Category: Irvine Welsh

Irvine Welsh’s Crime Drama Series Two Sparks Curiosity with Transgender Plot

The debut episode of Irvine Welsh’s drama Crime left viewers ‘curious’ about the transgender plot, two months after the actor said criticism of JK Rowling left him ‘deeply uncomfortable’.

The second series kicked off on Wednesday night with gender identity playing a strong theme.

This came as a surprise to some fans of the show as Trainspotting novelist Irvine, 65, had previously weighed in on the trans debate and Harry Potter author JK’s views.

Rowling, 58, has previously been criticised for her staunch views on gender identity, but has always strongly denied accusations of transphobia.

The first episode followed Ray Lennox (Dougray Scott), who is battling to stay sober, having to investigate a sadistic serial killer who castrates their victims.

The debut episode of Irvine Welsh’s drama Crime left viewers ‘curious’ about the transgender plot, two months after the actor said criticism of JK Rowling left him ‘deeply uncomfortable’

The first episode followed Ray Lennox (Dougray Scott), who is battling to stay sober, having to investigate a sadistic serial killer who castrates their victims

The deaths are linked to an attack on Ray’s former colleague (played by Rebecca Root) who is is going through gender transition.

The transition storyline mirrors with the detective’s nephew Fraser who stuns their family by arriving at a family dinner in a dress.

In the tense scenes, Fraser’s mum ranted: ‘Kindly leave the table and return dressed properly. When he came out of me, they said: ‘It’s a boy. I’m a feminist and young idiots acting out are agents of the patriarchy attacking women’s hard-won rights.’

Fraser hit back: ‘I have a right to choose who I want to be. What’s wrong with that?’

Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to comment on the gender identity storyline.

They wrote: ‘Anyone else watching Irvine Welsh’s Crime on ITV? Considering his Twitter output on the trans issue, curious as to where he’s going with this plot.

‘Just started watching new series of Irvine Welsh’s Crime and guess what transgenderism is tonight’s theme!!’.

Others praised the series opening and said: ‘Irvine Welsh’s Crime is brilliant. Excellent acting by Dougray Scott too.’

The deaths are linked to an attack on Ray’s former colleague (played by Rebecca Root) who is is going through gender transition

The second series kicked off on Wednesday night with gender identity playing a strong theme. The transition mirrors with the detective’s nephew Fraser

Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter , to comment on the gender identity storyline

This came as a surprise to some fans of the show as Trainspotting novelist Irvine, 65, had previously weighed in on the trans debate and Harry Potter author JK, 58

Rowling has previously been criticised for her staunch views on gender identity, but has always strongly denied accusations of transphobia

‘Watching now and loving it’.

But viewers were disgruntled they had already seen the series on ITVX.

They wrote: ‘@ITV you have just announced a brand new series of Crime. Imagine my surprise when I realised I’ve already seen it, over a year ago. This is not a new series.’

Last month in an interview with The Times, Irvine said he doesn’t know JK Rowling well, but loathes how she’s been vilified.

He then offered his views on the ongoing debate about rights for trans people.

Irvine told the publication: ‘Only women and trans people can have that discussion, but what I would say is that I don’t believe trans rights should be advanced at the expense of 50 per cent of the population.’

Before the series aired, Irvine revealed why he wrote trans characters into series two.

Talking to Deadline at the Edinburgh TV Festival, he said: ‘No one is comfortable in their own skin.

‘We tried to let that permeate every single character, rather than just the trans character … They’re all fighting in different ways to make their voices heard. They’re all acting out in some way in this mad ship of fools.’

Irvine added they had a trans advisor on set during filming to ensure gender identity issues were handled ‘sensitively’ in the drama.

August 7, 2024
In his scathing review for the Daily Mail, Christopher Stevens criticizes Irvine Welsh’s novel “Crime” as a joyless hour with a trans-friendly, nettle tea-drinking Rebus rip-off. Stevens accuses Welsh of lacking originality and creativity in his latest work, and suggests that fans of the crime genre look elsewhere for compelling storytelling. Despite Welsh’s attempts at inclusivity and diversity in his characters, Stevens finds the overall experience of reading “Crime” to be underwhelming and disappointing.

Irvine Welsh’s Crime (STV)

Rating:

Here’s a deadly drinking game, for anyone with an asbestos liver and a craving for gritty police thrillers — watch Irvine Welsh’s Crime and take a slug of cheap whisky every time it rips off Rebus.

Long before the six-part series is over, you’ll be pickled like an onion.

