Global movie star Hugh Grant brightened an event at Hertford this week when he visited the college to support a fundraising event.
He was supporting the Bridge to Bridge Oxford to Venice bike ride, and the event raised over £6,000 for the cause.
Hugh Grant was speaking alongside a number of other high-profile celebrities, including Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger and former Labour politicians Jacqui Smith and Margaret Beckett.
Grant attended New College, where he studied English Literature and graduated with a 2:i. He matriculated in 1979 and began his film career whilst at Oxford.
Hugh Grant has starred in a number of films, including Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Money raised from the event will go towards support for students, including bursary schemes and hardship grants.
The Bridge to Bridge Oxford to Venice bike ride is a fundraising effort as part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the college’s Bridge of Sighs.
Hertford’s Principal Will Hutton is taking part in the ride.
“In celebration of the bridge’s centenary we warmly welcome alumni, students and friends to clip on their helmets, don a Hertford cycling jersey and join us on a 750 mile journey from our Bridge of Sighs in Oxford to the original in Venice,” according to the event’s website.
One student said: “Every time I watch Love Actually, I swoon again and wish I was Natalie the secretary.”
He continued: “Presents, turkey, Christmas pudding – I would quite happily give them all up as long as I have the film.”
“Never mind ‘Jeremy Clarkson for Prime Minister’, I call for ‘Hugh Grant for Prime Minister’. He has played the part and he went to Oxford, so that’s enough.”
