Simone Lahbib supports home city Culture Bid
Stirling born actor Simone Lahbib has backed Stirling’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.
Article Source: Stirling: Alive with Scotland
Last Updated: 16 March 2022 9:43
With the decision on whether the city has made the shortlist due next week, Simone shared her love of Stirling with her fans and followers on Twitter.
She tweeted: “Wishing my home city good luck as it bids to become UK #CityofCulture2025 @StirlingAWS #Stirling2025 Let’s do this!”
Best known for her roles as Helen Stewart in the ITV drama series ‘Bad Girls’, DCI Alex Fielding in the ITV crime series ‘Wire in the Blood’ and Laura Cereta in hit US show ‘Da Vinci’s Demons’, Simone comes home as often as she can to visit family and friends in Stirling.
Commenting on what the title would mean for Stirling, Simone said: “There are so many talented people in and from Stirling, although you might not know it as Scots tend to be self-deprecating!
“As well as being a great boost for the arts and the local economy, just think of the positive energy winning would bring to everyone back home.
“I’m sure it would reignite the tremendous pride people feel for Stirling and spark a tidal wave of creative activity after what’s been an extremely challenging few years for everyone.”
She added: “I never need much excuse to come home, so any invite generated by the possible new status would be gratefully received. Let’s just say, I’ll be there!”
Despite living in London, Stirling is still ‘home’ to Simone and very special to her: “It’s the combination of the location, framed by the rolling hills, the rich heritage, strong community feel and thriving arts scene that makes Stirling so special.
“Apart from my family and friends, I really miss the friendliness of the people in Stirling and the breathtaking scenery.”
Simone has some top tips for anyone visiting Stirling. She said: “I could give you a long list of places to visit, but top of the list would have to be taking in the view from the top of the Wallace Monument. On a clear day you can see for miles in every direction.
“Stirling Castle, built on volcanic rock and overlooking the city, is also a great day out for the whole family.
“There are also so many beautiful walks in and around Stirling. I love walking along, and sometimes paddling in, the Allan Water and around Stirling University.
“A short drive in any direction will take you to places of phenomenal beauty, Loch Lomond being one of them.”
Simone’s first big break came in 1986, when she starred in ‘The Girl in the Picture’ alongside John Gordon Sinclair, Irina Brook and Gregor Fisher.
She said: “I loved the experience. I was at ballet school at the time and it made me decide to change path and re-train as an actor.”
Since then, Simone has gone on to play many roles but one of the characters she is most proud of is that of Eastenders villain, Katy Lewis.
Simone explained: “The role highlighted how abusive personalities charm and gain trust before abusing their victims. I found it fascinating and terrifying in equal measure.”
Simone has also recently turned her hand to directing. Her short film ‘Swipe Right’, which she wrote, directed and produced, has picked up numerous awards on the International Film Festival circuit, including ‘Best First Time Director’ and ‘Best Short Film Audience Award’ at the ‘Soho London Independent Film Festival.’
Simone, who also teaches ‘Screen Acting’ to students at the University of West London and Drama Studio London, offered some advice for anyone considering a career in the creative industries: “My advice to my students is always to prepare well, be a good company member, get in flow and have fun. Having any job in the creative arts has to be the best job in the world.”
Although Simone has now left Eastenders, it won’t be long until she returns to our screens. Her next appearance is in Shetland series 7, which is airing on BBC Scotland soon.
Back Stirling’s bid at Stirling2025.com and share your support with the hashtag #Stirling2025
Image: Simone Lahbib
Image credit: Bryan Robertson
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Culture Night Stirling 2026 announced
Stirling Council and local partners are delighted to announce a new annual celebration of culture, which will see the area come alive at night with an exciting range of events and activities.
READ MORE
IRN BRU proposes Kelpies mythical makeover to honour our national animal
IRN-BRU thinks it’s time for Scotland’s unicorns to finally toot their own horn - by giving one of the country’s most iconic sculptures a magical makeover.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Major milestone reached in new flood defence scheme for Bridge of Allan
A new £16 million flood prevention scheme for Bridge of Allan has taken a significant step forward following approval to procure a contract to design and build the defences.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Stirling Highland Games Chieftain for 2025 is named
Stirling Highland Games have announcement that former Scotland Women’s rugby internationalist Lyndsay O'Donnell has been appointed as their honorary chieftain for 2025.
READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MORE
Landmark active travel project in Stirling officially opens
A ground-breaking active travel network that will transform how people get around Stirling and the wider region has officially opened.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
The Scottish Wild Food Festival returns from 17th to 18th May
From Forest Floor to Firepit: Scotland’s Wild Food Festival Returns with a Focus on Responsible Foraging, Boozy Botany and Coastal Flavours.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
Stirling caps off 900th anniversary celebrations with dramatic Castle parade
Thousands of people braved the elements to line the streets of Stirling to get a glimpse of one of the largest pipe band parades ever seen in the city to close the 900th anniversary celebrations.
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
Young Stirling musicians excited to be at the forefront of Stirling 900 gala parade
Young people in the Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band are excited and honoured to be among the bands at the front of the spectacular Stirling 900 finale parade on Saturday 29th March.
READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops
Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links