The similarities between Welsh’s anti-hero DI Ray Lennox (Dougray Scott) and novelist Ian Rankin’s DI John Rebus (played on BBC1 earlier this year by Richard Rankin) are not parallels — they’re photocopies.

Both are cynical alcoholics, maverick cops hunting killers in Edinburgh. Both are emotionally damaged and single, regarded with a mixture of resentment, reverence and suspicion by their colleagues.

Anyone with an asbestos liver and a craving for gritty police thrillers — watch Irvine Welsh ‘s (pictured) Crime and take a slug of cheap whisky every time it rips off Rebus

The similarities between Welsh’s anti-hero DI Ray Lennox (Dougray Scott) and novelist Ian Rankin’s DI John Rebus are photocopies

Both rely heavily on a junior, female partner who is rising through the ranks, thanks to their mentorship. Both loathe corruption, and both let their obsession with unsolved cases dominate their lives. They’re both football fans, too — though one follows Hibernian, while the other supports their city rivals, Hearts.

The more significant difference is that Rebus is ex-forces and working class, while Lennox’s family is a bit more Waitrose — his sister is a solicitor, his brother-in-law a restaurateur.

That might explain his woke streak. He drinks nettle tea, a brew Rebus wouldn’t use to unblock the drains. And he’s ostentatiously supportive of trans rights, careful to use the right pronouns when his nephew sits down to a family dinner in a silk dress.

‘In my day, men were men and women were women,’ grumbles Gran (Ellie Haddington), a brief piece of dialogue chiefly remarkable for the absence of the F-word.

‘Maybe we should all try to be a bit more tolerant towards each other,’ Lennox lectures her. ‘Things are changing, this is the new world.’

Visiting a five-star hotel to pursue his inquiries, he seethes at the well-heeled guests, calling them ‘warthogs with their noses in the trough of privilege’. It must be tough to be so self-righteous and world-weary at the same time.

Speaking of well-heeled guests, a sex worker in five-inch stilettos tottered up the hotel stairs to a suite where a wealthy punter awaited.

Unlike ex-forces working class Rebus, Lennox is from a more Waitrose family (pictured: Dougray Scott)

Dougray Scott at the premiere of Crime at the Glasgow Film Theatre in November 2021

She proceeded to carve him up with a dagger. When room service arrived with the champagne, the place looked like an abattoir, and a second victim was last seen hanging upside down from a lamppost.

Between the wokery and the gore, it’s all quite joyless. The only reason to recommend this drama, which continues tonight, is its cast.

Joanna Vanderham is under-used as Lennox’s sidekick, DS Drummond, going home to her lonely flat, her cats and her unlimited supply of red wine.

Ken Stott (who once played Rebus) is the chief super, Laura Fraser is Lennox’s therapist, and trans actress Rebecca Root is his formerly male police partner, now a college lecturer called Lauren.

But Derek Riddell threatens to steal the show from the lot of them, as an oily politician who believes in using illegal immigrants as slave labour. He clearly hasn’t got the woke memo.

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Irvine Welsh’s Crime review: A joyless hour with a trans-friendly, nettle tea-drinking Rebus rip-off, writes CHRISTOPHER STEVENS

August 7, 2024
Family of Brian McCardie raise funds for heart disease research following his death, with support from Line of Duty co-star Paul Higgins who makes substantial donation

The family of Line of Duty star Brian McCardie have launched a drive to raise funds for research into heart disease – and his co-star on the show Paul Higgins made a generous donation.

McCardie was best known for his role as underworld boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in the police drama.

The 59-year-old was described as a ‘wonderful and passionate actor’ by his sister Sarah who revealed his sudden death last month.

His funeral will be held on Thursday where his loved ones will gather for his ‘final bow’.

His devastated family have asked well-wishers to donate to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland after it emerged he had suffered from heart disease.

The family of Line of Duty star Brian McCardie have launched a drive to raise funds for research into heart disease

One of the contributors to the fundraiser was his Line of Duty co-star Paul Higgins who gave a generous £100

His sister Sarah said: ‘Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April.

‘A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon. We love him and will miss him greatly.

‘Brian died of an aortic rupture and suffered from heart disease (which he was largely unaware of).

‘Rather than send flowers or gifts to Brian’s family (as grateful as we are), please instead make a donation to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland in his memory.

‘Thank you to everyone for your kindness and consolation in recent days and weeks.

‘Please remember Brian in your thoughts and prayers.’

One of the contributors to the fundraiser was his Line of Duty co-star Paul Higgins who gave a generous £100.

Paul, 60, is also known for starring in The Thick of It and Utopia.

He wrote in his message: ‘With many happy memories of Brian, and wishing love, strength and peace for his friends and family x.’

