywood. "We make movies, right?" he said.
'Acordei do coma e descobri que tinha dado à luz'
Uma mulher colocada em coma induzido após passar por uma grave doença na gravidez descreveu como acordou e descobriu que seu bebê havia nascido. Atlanta McIntyre, de 29 anos, da cidade de Rhondda Cynon Taff, no País de Gales, teve náuseas e vômitos excessivos durante a gravidez, conhecidos como hiperêmese gravídica (HG). Durante um episódio de vômito, McIntyre engasgou e teve que ser colocada em coma induzido pelos médicos.
Teen whose art sells for £23,000 gets first painting lesson
A teenage artist who has already sold works for £23,000 has just passed another milestone - her first ever painting lesson. Makenzy Beard, 17, made waves back in 2020 when a portrait she painted of her neighbour went viral on social media. The painting went on to appear at The Royal Academy of Arts, a prestigious London gallery. She said she had learned "some quite important habits" after the lesson and was determined to continue refining her work.
'My severe pregnancy sickness left me in a coma'
A woman who was placed in an induced coma after experiencing severe pregnancy sickness has described waking to find her baby had been born. Atlanta McIntyre, 29, from Llantrisant in Rhondda Cynon Taf, experienced excessive nausea and vomiting during her pregnancy, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). During one episode of vomiting, Ms McIntyre choked and had to be put into an induced coma by doctors.
New Gavin and Stacey photos released ahead of finale
Several new photos from Gavin and Stacey have been released ahead of the sitcom's upcoming final episode. A new promo image features James Corden as Smithy, alongside Ruth Jones as Nessa, Mathew Horne as Gavin, and Joanna Page as Stacey on Trinity Street in Barry. And there are also dozens of photos from the episode itself. The final episode, which will air on BBC One on Christmas Day, was announced earlier this year.
Gavin & Stacey stars pay tribute to Doris ahead of final episode
Ruth Jones and Joanna Page have paid a touching tribute to Gavin & Stacey actress Margaret John who played cheeky neighbour Doris on the hit BBC sitcom. “Working with Maggie John has got to be one of the highlights of Gavin & Stacey,” said Joanna Page in an interview with Alex Jones for the new BBC Sounds special, Barry Island Discs.
Vinnie Jones says he wishes he was in Peaky Blinders
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Wales women football: How to get your UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tickets
Wales are going to the 2025 Uefa Women's Euros with both fans and players celebrating as the team makes history – qualifying for their first major tournament. The Welsh beat Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Dublin on Tuesday to secure their spot in Switzerland next year. “This is by far the proudest moment of my life,” said Champions League winner and Wales' record goalscoring star Jess Fishlock. Wales will join Poland as European Championship debutants in 2025 as England look to defend their crown.
Peaky Blinders movie spotted filming in Wrexham
The upcoming Peaky Blinders movie has begun filming in north Wales, with Hollywood star Cillian Murphy spotted on set. The Oscar-winning actor returns to the role of Tommy Shelby for the upcoming Peaky Blinders film – a continuation of the hit crime drama. There was six series of hit BBC TV show and the upcoming film continuing the story of Shelby and the Peaky Blinders crime gang.
How are flood alerts and weather warnings set?
Flooding across south Wales has left residents angry at what they say was a lack of preparation and insufficient warning. Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council, said he was "amazed" that only a yellow weather warning was put in place, saying an amber warning was expected. Meanwhile, Pontypridd resident John Pockett said: “The one thing I think is appalling in this is: where was the warning?
Why was Olivia Rodrigo in a Welsh seaside town?
Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo has been snapped out and about in a north Wales seaside town. The 21-year-old US pop star, famous for hits including Drivers License and Good 4 U, was snapped while shopping in Marks & Spencer in Llandudno. "She's been walking around Llandudno for weeks," said Marks & Spencer worker, Rose Ann Bituon-Thomas, who took a selfie with Rodrigo.
Gavin and Stacey gang in first official photo
Gavin and Stacey gang in first official photo The boys - and girls - are back in town: Smithy, Gavin, Stacey and Nessa reunite for the 2024 Christmas special [BBC/Fulwell73 & Tidy Productions/Tom Jackson] Gavin and Stacey and the rest of the gang from both Barry and Billericay are back together in a new image released ahead of the upcoming BBC finale of the hit comedy series.
