Hollywood A-lister Will Ferrell is set to join a group of celebrity investors looking to back Leeds United as they look to regain promotion into the top flight and re-cement their position.
The Step Brothers, Anchorman, Zoolander star and former SNL comedian is reported to be one of several famous faces who will be investing in Leeds after buying up "a significant minority stake" in the club's owners, 49ers Enterprises.
Ferrell, who starred in a US soccer film called Kicking and Screaming in 2005, is said to have "fallen in love with English football" over recent years, having also featured in Soccer Aid back in 2012 and becoming co-owner of MLS side LA FC in 2016.
A big sports fan in general, he is now set to turn his interest in American football (both kinds) to Premier League prospects and the hope of lifting Leeds back out of the Championship after being relegated once again last season.
He's been flirting with proper football for years now.
Now bought into the sporting investment group which controls San Francisco's NFL team of the same name, the limited company also boasts a number of other big-name backers from the world of basketball.
Other sporting names involved include multiple NBA players like Russell Westbrook, pro golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, as well as record-breaking Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
As for other celebrities, fellow TV and film star Russell Crowe is also tied to 49ers Enterprises, with a large portfolio of stakeholders and existing franchise pedigree making it one of the wealthiest investment groups in the world.
While no official announcement has come from the Whites yet and club media chose not to comment when asked about the acquisition over the last week, it looks as though Ferrell is now on board ahead of a big finish to the season.
The 56-year-old is obviously just the latest American celeb to buy into a UK football club, with the most notable example being Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's dreamland takeover of newly-promoted Wrexham AFC back in 2020.
With Leeds having just missed out on automatic promotion following a tightly-contested campaign all season, they must now hope to navigate the ever-dramatic EFL playoffs.
No stranger to a blockbuster himself, we can only wish him luck with surviving what will inevitably be an even more stressful few weeks than the entirety of this season.
The question is, will some extra money from the likes of Will Ferrell be the boost that helps Leeds United consolidate themselves as a Premier League club?
Featured Images — James (via Flickr)/LA FC (via YouTube)
Art & Culture
Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Art & Culture
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Danny Jones -
7th May 2024 