His devastated family have asked well-wishers to donate to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland after it emerged he had suffered from heart disease

Paul wrote in his message: Paul wrote in his message: ‘With many happy memories of Brian, and wishing love, strength and peace for his friends and family x’

The page said: ‘Rather than send flowers or gifts to Brian’s family (as grateful as we are), please instead make a donation to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland in his memory’

His sister Sarah posted to X over the weekend to let fans know that he had an aortic dissection – a rare condition where a weakened aorta wall rips

Brian’s sister thanked fans for their overwhelming support and disclosed how the actor passed away suddenly, following with details of his funeral

Line of Duty star Brian McCardie in his role in the BBC policing drama as John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter

McCardie’s funeral will be at St Mary’s Church in Lanark before a cremation service at Holytown Crematorium.

The service will be available online for mourners who cannot attend in person.

McCardie played Sir Marcus MacRannoch in an episode of Outlander and had only recently joined the cast of the Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood, in which he was cast as the chief of Clan Grant.

McCardie’s acting career had already seen him take on dozens of roles in prime time television stretching back over 35 years as well as on the big screen.

His best known TV role was in Line of Duty, he also starred opposite Sean Bean in the 2021 BBC prison drama Time and in the film Rob Roy and in Irvine Welsh’s TV series Crime.

His film appearances included Rob Roy, Irvine Welsh’s Filth and the thriller Low Winter Sun alongside Mark Strong.

McCardie’s family moved from Motherwell to Carluke while he was at school and he developed an interest in theatre, starring in a production of the musical Godspell with a local drama group consisting of youngsters from local schools.

He recently appeared in Jimmy McGovern’s three-part BBC One drama Time as Jackson Jones.

His sister revealed over the weekend: ‘Hi all, the McCardie family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support regarding the sudden passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.

‘Brian died due to an aortic dissection, causing short pain and a sudden death.’

Updating fans about Brian’s final farewell, she added: ‘There will be a funeral mass held on Thursday 23rd May at 11.30am at St Mary’s Church, 70 Bannatyne Street, Lanark.

‘We then move on at 1.30pm to Holytown Crematorium, Memorial Way, Holytown, Motherwell, where we will celebrate Brian’s life before he takes his final bow.

‘There will be links available to both the mass and the cremation service for those who cannot attend in person.

‘We will feel your support from afar. With love and thanks, The McCardie family, Eddie, Moira, Martin, Ed, Liz and Sarah. Xxx.’

The British Heart Foundation says aortic dissection occurs when the weakened wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to leak between the layers that make up the walls of the arteries – with symptoms including sudden and severe chest pain, pain in the jaw and face, and shortness of breath.

Glasgow-born Brian’s 35-year acting career saw him star alongside Sean Bean in the 2021 BBC prison drama ‘Time’ and in the film ‘Rob Roy’, as well as ‘Trainspotting’ creator Irvine Welsh’s ‘Crime’ TV series.

His film appearances included Irvine’s police thriller ‘Filth’ and ‘Low Winter Sun’ featuring Mark Strong.

Sarah told BBC Scotland that the family were ‘devastated’ by his death.

The post prompted dozens of tributes from fans, friends and fellow actors.

Lisa Sneddon, 42, said: ‘I said to my neighbour just last week “I’ve not seen Brian around for a while”, so I was totally gutted when I read online that he had died.

‘He was a brilliant guy, and he always took time to speak to people if they stopped him in the street – my wee boy has had loads of pictures taken with him.

‘Everyone around here is pretty shocked because even though we don’t exactly know him personally, it felt like we did because you seen him often.

‘My thoughts are with his family and friends.’

United Agents, which had represented the actor, said: ‘We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian McCardie’s sudden death.

‘He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent, and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.’

Brian had a lucrative 365 year acting career and appeared in episodes of The Bill, Holby City and Sky Atlantic series Domina, as well as the crass detective Dougie Gillman in the film adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s darkly comic police drama Filth opposite James McAvoy.

The accomplished actor took on a string of roles that took in his native Scotland, the rest of the UK and even Hollywood, appearing in action sequel Speed 2 and in Rob Roy opposite Liam Neeson.

However when asked by The Herald which of his roles he’d be remembered for most, he joked: ‘Probably Crimewatch.’

He told the paper he voluntarily walked away from Hollywood after working on five films in four years, adding that he found Tinseltown ‘Machiavellian’.

