Nesbitt back home to inspire new generation of budding actors

The award-winning star of series including Cold Feet will embark on Tuesday on a two-day visit to the Jordanstown, Belfast, Magee and Coleraine sites where he will view cutting-edge scientific research and meet academics and students.

He said: “I’m very much looking forward to meeting this week some pretty extraordinary people at the University of Ulster who are making an incredible contribution to Northern Ireland and the world.”

He will answer questions from drama and media students at Magee and meet staff involved in the development of sustainable technologies, digital animation, nursing and biomedical sciences.

On Tuesday evening, he will reflect on his career during a special James Nesbitt In Conversation event on the Coleraine campus at the Riverside Theatre, which is celebrating its 35th birthday.

“One of the honours I am most proud of is my installation as the Chancellor of the University of Ulster at the Riverside Theatre in June 2010,” saids James.

“Over two years later, I still feel really privileged to have been asked by the university to take on this role. Ulster is a forward-looking institution which is playing a vital role in ensuring Northern Ireland has graduates who are properly equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to develop a flourishing economy.”

He said the university was developing ideas which make a real difference to people’s lives and contribute to the economy through the development of spin-out companies.

“The university has made a significant contribution to the cultural and sporting life of Northern Ireland, producing an impressive array of artists, actors, journalists, animators and filmmakers,” he added.

“The university’s sports teams continue to distinguish themselves in competition and our £13 million High Performance Centre in Jordanstown has been used as a training base by Olympic medal winning boxers and Paralympic Gold medallists, leading European Tour golfers, GAA stars and the Ulster rugby squad.”