Hollywood star Jack O’Connell is backing Derby in its bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.
The actor, who starred in Angelina Jolie ’s war film Unbroken, grew up in Alvaston in the city and still has close links to the community.
He said: “Derby is the place I proudly get to call my home.”
Jack, 31, taught Angelina the East Midlands phrase “ay up, me duck” when she directed him in the hit movie.
She used the expression when she presented him with a gong at the Hollywood Film Awards in 2014.
Derby was yesterday named on a shortlist of eight contenders for the title.
Jack spoke of his home city’s “mightily strong” identity, technological advances and its “groundbreaking” aerospace achievements during wartime. He also praised: “Our outstanding natural beauty. And our often overlooked arts scene.”
Jack referenced the city’s once-mighty football club, which faces financial meltdown after former owner Mel Morris left the club in administration.
The Rams, currently managed by Wayne Rooney, were league champions twice in the 1970s and won the FA Cup in 1946.
However a takeover which could save the club is now being blocked by the English Football League over financial disputes with other clubs.
Despite their predicament, he said: “A Derbeian wears a pride that is uniquely enriched. Our one-football-club-city mentality unites us all.”
The actor, who starred with George Clooney in 2016’s Money Monster, also spoke of the city’s “incredibly vibrant live music scene”, called it “the world’s ale capital” and referenced 19th century industrialist John Smedley.
He said: “Our neighbouring villages and towns, each packed with charisma and charm, are home to some of the country’s finest exports – Mr John Smedley would’ve told you that.
“Ultimately in Derby being proud is a given because of the history we inherit, and more importantly, the future we strive to build. Ewe Rams!”
Derby is up against Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon in Northern Ireland; Bradford, West Yorks; Cornwall; County Durham; Southampton; Stirling, Scotland; and Wrexham County Borough in North Wales. A record 20 cities, counties and regions applied to become UK City of Culture 2025.
The title is held by an area for a year and is granted by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Coventry is the current holder and the 2025 winner will be named in the spring.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “I wish all our bids luck. Derby’s bid showed huge promise. I look forward to seeing what they have in store.”
Adam Buss, of Derby’s bid, said: “Derby has put its rich and vibrant heritage at the centre of its bid.
“It is the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the site of the world’s first factory, and a leader of the English enlightenment. A city of innovation, it is home to Rolls-Royce, Bombardier, Toyota and many others.”