Gavin and Stacey gang in first official photo
Gavin and Stacey and the rest of the gang from both Barry and Billericay are back together in a new image released ahead of the upcoming BBC finale of the hit comedy series. Smithy, played by James Corden, and Matthew Horne as Gavin are leaning against a brick wall alongside Joanna Page's Stacey, and Nessa, the role taken by Ruth Jones. The final episode, which will air on BBC One on Christmas Day, was announced earlier this year.
Taron Egerton stars in Christmas action Netflix film
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Taron Egerton stars in Christmas action Netflix film
Welsh actor Taron Egerton has a starring role in new Netflix action-thriller film Carry-On. Egerton, 35, plays Ethan Kopek, a young airport security guard whose work involves screening passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). He is forced to pursue a mysterious villain after being blackmailed into allowing a potentially dangerous package on board a Christmas Eve flight. “It was a wildly entertaining, engaging script and I felt it had something fresh to it,” said Egerton.
Wales childcare provider business rates scrapped
Registered childcare premises in Wales will no longer have to pay business rates. The Welsh government has announced that registered childcare premises will retain their small business rates relief (SBRR) on a permanent basis. One south Wales premises, the Daisy Day Nursery, said it had been "feeling a bit of dread" for next year, but described the decision as "huge". Although childcare premises have been granted this exemption since 2019, it was due to run out on 31 March 2025.
New 550-capacity theatre planned for capital
A new "digital-first" theatre is planned for Cardiff Bay [Goldbeck Construction] Plans to build a 550-capacity "immersive" theatre in Cardiff Bay have been announced by the Wales Millennium Centre. The venue, proposed at a site opposite the existing Wales Millennium Centre (WMC), is intended to be a "digital-first" theatre making use of virtual reality and immersive technology. There will also be facilities for production, rehearsals and training.
New 550-capacity theatre planned for capital
Plans to build a 550-capacity "immersive" theatre in Cardiff Bay have been announced by the Wales Millennium Centre. The venue, proposed at a site opposite the existing Wales Millennium Centre (WMC), is intended to be a "digital-first" theatre making use of virtual reality and immersive technology. There will also be facilities for production, rehearsals and training.
Tiny Welsh music festival added to hit video game
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Tiny Welsh music festival added to hit video game
It may be much smaller than the Glastonbury from which it takes its name, but has hosted countless tribute acts, and is in the Welsh seaside town loved by fans of Gavin and Stacey. Now the Glastonbarry festival has another high-flying claim to fame, thanks to the creators of the hit video game Microsoft Flight Simulator. The familiar blue and white festival tent in Barry has been added to the sights seen from the sky by players in a recent update.
How huge new shopping centre helped transform city
The original part of the St David's shopping centre opened its doors in 1981, long before St David's 2 was unveiled in 2009 [Jay Page] It was the day that the face of shopping - and much more - changed massively in Wales' capital city. A huge new extension opened to the St David's shopping centre on 22 October 2009, but it also meant familiar old institutions making way for a new, more modern Cardiff.
Gavin and Stacey cast 'in tears' as show wraps
October 9, 2024 at 5:34 PM Crowds of fans have queued to catch a glimpse of the stars of Gavin and Stacey, including Joanna Page and Ruth Jones, since filming began in September [PA Media] Gavin and Stacey star Alison Steadman has said after filming the final scenes of the hit show "90% of us were in tears". The actress told BBC's The One Show the cast had all been dreading the end.
Gavin and Stacey filming wraps ‘for last time ever’
The last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey has finished filming, the BBC has confirmed. “And that's a wrap... for the last time ever,” the BBC said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The show’s co-creators, James Corden and Ruth Jones, confirmed back in May that Gavin and Stacey would return for one final episode – due to be aired on Christmas Day. Filming began in September, with fans of the sitcom seen queuing up to see the stars of the show at iconic filming locations across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Gavin and Stacey filming wraps for the last time
"If someone tries to start a fight with you, put them down as fast and nastily as you possibly can": The wild life of The Who's combustion engine, John Entwistle There were good and sound reasons for the two enduring nicknames The Who bassist John Entwistle was given: The Ox and Thunderfingers. The former was …
The Welsh rapper who helped create ‘80s hit song
Eric Martin is known to many as MC Eric – the Welsh rapper who shot to stardom with the release of Technotronic’s 1989 hit Pump Up the Jam. "I remember hearing the tune and I just knew, man," he said. Pump Up the Jam reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and rocketed Technotronic – that’s Martin, Belgian musician and producer Jo Bogaert, and rapper Ya Kid K – to stardom.
