The Guardian – 10th January, 2015

Actor will play the boss of a secret government department in 10-part series expected to blend fantasy, horror and sci-fi
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde drama series.

Photograph: Ian West/PA Press Association

Richard E Grant is to star as the boss of a secret government department in a new TV adaptation of the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde story.

The Withnail & I actor will play Sir Roger Bulstrode, who is head of the shadowy M10 service in ITV’s Jekyll and Hyde, which will also feature ex-Coronation Street and Strictly Come Dancing star Natalie Gumede.

The 10-part series begins filming next month with Tom Bateman, who has been seen in Da Vinci’s Demons and on the West End stage in Shakespeare In Love, playing Robert Jekyll and his dark alter ego.

The story has been written by Fast Show comic and novelist Charlie Higson, who has set the action in the 1930s.

Gumede – who took part in the 2013 series of Strictly – is to play Jekyll’s love interest, Bella.

The programmes are expected to blend fantasy, horror and sci-fi and will use computer-generated imagery effects.

Basingstoke Gazette – 4th December, 2014

By Richard Garfield

There was an extra touch of glamour at the re-launch of Oakley Hall Hotel – thanks to the presence of popular actor Richard E Grant.

The versatile star, who recently appeared in ITV’s Downton Abbey as Simon Bricker – a guest of the Granthams – did the ribbon-cutting honours at the luxury hotel, following an 18-month-long refurbishment programme costing £4million.

At a Champagne reception, he mingled with guests, meeting the Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner and Tricia Gardiner.

The star, whose credits include cult British film Withnail And I and Sky Atlantic’s Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets, was clearly impressed with what he saw.

In a jovial and light-hearted mood, the self-effacing actor described himself as being completely “fraudulent” having been asked to re-launch Oakley Hall Hotel, through a mutual friend, because of his Sky Atlantic series.

He said: “Because I’m now an expert on hotels, having flown all around the world, I am just astonished at the level of the finish of everything I’ve seen.”

He was full of praise for hotel general manager Jon Huxford for his efficient and easy manner in keeping guests happy and calm while the refurbishment work was being carried out.

“I want someone like Jon. I don’t know if I can adopt him, but I want a bit of that in my life, so that I can keep calm at all times,” quipped the affable actor.

Improvements at the Georgian manor house, which has a distinguished past with links to romantic novelist Jane Austen, include the new Glasshouse Restaurant, the 1795 Bar and Lounge, and 29 additional bedrooms, bringing the total to 50.

The re-launch has also provided 20 new jobs, bringing the total of full and part-time staff to 80.

Oakley Hall Hotel director Frank Fogarty said: “Today marks a milestone for our company, this building and this estate.

“My father acquired the property some 20 years ago, and it was in a dilapidated and derelict condition.

“And so to see it now in this condition and also with the capacity in terms of bedrooms, conference room and marquee is something I’m very proud of.”

He too praised Mr Huxford and his team who, he said, “have dug in and kept the operation running to a very high standard, despite the disruption that this work entailed.”

http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/video/3921771105001/?ref=vidshare

DailyMailOnline – 27th November, 2014

A night to remember: Famed British actor Richard
E. Grant was also in tow at the sit down meal

By Fehintola Betiku

Joining forces for one night only, Elizabeth Hurley and Kelly Brook were what dreams are made of as they cosied up to one another on Wednesday for a picture at the Louis Dundas Centre Dinner. But it was Hurley, 49. who proved victorious in the battle of low-cut necklines as she put on a smouldering display at London’s Mandarin Oriental.

Playing the roles of hosts with the most, Sir Elton John, David Furnish and Ruth Dundas were all in tow to welcome guests to the star-studded event.

Richard E. Grant, Emma Willis, Natalie Coyle, Tamsin Egerton, Mike Rutherford, Sharleen Spiteri, Sol Campbell and Caprice Bourret were among VIPs in attendance.

The Louis Dundas Centre for Children’s Palliative Care was established in 2009 by Lord and Lady Bruce Dundas after they lost their four year old son Louis to a brain tumour in 2008. Having raised an incredible £6 million over the past five years, the Louis Dundas Centre for Children’s Palliative Care is now a world-class centre of practice, teaching and research into palliative care for children and young people.
The Centre’s next ambition is to raise a further £2.4 million to build on its success and extend the reach of its services in the UK and around the world.

For more information please visit gosh.org/louisdundascentre

Catching up: The two British icon were seen taking
a seat as they chatted away during the soirée

Here are some pics of REG shot by Felicity McCabe for Tatler Magazine. Grooming by Victoria Bond.

17th November, 2014

Here are some pictures of Richard at the Liberatum Cultural Honour For Francis Ford Coppola With Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London.