Holmfirth-born actress Jessica Gunning has made her debut at the Emmy Awards - and taken home her very first trophy.
The Baby Reindeer star won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, and graciously accepted the award with a moving speech.
The Emmy Awards took place last night in Los Angeles and saw stars from all areas of primetime, daytime and international television gather for a night of accolades.
Baby Reindeer, which follows the story of Donny, a young man who falls victim to stalking, found itself sweeping six awards with both the lead and supporting actors winning in their respective fields.Â
Jessica Gunning plays Martha, a stalker who makes frequent visits to The Heart, a London pub where the lead character works. Last night however, she found herself making frequent visits to the stage at The Peacock Theatre in LA.
The West-Yorkshire born performer won her sole nomination, beating fellow cast mate Nava Mau or ‘Teri’, a trans therapist who later becomes a love interest of the lead character.
The now Emmy-award winning actress is no stranger to our screens as she has also starred in a few UK cult-classics like, ‘The Life of Riley’, ‘Doctor Who’ and BBC One drama ‘The Outlaws’.
Baby Reindeer has scooped Emmy Awards. Credit: Instagram, @mrrichardgaddHolmfirth actor Jessica Gunning won an Emmy award for Baby Reindeer. Credit: Instagram, @mrrichardgadd
Scottish comedian Richard Gadd plays the role of main character Donny, and also created the series, which is based on his own experiences.
The University of Glasgow alumni managed to win all three categories he was nominated for including Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series.Â
Gadd also took home the Writing for a Limited or Anthology series or Movie, for his screen-writing contributions for the miniseries.
The Netflix series, which hit our screens in April this year, bagged itself an overall win for Outstanding Limited or Anthology series category.
The title of the Emmy-winning series is named after Martha’s nickname for Donny, after saying he reminded her of a cute cuddly toy she had growing up, which also happened to be a baby reindeer.Â
When accepting her award, Gunning gushed: "I’ve tried so many times to put into words what working on Baby Reindeer meant to me, and I fail every time. So, I’m going to sing… no, imagine!"
She added to Gadd: "Thank you for trusting me to be your Martha. I'll never ever forget her or you or this."
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.
Thomas Melia -
16th September 2024 