Bake Off star's message after revealing baby loss
The Great British Bake Off contestant Georgie has said filming for the show's latest episode was "exceptionally hard" after the necklace she wore to remember her late daughter broke. Georgie told her Instagram followers "you're not alone" after revealing that her life changed forever in 2021 "when my little girl was stillborn at 25 weeks".
Bake Off star's message after revealing baby loss
October 2, 2024 at 7:34 AM The Great British Bake Off contestant Georgie has said filming for the show's latest episode was "exceptionally hard" after the necklace she wore to remember her late daughter broke. Georgie told her Instagram followers "you're not alone" after revealing that her life changed forever in 2021 "when my little girl was stillborn at 25 weeks".
How Sheen transformed himself into Prince Andrew
Actor Michael Sheen has described how he transformed his look for his "intense" portrayal of the Duke of York in the drama A Very Royal Scandal. The Welsh star used a wig and false teeth for his role as Prince Andrew in the three-part series focusing on the infamous BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, and the days leading up to it.
A look inside the Disney house for sale in Rhyl
Ryan Leston - BBC News September 11, 2024 at 12:45 AM·2 min read A Disney fan has put their three-bedroom home up for sale, bringing A Whole New World to a Welsh town. Although hard to tell from the exterior of the Rhyl property, it hides a host of Disney-themed murals, with an Aladdin-themed living room as well as the Magic Mirror from Snow White over the fireplace.
Striking mural in 'last pit of the Rhondda' village
Ryan Leston - BBC News and Catriona Aitken - BBC News September 8, 2024 at 11:06 PM·3 min read A mural commemorating "the last pit of the Rhondda" has appeared in a historic mining village. The striking image has been painted on the side of a building on Station Road in Maerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and depicts a miner at Maerdy Colliery.
First pictures from final Gavin and Stacey show
Jones, dressed as her character Nessa, was seen in a rickshaw on Barry seafront in south Wales, with her co-star Joanna Page, as Stacey, in the back. Corden, who was directing the scene, told BBC News it was "wonderful" to be back in Barry. "There's so much history over the past 17 years here," he said.
First pictures from final Gavin and Stacey show
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Gavin and Stacey - where in Wales was it filmed?
The cast and crew of Gavin and Stacey are back in Barry Island, as filming gets under way for the much-anticipated Christmas finale. Written and starred in by Ruth Jones and James Corden, the new episode of the popular sitcom - which first aired in 2007 - will be the last. Although the show is set across both England and Wales, most of the locations used for filming were actually in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, and surrounding areas.
Gavin and Stacey - where in Wales was it filmed?
By signing up for our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies.
Gavin and Stacey filming locations: Where in Wales was the series filmed?
Watch: On this day in 1968, 6 sixes in an over were hit for the first time in cricket by Sir Garfield Sobers Hitting all six deliveries in an over out of the park is a feat that was first accomplished in cricket at any level on August 31, 1968, when the West …
Rings of Power star slipped Welsh word into show
The Rings of Power actress Morfydd Clark managed to sneak a Welsh word into the Lord of the Rings spin-off. The US fantasy TV drama returns for a second season on Thursday. Clark, who grew up in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, resumes her leading role as the elf Galadriel. During a particular scene in series one, Clark's character was seen shouting the command "cer" to her horse – the Welsh word for "go".
Rings of Power star slipped Welsh word into show
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Thousands to attend sold-out Green Man festival
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Thousands to attend sold-out Green Man festival
Thousands are set to attend Green Man festival over the course of the next four days. The annual arts and music event gets under way for its 22nd year with a line-up including the British singer-songwriter Sampha and the US indie folk band Big Thief. About 25,000 people are expected each day at the festival, which takes place in Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons. Transport for Wales (TfW) said it would be using "all available" trains to help ticket-holders get to the event.
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