McCardie appeared alongside Sandra Bullock in action thriller sequel Speed 2: Cruise Control (above)

Sean Bean (left) and Brian McCardie (right) in the BBC’s hit TV prison drama ‘Time’

Brian McCardie in Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder is Easy’

McCardie appeared in a BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy as Detective Bull

McCardie added: ‘I think my representatives at the time were trying to put me into a box. You know, have a six-pack and be well-built with a chiseled jawline. Be some kind of prototype, young actor.

‘And I had no interest in playing an idealized version of people.’

Brian grew up in North Lanarkshire, moving from Motherwell to Carluke, south-east of Glasgow, and developing an interest in acting at an early age.

It was during secondary school that he developed his passion for theatre and acting, starring in a production of ‘Godspell’ with a local drama group.

May 20, 2024
Heartbreaking news as Line of Duty actor Brian McCardie’s family reveals his cause of death two weeks after his sudden passing at home at the age of 59.

Line of Duty actor Brian McCardie died after suffering a tear to a major heart artery, his devastated family have revealed.

The actor, best known for playing underworld boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in the popular BBC police drama, passed away suddenly at his home in April, aged 59.

In a post shared on X – formerly Twitter – his sister Sarah revealed he had an aortic dissection, a rare condition where a weakened aorta wall tears.

She wrote: ‘Hi all, the McCardie family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support regarding the sudden passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.

‘Brian died due to an aortic dissection, causing short pain and a sudden death.’

Brian McCardie died after suffering a tear to a major heart artery his heartbroken family have revealed

His sister Sarah posted to X to let fans know that he had an aortic dissection – a rare condition where a weakened aorta wall rips

Updating fans about Brian’s final farewell, she added: ‘There will be a funeral mass held on Thursday 23rd May at 11.30am at St Mary’s Church, 70 Bannatyne Street, Lanark.

‘We then move on at 1.30pm to Holytown Crematorium, Memorial Way, Holytown, Motherwell, where we will celebrate Brian’s life before he takes his final bow.

‘There will be links available to both the mass and the cremation service for those who cannot attend in person.

‘We will feel your support from afar. With love and thanks, The McCardie family, Eddie, Moira, Martin, Ed, Liz and Sarah. Xxx.’

The British Heart Foundation says aortic dissection occurs when the weakened wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to leak between the layers that make up the walls of the arteries – with symptoms including sudden and severe chest pain, pain in the jaw and face, and shortness of breath.

Glasgow-born Brian’s 35-year acting career saw him star alongside Sean Bean in the 2021 BBC prison drama ‘Time’ and in the film ‘Rob Roy’, as well as ‘Trainspotting’ creator Irvine Welsh’s ‘Crime’ TV series.

His film appearances included Irvine’s police thriller ‘Filth’ and ‘Low Winter Sun’ featuring Mark Strong.

The news of Brain’s passing was announced on X, formerly Twitter, by Sarah who said he was gone ‘much too soon’.

Brian’s sister thanked fans for their overwhelming support and disclosed how the actor passed away suddenly, following with details of his funeral

Line of Duty star Brian McCardie in his role in the BBC policing drama as John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter

The post read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.

‘Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.’

Sarah continued: ‘We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts.’

Sarah later told BBC Scotland that the family were ‘devastated’ by his death.

The post prompted dozens of tributes from fans, friends and fellow actors.

Lisa Sneddon, 42, said: ‘I said to my neighbour just last week “I’ve not seen Brian around for a while”, so I was totally gutted when I read online that he had died.

‘He was a brilliant guy, and he always took time to speak to people if they stopped him in the street – my wee boy has had loads of pictures taken with him.

‘Everyone around here is pretty shocked because even though we don’t exactly know him personally, it felt like we did because you seen him often.

‘My thoughts are with his family and friends.’

McCardie appeared alongside Sandra Bullock in action thriller sequel Speed 2: Cruise Control (above)

Sean Bean (left) and Brian McCardie (right) in the BBC’s hit TV prison drama ‘Time’

United Agents, which had represented the actor, said: ‘We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian McCardie’s sudden death.

‘He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent, and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.’

Brian had a lucrative 365 year acting career and appeared in episodes of The Bill, Holby City and Sky Atlantic series Domina, as well as the crass detective Dougie Gillman in the film adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s darkly comic police drama Filth opposite James McAvoy.

The accomplished actor took on a string of roles that took in his native Scotland, the rest of the UK and even Hollywood, appearing in action sequel Speed 2 and in Rob Roy opposite Liam Neeson.

However when asked by The Herald which of his roles he’d be remembered for most, he joked: ‘Probably Crimewatch.’

