19 h. ago Johnny Vegas on swapping comedy for ceramics: ‘You’ve got to be hungry for it, and right now, I’m hungry for sculpture’

At 54, the comic has found a new lease of life by embracing his first love – pottery. He talks about agoraphobia, ADHD and creating ceramic cuddlesIn a cavernous room in an old pottery factory, Johnny Vegas is approaching his work and his face is a delight. “Is it wrong to love your own pieces?” he says, seeing his sculptures for the first time in the place they will be shown, on a table lit by beams of dusty sunlight. Called Just Be There, and made in collaboration with the sculptor Emma Rodgers, each form is the result of two people embracing around a soft clay column. The huggers are mostly from Stoke-on-Trent, where Vegas’s work in the British Ceramics Biennial, one of more than 60 artists included, is being shown. Some are collapsed – thanks to a bear hug. Some are more restrained, the clay holding the imprint of people’s feelings about personal space. They’re robust and beautiful, and Vegas looks absolutely thrilled.The first time he produced a body of work to be on public sho...

Culture

35 h. ago Johnny Vegas’ hugs sculpture part of ceramics biennial display

Just Be There was made with the help of Stoke-on-Trent residents and in collaboration with sculptor Emma Rodgers.

Politics

2 w. ago Councillor forced to deny bizarre speculation that man is TRAPPED inside huge sculpture

Brendan Reilly, a Chicago alderman, said the rumour about the Cloud Gate sculpture, which locals calls The Bean, has diverted his office from the work of managing his district

Politics

2 w. ago Huge sculpture taller than Angel of the North to be built beside the M62

The Bolt of Lightning will pay tribute to the area's past

Politics

3 w. ago When was Johnny Vegas diagnosed with ADHD and what was the 'most difficult part' of his journey

The comedian's latest documentary follows his attempt to create a piece of public art

Politics

3 w. ago Johnny Vegas 'feels like a fraud' as he makes heartbreaking admission

A revealing new documentary focusing on the career and life of comedian Johnny Vegas is coming to Channel 4

Events

4 w. ago Johnny Vegas reveals what ‘saved’ him after ADHD left him in 'meltdown'

The comedian and actor said he needed to take a year out after recieving a late diagnosis as he ‘couldn’t function’

Politics

4 w. ago Johnny Vegas admits he had a 'meltdown' amid his ADHD battle as he reflects on the 'most difficult part of his life' and what saved him

The actor and comedian's upcoming two-part Channel 4 show sees him create a piece of art for his hometown, St. Helens, in Merseyside.

Events