Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne, celebrated for her roles in Rosetta, The Girl on the Train, and The Missing, has passed away aged 43.

Her agent confirmed the news to the PA news agency, revealing that Dequenne had been living with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)—an aggressive form of cancer affecting the adrenal gland—since October 2023.

Emilie Dequenne, from Cannes triumph to International recognition

Dequenne first captured global attention at just 18, when she co-starred in the Palme d’Or-winning film Rosetta (1999). Her portrayal of a young girl grappling with schizophrenia, while desperately trying to keep her job, earned her the Cannes Film Festival’s Best Actress Award. The actress famously broke down in tears upon receiving the honour for what was her debut film role.

Her talent extended well beyond the big screen. On television, British audiences came to know her as Laurence Relaud in the anthology drama The Missing, acting alongside James Nesbitt in the story of a family holiday that takes a tragic turn. She also featured in notable films like the horror/action hit Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), the 2009 drama The Girl on the Train, and 2012’s Our Children. More recently, she played Sophie in the 2022 coming-of-age film Close.

Emilie Dequenne’s enduring legacy in European cinema

Dequenne’s work left a profound mark on both French-language and international film. In addition to her Cannes success, she took on roles that highlighted her range—from a sound recordist dealing with her mother’s murder in Ecoute Le Temps, to her compelling performance in The Girl on the Train, where her character fabricates a shocking, racially motivated attack. Fans and colleagues alike remember her as a dedicated performer who brought depth and authenticity to every role.

She is survived by her loved ones, and her passing leaves a noticeable gap in the world of European cinema. While tributes pour in, many reflect on how her early triumph at Cannes paved the way for a career filled with memorable characters and moving performances.

Stay tuned with Euro weekly news for more news about Belgium

The Catalunya Sports Palace in Tarragona hosted the Spanish Olympic Taekwondo Championships on March 15-16, featuring the Cadet and Junior categories. The Blas López Rincón Dental club from Torre del Mar, Axarquia, sent six athletes to represent the Andalusian Taekwondo Team, achieving excellent results.

In the Cadet category, Antonio Escaño earned a silver medal, while Hugo Aguilar secured a bronze. Ibrahim Pérez advanced through the first round but was defeated in a closely contested match against the eventual champion of his category.

In the Junior category, both Leyre López and Valle López won bronze medals. Gara Vico also had a strong performance, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

The Torre del Mar Deputy Mayor’s Office congratulated the Andalusian team and especially these young athletes from Axarquia. Once again, the Taekwondo team from Torre del Mar brought pride to the town and confirmed its status. 

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Andy Burnham has been firm in his stance that “no public money” will go toward Manchester United’s £2bn stadium, but he’s still eyeing £300m of taxpayer funds for the wider Old Trafford regeneration project – raising questions about where the line between club investment and public spending really lies.

It’s the mega-money move that’s got tongues wagging across the land: Manchester United are edging closer to building a spectacular £2bn stadium fit for 100,000 cheering fans. The Red Devils plan to knock down the old Theatre of Dreams and construct a truly colossal new home, all while promising not a single penny of public money will go towards the build itself. But how accurate are these claims?

There has been much controversy surrounding United’s new stadium project. From media speculation to petitions demanding no public money be used to fund one of football’s biggest clubs – just outside Manchester.

Mayor Andy Burnham makes his stance crystal clear

Speaking in front of a jam-packed crowd at this year’s MIPIM property event in Cannes, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham took a firm stance: “It is for Manchester United to fund their new home… There will be no public money, and that will not change in the duration of this project,” firmly slamming the door on rumours of council or taxpayer help to finance the stadium itself.

Land assembly the real battleground

While the Reds say the stadium will be entirely self-financed, there is one tricky hurdle that could see public funds come into play: land assembly. Manchester United needs to gobble up a few extra parcels for the new ground, including a Freightliner terminal that’s currently in the club’s way. According to Mayor Burnham, this is where local authorities may help, potentially through the mayoral development corporation he’s setting up to push the Old Trafford area’s regeneration.

“That is where the public money is more likely to be spent,” said Burnham, hinting that local powers could be used to move or purchase remaining land. The plan includes relocating the Freightliner terminal to IPL North in the Liverpool City Region in a move that could cost up to £300m.

Lord Coe: bigger than 2012?

Lord Sebastian Coe, who chairs the Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce, didn’t hold back on the stadium’s potential global impact. In front of the MIPIM audience, he compared the scheme to iconic ventures of the past: “I don’t think I’m overstating when I say this actually has the potential to be, not only a bigger project than London 2012 but… probably the biggest thing that’s ever really been undertaken,” he said.

Coe even likened Old Trafford’s regeneration boost to Barcelona after the 1992 Olympics, claiming the Catalan capital surged from a relative unknown to a top-four European destination ever since. A stadium that’s bigger than Wembley? A regeneration bigger than the Olympics? It’s enough to make even the most hardened cynic do a double-take.

The petition to stop United from using public money to fund their new stadium is: https://chng.it/DsrckkYVRn  

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