HOLLYWOOD JACK: MY DERBY PRIDE..

Actor O'Connell supports City of Culture bid

- TOM BRYANT

HOLLYWOOD star Jack O'Connell is backing Derby in its bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.

The actor, who starred in Angelina Jolie's war film Unbroken, grew up in Alvaston in the city and still has close links to the community.

He said: “Derby is the place I proudly get to call my home"

Jack, 31, taught Angelina the East Midlands phrase “ay up, me duck” when she directed him in the hit movie.

She used the expression when she presented him with a gong at the Hollywood Film Awards in 2014.

Derby was yesterday named on a shortlist of eight contenders for the title.

Jack spoke of his home city's “mightily strong” identity, technological advances and its “groundbreaking” aerospace achievements during wartime. He also praised: "Our outstanding natural beauty. And our often overlooked arts scene.”