Leeds
New BBC Drama ‘Better’ to be filmed in entirely in Leeds
Starring Leila Farzad.
The highly-anticipated new BBC Drama has been filming right under our noses.
The BBC has long been known for its gripping thrillers, but new drama series Better could unnerve even the most rational of Loiners.
Set and filmed entirely in Leeds, the new series starring I Hate Suzie's Leila Farzad will see the actress taking on redemption in a whole new light.
Redefining what it meants to be right or wrong, Farzad will play lead Detective Lou alongside Broadchurch's Andrew Buchan, Wolf'e Zak Ford-Williams, Cold Feet's Ceallach Spellman and Peaky Blinder's Samuel Edward-Cook.
Read More: New BBC drama to be filmed inside Leeds Corn Exchange
Written by the talent behind Spooks and Humans, Jonathon Brackley and Sam Vincent make up the team of producers on this exciting new series.
The BBC has released a synopsis which suggests that viewers are going to be for quite the emotional, on-the-edge-of-your-seat journey.
"19 years ago, when Lou was a young police officer at her lowest ebb and Col a low-ranking but ambitious newcomer to the Leeds underworld, their paths crossed, and they struck a deal that changed their lives forever. The bargain allowed Col to become very rich and very powerful, and Lou to turn around her failing career.
"A complex but special bond between the pair was forged, and so began Lou’s gradual slide into corruption. It started slowly, almost imperceptibly – small favours for Col here and there in return for tip offs, a little money to help her through some tough times – but over time her criminality seeped into every aspect of Lou’s life and morphed into something far more sinister and dangerous as the stakes grew."
The multi-layered complexion of Detective Lou Slack is a personality that BAFTA-nominated cress Leila Farzad is excited to take on: “Better is a brilliant fresh take on the morality tale. I am excited to have the opportunity to play Lou Slack, the vehicle through which we explore the multivalent layers of good and bad. A complex, flawed yet utterly human character. I feel very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful show with an incredibly talented team attached to it.”
On Monday 16 May, The Yorkshire Post reported that the TV drama was causing gridlock whilst filming on the Bingley Sir Fred Hoyle Way bypass the previous weekend. Besides this, few additional filming locations have been released to the public but it is expected that viewers will recognise the Yorkshire hotspots once the BBC drama makes it on to the TV screens.
Read More: New Netflix movie with James Bond and Game of Thrones stars films in Leeds
More information is expected to follow as filming continues.
Feature Image- Benjamin Elliott / BBC / Pip Bourdillon
Leeds
Leeds to make history as the host for Tour de France Femmes 2027
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Leeds and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s a big sporting landmark for us Leeds lot.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race will be passing through Leeds next summer whilst the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be hosted here.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
Exciting times, right?
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
"Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
‘Allez Tour de France!’
Read more: Leeds confirm signing of Brighton youngster on loan
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)
Leeds
Leeds confirm signing of Brighton youngster on loan
Danny Jones
Leeds United have confirmed another January signing, bringing in Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Facundo Buonanotte on loan until the end of the season.
An exciting little deal that adds even further strength in depth to their attacking options.
The Argentinian attacking midfielder, who has often been deployed as a winger, has already shown plenty of early promise at his parent club, not to mention further impressing as a loanee at Leicester City during the 2024/25 season.
Buonanotte was loaned out to Chelsea last year, but only made a total of four appearances during the spell, and will now spend the remainder of the current campaign with Daniel Farke's Leeds.
Being unveiled at the Thorp Arch training centre on Thursday, 15 January, the 21-year-old forward is among what The Whites will hope is set to be fresh batch of signings this transfer window, with the team being linked with a number of names this winter.
One player who is set to arrive at Elland Road imminently is Leeds United fellow youth talent, Leonard Ngenge - a Nigerian defender who signed a pre-contract ahead of his 18th birthday.
Meanwhile, Buonanotte is set become just the fourth South American international to represent the Yorkshire club (bonus points if you can name the others).
Penning a short-term temporary contract, it is not thought that the deal for the Rosario Central academy product involves an option to buy.
Chelsea had actually hijacked his transfer back in the summer following an initial approach from Leeds, but has ultimately struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge in 25/26.
Looks like he's made a better decision this time around.
The Argentine prospect enjoyed the best term of his professional career with the Foxes, scoring half a dozen times and assisting three times in 35 appearances.
He will wear the number 40 shirt.
In case you haven't seen a showreel of finishes and assists before, you can see some Facundo Buonanotte highlights during his breakout period for Brighton HERE.
Happy with your newest recruit, Leeds fans, or do you still want some more names coming in before you're satisfied?
Read more:
Featured Images — Leeds United (via official website)
Sophie Smith -
23rd May 2022 
