30/01/2008
Rowling Tops South Bank Awards
While the Arctic Monkeys took the Best Pop accolade at the South Bank Awards - presented by Kelly Osbourne – it was single mum-turned world-beating millionaire author JK Rowling who won the prize for outstanding achievement.
The Harry Potter author – who was handed the accolade at London's Dorchester Hotel by Lord Attenborough - acknowledged that saying 'goodbye' to the boy wizard was more painful than getting divorced.
She said: "It has been the worst break-up of my life - far worse than splitting up with any man.
"But it has also been wonderful to stop and draw breath and think, 'My God, look what's happened with an idea I had 17 years ago on a train'."
Lord Attenborough rebuked the author for the fact he had never been given a role in one of the Harry Potter films, and said: "I think I must be the only English actor of my generation who has got absolutely bugger all out of this extraordinary series that has been read by millions and made into movies.
"Surely there must have been something I could have played? Even just a few lines here and there? Don't think I didn't try!"
The Harry Potter books have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and have earned the author an estimated £545 million.
But Rowling insisted she would not write any more of the books. She said: "I think I've definitely finished his story. I said seven books and there have been seven."
Meanwhile, This Is England beat Atonement to pick up the film prize.
The BBC Three series Gavin and Stacey was awarded best comedy, and Channel 4's The Mark of Cain, about UK troops in Iraq, claimed best TV drama.
The awards will be broadcast on 3 February on ITV1 at 10.40pm.
(BMcC)
The Harry Potter author – who was handed the accolade at London's Dorchester Hotel by Lord Attenborough - acknowledged that saying 'goodbye' to the boy wizard was more painful than getting divorced.
She said: "It has been the worst break-up of my life - far worse than splitting up with any man.
"But it has also been wonderful to stop and draw breath and think, 'My God, look what's happened with an idea I had 17 years ago on a train'."
Lord Attenborough rebuked the author for the fact he had never been given a role in one of the Harry Potter films, and said: "I think I must be the only English actor of my generation who has got absolutely bugger all out of this extraordinary series that has been read by millions and made into movies.
"Surely there must have been something I could have played? Even just a few lines here and there? Don't think I didn't try!"
The Harry Potter books have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and have earned the author an estimated £545 million.
But Rowling insisted she would not write any more of the books. She said: "I think I've definitely finished his story. I said seven books and there have been seven."
Meanwhile, This Is England beat Atonement to pick up the film prize.
The BBC Three series Gavin and Stacey was awarded best comedy, and Channel 4's The Mark of Cain, about UK troops in Iraq, claimed best TV drama.
The awards will be broadcast on 3 February on ITV1 at 10.40pm.
(BMcC)
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03 October 2008
Men Charged Over 'Mohammed Book' Attack
Three men are due to appear in court today charged with conspiring to damage the home of the publisher of a book about the Prophet Mohammad and his child bride.
Men Charged Over 'Mohammed Book' Attack
Three men are due to appear in court today charged with conspiring to damage the home of the publisher of a book about the Prophet Mohammad and his child bride.
26 January 2005
Levy wins prestigious Whitbread book prize
Andrea Levy has won the prestigious Whitbread Book of the Year Award for her novel, 'Small Island'. The London-based author collected the main prize after 'Small Island' was also named Whitbread Novel of the Year at last night's award ceremony, which took place at the Brewery in London.
Levy wins prestigious Whitbread book prize
Andrea Levy has won the prestigious Whitbread Book of the Year Award for her novel, 'Small Island'. The London-based author collected the main prize after 'Small Island' was also named Whitbread Novel of the Year at last night's award ceremony, which took place at the Brewery in London.
06 March 2006
Shock victory for 'Crash' at Academy Awards
Racial drama 'Crash' was the shock success at the 78th Academy Awards last night, beating the favourite 'Brokeback Mountain' to win the Best Film Oscar. The drama, which starred an ensemble cast including Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton and Terrence Howard, also won best original screenplay for director Paul Haggis and co-writer Bobby Moresco.
Shock victory for 'Crash' at Academy Awards
Racial drama 'Crash' was the shock success at the 78th Academy Awards last night, beating the favourite 'Brokeback Mountain' to win the Best Film Oscar. The drama, which starred an ensemble cast including Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton and Terrence Howard, also won best original screenplay for director Paul Haggis and co-writer Bobby Moresco.
07 May 2008
Rowling Wins Court Of Appeal Case
In a decision that may have lasting implications over the photographing of celebrities, JK Rowling has won a Court of Appeal case.
Rowling Wins Court Of Appeal Case
In a decision that may have lasting implications over the photographing of celebrities, JK Rowling has won a Court of Appeal case.
05 October 2012
One in Four People Prone To Using Text Words Instead Of 'Normal English'
A survey from SecurEnvoy has found that text phrases - such as C U L8r, LOL etc – have become so much part of our daily lives that one in four Brits claim they are Textlexic – prone to using text words instead of normal English.
One in Four People Prone To Using Text Words Instead Of 'Normal English'
A survey from SecurEnvoy has found that text phrases - such as C U L8r, LOL etc – have become so much part of our daily lives that one in four Brits claim they are Textlexic – prone to using text words instead of normal English.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.