Greater Manchester’s very own Marvel movie star Benedict Wong gave an inspiring speech to the minds of the future as he accepted an honorary degree from the University of Salford as graduation season ramps up.
The Salfordian ‘Sorcerer Supreme’ from Doctor Strange and Avengers started out in acting during the 1990s, and has gone on to become a hugely recognisable face across multiple generations.
From those who remember him for that hilarious cameo in The IT Crowd and playing Kublai Khan in Netflix’s Marco Polo, or those who know him only as ‘Wong’ (where’d they come up with one?) in the MCU or shining in the mind-bending 3 Body Problem, he’s gone on to have quite the career in the arts.
That being said, the Eccles-born Manchester United fan has never forgotten where he came from, and was recently awarded an honorary degree from Salford Uni, offering a message filled with sage wisdom to students in return. Here’s a short clip:
Wong, both his real name and best-known superhero moniker, began by joking that it’s been a “34-year ‘overnight’ success” before quickly segueing into much more sincere sentiments shortly thereafter.
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He insisted that none of the wonderful things that have happened in his personal and professional life could have been possible without “standing on the foundations of where [he] grew up”, a line that saw him visibly choke up a little.
But it didn’t take him long to return to some levity, confessing to his fellow graduates that he knew a member of the teaching staff way back when, revealing that besides days spent at the historic Adelphi Theatre, they shared a pub lock-in at the nearby pub.
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‘You can take the bloke out of Salford…’
Most notably, however, his main takeaway that he wanted to impart on the graduates getting ready to go out into the world was to stay hopeful and motivated; once again, he sprinkled in the serious points with little gags like the repeating THAT Coronation Street “London!?” meme for an easy laugh.
He did also go on to echo similar advice in a short interview after the ceremony, including the importance of making mistakes, which he believes is especially key at this kind of young age:
Put in simplest terms, he said that you should take things a day at a time and just start crossing off “coordinates of where you want to go” one by one until you truly realise it.
Being the latest recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by UoS, who took the time to thank his lawyer Bob as well, crediting his faith in looking after people above simply making money.
Big up Bob.
Finally, he concluded things by wishing these aspiring talents and creatives all the best and signing off by adding, “On your marks, get set, go.”
You can see Benedict Wong’s Salford University acceptance speech in full down below, and trust us – if you’re in need of some inspiration, it’s well worth a watch.
BBC’s popular Stockport-set sitcom Daddy Issues to return for third and FINAL series
Emily Sergeant
BBC’s popular Stockport-set sitcom Daddy Issues is set to return for its third and final series.
Daddy Issues follows Gemma, played by Manchester actress Aimee Lou Wood – most-known for her role on Netflix’s Sex Education – who lives for the weekend when she can ‘get blasted and party hard’ in Stockport, but after joining the mile-high club with a random hook-up on her way back from a holiday to Portugal, she finds out she’s pregnant.
The pregnancy couldn’t have come at a worse time for Gemma, as the only person she has left in her life is her dad Malcolm – played by David Morrissey – who is ‘kind hearted but useless’.
Gemma and her dad end up living together in Gemma’s flat, as she needs support at a critical time in a woman’s life… and he needs help microwaving rice without it exploding.
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are set to return for the third series of Daddy Issues / Credit: BBC
The second series followed Gemma coming to terms with motherhood and caring for baby daughter Sadie, and the third – and sadly, final – series sees Gemma 18-months on from where we left her in series two, and life has settled into a familiar rhythm.
Sadie is now in nursery, Gemma’s been promoted at the salon, and Malcolm has just ordered a fancy new washing machine to optimise the laundry. Things might finally be on an even keel… but it doesn’t take long for chaotic ‘old Gemma’ to rear her head.
Star Aimee Lou Wood says she’s ‘so happy to be back’ for series three.
🎬 Daddy Issues is returning for a third and final series!
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are back as Gemma and Malcolm
“Gemma and Malcolm are one of the funniest and sweetest comedy double acts on TV, and I’ve loved being a part of it,” Aimee said.
David Morrissey added: “I love doing Daddy Issues so much, such a great cast and crew! So I’m delighted to be coming back to have more adventures with Gemma, Malcolm, and the gang.”
Ahead of the show’s return, Jon Petrie, who is the Director of BBC Comedy, commented: “As Daddy Issues becomes a threenager, it’s been great seeing audiences take Gemma and Malcolm to their hearts. Danielle has created a brilliantly sharp, fearless comedy, and we can’t wait to see the Moscrips take the next, slightly wobbly steps in life with a toddler.”
Daddy Issues returns for its third and final series on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, with air dates set to be confirmed later down the line.
Featured Image – BBC
TV & Showbiz
Peter Kay adds MORE hometown charity gigs in aid of Bolton Hospice
Danny Jones
Local comedy icon Peter Kay has added even more homecoming charity gigs, adding some extra shows at the historic Albert Halls.
You can guarantee these tickets will be snapped up quicker than you can say garlic bread.
Performing on behalf of his hometown’s Bolton Hospice, the Lancashire legend and stand-up veteran might be winding down his hugely successful career on stage, but not before raising as much money for charity as possible.
Confirmed on Monday, 13 July, a further four ‘Peter Kay: Better Late Than Never (Again!)’ dates have been tacked on the regional tour run – but there’s a catch.
Yes, in case you missed the initial announcement back in April, the 53-year-old from Farnworth is only catering to his native Boltonians.
With seats being made exclusive to those with specific postcodes only – after all, his previous record-breaking tour saw people all over the country treated to plenty of dates – this latest update gives them even more of a chance of getting tickets.
Speaking ahead of the sets scheduled for early next year, Peter says, “There was such a big demand for tickets for the shows that I really want to do more and give the people who missed out the chance to come along.”
If you want to check if you’re eligible to grab one, you can read more down below.
The Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy creator goes on to add: “I’m putting on four more shows in the New Year and playing at the weekend means I can also perform matinees, as well as evening shows and increase funds for the hospice, which is what it’s all about.”
Kay has already raised huge sums for various charities throughout his career, and with all proceeds from these upcoming performances going to the organisation, these funds can make such a difference in so many lives.
Adding matinee and evening slots on Saturday and Sunday, 9-10 January 2027 (3:30 and 7:30pm), respectively, the quartet of additional comedy shows go on sale at 10am this Friday, 17 July.
Danny Jones -
15th July 2026 
