Jodie Turner-Smith transforms into Anne Boleyn in first look at new drama after being the first black actress cast to play Henry VIII's wife
Jodie Turner-Smith transformed into Anne Boleyn (pictured left inset) in a first look image at the new drama of the same name, after being cast as the first black actress to play Henry VIII's second wife in a bid to 'challenge conventions'. The upcoming series - scheduled to air later this year - explores the final moments of the queen's life from her lens as she attempts to tackle patriarchy and struggles to secure a life for her daughter, before she is executed by her husband. Jodie is the latest in a line of Hollywood stars who have taken on the role in recent years. Natalie Dormer took on the role alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyer's Henry VIII (top right) in the 2007 BBC series, The Tudors. Natalie Portman then took on the role of the Queen for The Other Boleyn Girl in 2008 (middle right). Most recently, Claire Foy (bottom right) took on the role in 2009 for the BBC's £7 million series Wolf Hall, based on Hilary Mantel's award-winning novel.
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Professor of black studies brands Winston Churchill 'a white supremacist' in controversial debate... at Churchill College
The British Empire was branded 'far worse than the Nazis' during a controversial debate about Sir Winston Churchill's legacy last night. The wartime prime minister was also described by an academic as a 'white supremacist' who benefited from Britain's 'heavily skewed national story'. The online discussion - held by Churchill College, Cambridge - on 'The Racial Consequences of Mr Churchill' looked at his 'backward' views on empire and race and was held as part of a year-long 'inclusivity' review. Contributor Kehinde Andrews, a professor of black studies at Birmingham City University, said: 'The British Empire was far worse than the Nazis. They lasted longer and killed many more people.'
