Rough Cut Reviews

When Nativity! hit UK cinemas in 2009, it quickly became a festive favourite thanks to its heartwarming story, laugh-out-loud moments and an endearing cast of schoolchildren. Among the standout characters was Bob, played by Ben Wilby, whose comedic dance moves and charming screen presence left a lasting impression on audiences.

Fourteen years later, Ben is no longer the cheeky seven-year-old who lit up the screen with pelvic thrusts and breakdancing. Now 21, he’s grown into a confident young man with a muscular build and sandy blonde hair, though his playful smile still echoes the boy fans remember.

Recently, Ben made an appearance at the Heart Breakfast radio studio, auditioning in front of Amanda Holden for the station’s upcoming Christmas production. He follows in the footsteps of stars like Leona Lewis, Tom Fletcher, and Ashley Roberts, continuing to stay active in the entertainment world.

The original Nativity! film followed the story of a primary school teacher who gets himself in a bind after falsely claiming that a Hollywood producer is coming to watch his class’s nativity play. Rather than admit the truth, he carries on the ruse with the help of an eccentric teaching assistant. The film became such a success that it spawned two sequels: Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger! and Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?, all of which featured Ben Wilby reprising his role.

Ben later pursued formal training at Emil Dale Academy in Cambridge, a performing arts school known for preparing students for careers in acting. He has also found a new platform in TikTok, where he enjoys a following of over 80,000 fans. On the app, he often reminisces about his time in Nativity!, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and updates from his life today.

In one of his videos, Ben explains how he landed the role of Bob through an agency looking for “chatty kids who could dance and sing a little.” That unique blend of confidence and charisma made him an instant standout during casting.

Ben wasn’t the only young actor from Nativity! to stay in the public eye. Krista Hyatt, who played Becky, is now 25. Before the film’s release, she had already gained national attention as one half of the dance duo The Cheeky Monkeys, who reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent.

Charlie Dixon, who portrayed Thomas from the rival private school Oakmoor, also shared the screen with Krista. Meanwhile, Maeve Dolan – known for always wearing a stripy hat in the film – gave an unforgettable audition with her rendition of “Teenage Dirtbag”. Now 23, she’s reportedly studying at a university in London and regularly posts content on TikTok, where she chats about everything from knitting to Teen Wolf and university life.

While the children of Nativity! have clearly grown up, their roles continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans who revisit the film each Christmas. And with many of them pursuing careers in entertainment, it’s clear the festive classic was only the beginning of their journey.

Ekin-Su Culculoglu, a former contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, has candidly shared her thoughts about her time on the show and the personal challenges she faced during that period.

The ITV2 reality series, which concluded earlier this year with David Potts emerging as the winner, frequently placed Ekin-Su in the spotlight due to her outspoken remarks and fiery interactions with other housemates. While her stint on the show brought significant attention, Ekin-Su now reflects on how her emotional state influenced her behavior during filming.

In a recent interview on Lorraine, the Love Island alum opened up about her mixed feelings toward the experience. She admitted that, in hindsight, it was not the right moment for her to join the show, as she was in the midst of personal healing. Reflecting on her mindset at the time, she shared, “Celebrity Big Brother is a fantastic show, and I don’t regret participating. But I now realise it wasn’t the best time for me. I was healing from past challenges and wasn’t fully healed. That influenced how I came across.”

Ekin-Su described feeling defensive during her time in the house, a trait she now acknowledges was a response to her internal struggles. She elaborated, “Looking back, I hardly recognise myself. I was overly defensive, often referencing Love Island and trying to protect myself in conversations. That’s not who I am now. I’ve taken accountability for my actions and words. I’ve learned to forgive, to grow, and to move forward. That chapter is behind me, and I hold no ill feelings toward anyone. I genuinely wish everyone involved the very best.”

One of the most talked-about moments from the series was Ekin-Su’s decision not to attend the live finale. Addressing this, she explained it was a conscious choice, driven by her need to establish personal boundaries. She has since described this decision as an important step in her journey toward self-awareness and prioritising her well-being.

Despite the controversy surrounding her appearance, Ekin-Su remains reflective and optimistic about the future. Her insights serve as a reminder of the importance of timing, emotional readiness, and self-forgiveness when taking on challenges in the public eye.