Brian McCardie in Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder is Easy’

McCardie appeared in a BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy as Detective Bull

He told the paper he voluntarily walked away from Hollywood after working on five films in four years, adding that he found Tinseltown ‘Machiavellian’.

McCardie added: ‘I think my representatives at the time were trying to put me into a box. You know, have a six-pack and be well-built with a chiselled jawline. Be some kind of prototype, young actor.

‘And I had no interest in playing an idealised version of people.’

Brian grew up in North Lanarkshire, moving from Motherwell to Carluke, south-east of Glasgow, and developing an interest in acting at an early age.

It was during secondary school that he developed his passion for theatre and acting, starring in a production of ‘Godspell’ with a local drama group.

May 19, 2024
Loaded Magazine Returns with Original Cover Star Elizabeth Hurley for Digital Relaunch

Easily offended and overly sensitive? Then look away now, because Loaded magazine is back, and it’s as bolshy and as boisterous as ever.

The legendary lads mag is launching a new digital platform for the not-so-modern man who refuses to conform to current masculine stereotypes – nine years after it went out of print.

Billed as a digital rebellion, Loaded online enters a vastly different social, environmental and political landscape – but remains unchanged and unrepentant in the tone that helped turn it into one of Britain’s biggest and bestselling magazines.

Located at www.loadedworld.com, the newly launched outlet is a space for straight talk, epic experiences, and a community that aims to celebrate who men really are.

Stating their intentions, Loaded say ‘we now live in a world dominated by the dopamine-hungry, craving the gratification so cheaply given by the appearance of a red splodge on social media, saying we have been validated by our peers.

Easily offended and overly sensitive? Then look away now, because Loaded magazine is back for an online relaunch featuring original cover girl Elizabeth Hurley

Hurley originally featured as Loaded cover girl when the print edition of the magazine launched across the United Kingdom in 1994

‘For too long, we been cheated by ‘content creators’ feeding us dreck and short-changing us with inferior morsels of cultural sustenance. Where is the love? Where is the passion? Where is the unbridled enthusiasm for the above average, the astonishing and the absurd?’

In homage to their first print publication in 1994, the Loaded team have recalled original cover girl Elizabeth Hurley for a busty 30th anniversary spread.

The 58-year old actress, currently promoting new film Strictly Confidential, shows off her cleavage in a loosely worn white shirt while posing for its official relaunch.

Loaded was one of the original lads’ mags, famed for its coverage of music and sport – and its shots of scantily-clad women.

At its height, the title – set up in 1994 – was one of the leading players in the booming sector, commanding a six-figure readership.

But the final print edition, which came out on March 26 featuring Noel Gallagher and novelist Irvine Welsh – was the last.

Deputy editor Lia Nicholls revealed the closure on Twitter in a post which included pictures of the first and last editions of the magazine.

She wrote: ‘The very first and unfortunately the last issue of @loadedmag. Sad day. Loved every minute.’

In homage to their first print publication in 1994, the Loaded team have recalled original cover girl Elizabeth Hurley for a busty front page spread and accompanying video

The 58-year old actress, currently promoting new film Strictly Confidential, posed for a series of racy shots ahead of the online relaunch

Elizabeth with son Damian, a budding filmmaker who wrote and directed her new film, in another shot from the Loaded spread

At times during its 21 year life, Loaded ran into controversy attracting criticism over the number of scantily-clad women it included in each edition

Deputy editor Lia Nicholls revealed the 2015 closure on Twitter in a post which included pictures of the first and last editions of the magazine

At times during its 21 year life, Loaded ran into controversy attracting criticism over the number of scantily-clad women it included in each edition.

Circulation fell as it went through a number of different ownership changes, but after a relaunch last year, Loaded said it would be ‘far more discerning and sophisticated’ in its depiction of women, the BBC reports.

The Telegraph reports that circulation topped 500,000 for its 50th edition in June 1998.

But sales plummeted to about 35,000 in 2011, the last officially audited figures for the magazine.

It was one of a number of lads’ magazines that became popular in the 1990s along with the likes of FHM and Maxim and, later, Nuts and Zoo.

The magazine’s publisher Simian said in a statement: ‘As of the current April issue, published on March 26th, Loaded will cease to trade as a printed magazine.

‘We would like to pay tribute to our customers, staff and especially our contributors and editorial team.’

One of its initial 1994 launch editors, James Brown, told his Twitter followers that the closure was ‘a pity’ adding: ‘The last team seemed to have made a real go of it.’

The 30th-anniversary issue of Loaded is available for online subscription from May 15.

Elizabeth features in a photo spread video and interview with the legendary lads magazine

May 15, 2024