There was excitement at City University yesterday when news of a very special visitor made its way around campus. The identity of the guest, said to be a major politician, was kept hush. In the evening, former prime minister David Cameron appeared for a question and answer session with journalism students at the university.
What wisdom did he have to impart? Mr Cameron told students about the nightmares he has experienced since leaving Number 10, primarily a fear of speaking in the House of Commons with his trousers down.
After leaving office, Mr Cameron has rarely made public appearances. He was last in the news when he was revealed to have lobbied the government on behalf of Greensill Capital, a collapsed bank in which he held shares. Should we look forward to more insights from him?
Strings to Madeleine’s bow
With only a few months to go, planning for the Coronation seems to be hotting up. Today Madeleine Easton, a virtuoso violinist from Australia, became one of the first confirmed performers at the Coronation. She will play music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Anton Bruckner as guests enter Westminster Abbey on May 6. English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir, of which the King is royal patron, will perform with Easton. “I feel completely honoured and a bit starstruck. I just keep pinching myself,” she said. It’s a classical move from the cello-playing King. He seems to have gone back to the old favourites following reports that some pop stars won’t be able to make the celebrations.
Matt Hancock vanishes after the Lockdown leaks
Matt Hancock, right, has gone off grid after his WhatsApp messages were leaked to the Telegraph. Cambridge students are “disappointed” by his disappearing act — he was due to address a sold-out event at Trinity College yesterday but cancelled at short notice. The organisers, who hope to reschedule, said: “Planning this event took a tremendous amount of time, dedication and preparation.”
Love her or Luth-her
Actor Idris Elba confesses that he’s a bit of a nightmare to be around when he puts on the big grey coat as brooding TV detective DCI John Luther. Speaking last night at a screening of the new Luther film, he said: “I want to thank my beautiful wife Sabrina because I know I turn into a complete w****r when I’m playing John. But you still love me.” The pitfalls of method acting?
Brian May in 3D
The cast of Luther: The Fallen Sun attended the film’s global premiere at the BFI IMAX in Waterloo last night. Leading man Idris Elba was there, snapped with co-star Cynthia Erivo. They were joined by comedian Munya Chawawa and actor Deborah Ayorinde. And Sir Brian May launched his 3-D photography exhibition, Stereoscopy Is Good For You, at Proud Galleries, Embankment. He gave a shout out to late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, saying “Freddie would have loved these pictures”. The show runs until April 8.
