Oxford News
New Bridgerton season to have same-gender love story
Returning for a fifth series, the hit period drama will follow the love story between Lady Francesca Stirling, played by Hannah Dodd, and Masali Baduza’s Michaela Stirling, according to the Netflix website, Tudum.
The series, created by showrunner Jess Brownell, will take place two years on from season four, which saw Lord John Stirling die, leaving Francesca widowed and his cousin Michaela without her closest relative and confidant.
The series will follow introverted middle daughter Francesca as she decides to re-enter the marriage mart.
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However, things do not go to plan when Michaela returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, forcing Francesca to face her feelings.
Ms Dodd said: “(Queer love stories) have traditionally been excluded from things like period dramas — and queer people did exist, have always existed, and will always exist.”
Ms Baduza added: “It’s been really special to have Jess guide us on this journey, because she’s very excited about this story.
“What we really want to achieve is giving a realistic view of queer love onscreen and (giving them) a happily ever after.”
The costume drama, which is based on a series of books of the same name by Julia Quinn, follows the eight siblings of the Bridgerton family in their quest to find love.
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Ms Brownell said: “It feels groundbreaking. Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We’re not the first by any means.
“But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.
“We are still always grounding our love stories in the fact that this series is about joy and more than ever, Season 5 is going to be about yearning … Those of us who know what it’s like to be in a sapphic relationship or have a sapphic crush understand that’s so baked into the experience.”
Known for its orchestral and string quartet covers of modern pop songs, Brownell also revealed the season will include a number of queer artists for its musical backdrop.
The latest series followed the Cinderella-style love story between the second-eldest son of the Bridgerton clan, Benedict, played by Luke Thompson, and series newcomer Yerin Ha, who played maid Sophie Baek.
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The show also stars Irish actress Nicola Coughlan, Wicked star Jonathan Bailey, and Sex Education’s Simone Ashley.
Mr Bailey was born in Oxfordshire’s Wallingford in 1988 and grew up in nearby villages, including Benson and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.
He went to school locally, later winning a music scholarship to Magdalen College School in Oxford, before going on to build a high-profile screen and stage career.
Alongside Bridgerton, the 37-year-old has also had award-winning roles in the West End and starred in Broadchurch.
Season five of Bridgerton is already in production and will film outside of London, with a series six already confirmed to follow.
The Grade II listed property on St John Street, which is up for sale, offers more than 2,900 square feet of living space spread over four floors.
It features a large family room, a kitchen/breakfast area, large bedrooms, a west-facing courtyard garden, and a separate annexe, and is being sold with “no onward chain.”
Inside, the main house boasts four bedrooms and a reconfigured interior.
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The lower ground floor features a wooden-floored family room, a utility room, and a modern shower room.
On the ground floor, there is a parlour room with a feature fireplace, and a kitchen/breakfast area that opens onto a walled courtyard garden.
The first floor offers two double bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom, while the second floor features the principal bedroom, bathroom, and a dressing room.
The annexe, accessible from the courtyard, has its own sitting room, a first-floor vaulted bedroom, and a lower ground floor bathroom.
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St John Street, known for its Georgian-style Grade II listed terraced houses, is situated in the heart of Oxford and was developed around 1830.
The area is close to top-rated state and independent schools, including The Dragon School, Oxford High School for Girls, Cherwell School, St Edward’s School, d’Overbroeck’s College, St Philip & James School, Summerfields School, Christchurch College School, New College School, and Magdalen College School.
The property is also near the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford colleges, and the Oxford railway station.
Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.
The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.
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No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.
“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”
Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.
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Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.
They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.
The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.
In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”
Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.
The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.
In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.
The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”
The history of IKEA
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.
Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.
This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.
In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.
IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.
By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.
Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.
Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.
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