News

The best and worst of Welsh film revealed!

Published

7 years ago

October 1, 2019

THE NATION has spoken!
* Welsh film fans have had their say on the hits and misses of Welsh cinema in new research from ODEON
* Anthony Hopkins has emerged as the country’s favourite Welsh actor with 26 percent of the nation behind him
* Almost 1 in 5 consider Keira Knightley’s attempt at the native accent to be the worst in film
* Filmgoers can catch the latest blockbusters at ODEON from the everyday low of £5 across Wales

A Welsh film index has revealed new insights into the best and worst of Welsh cinema according to the local film lovers themselves.

Overwhelmingly, over a quarter (26 percent) of the nation has named Silence of the Lambs (1991) star, Anthony Hopkins as their favourite homegrown actor, with Rob Brydon (11 percent), Michael Sheen (10 percent), Catherine Zeta-Jones (8 percent) and Christian Bale (8 percent) all making the top 5, the research commissioned by ODEON revealed.

When it comes to the favourite film shot in Wales, almost a third (32 percent) of the Welsh public agreed that 1997 Swansea-based film Twin Town deserved top spot, while King Arthur (2004) and How green was my valley (2014) deserved honourable mentions with 18 percent and 17 percent of the results respectively.

As far as attempts on the Welsh accent go, Keira Knightley’s football skills appear to be stronger than her crack at the native tongue. Close to 1 in 5 of the public (19 percent) consider her role in The Edge of Love (2008) to have the worst Welsh accent in a film.

Bill Nighy on the other hand apparently aced the accent in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010). The research revealed in his role as Rufus Scrimgeour, Mr Nighy, had the best fake Welsh accent (26 percent) in a film.

A nation of film lovers, Joker (4 October release) is the upcoming film Wales cinema buffs are most looking forward to seeing this year (19 percent), while spending time with friends and family is what the Welsh consider to be the best thing about the cinema (28 percent).

With tickets starting at the everyday low price of £5 at ODEON cinemas across Wales, film fans can catch the latest blockbusters and more, for less!

WALES’ FAVOURITE WELSH ACTORS:
1. Anthony Hopkins 25.7%
2. Rob Brydon 10.9%
3. Michael Sheen 9.5%
4. Catherine Zeta-Jones 8.2%
5. Christian Bale 7.9%
6. Richard Burton 7.7%
7. Rhys Ifans 7.4%
8. Dawn French 6.2%
9. Taron Egerton 5.5%
10. Ioan Gruffudd 5.2%

WALES’ MOST ANTICIPATED FILMS:

1. Joker 18.6%
2. Jumanji: The Next Level 17.7%
3. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker 17.4%
4. Frozen 2 13.2%
5. Terminator: Dark Fate 12.6%
6. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil 10.6%
7. Cats 9.8%

* The research was conducted with 705 respondents

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.