Spacey to give debut lecture at Oxford

Kevin Spacey is preparing to give his first lecture at Oxford University, having been named a visiting professor of St Catherine's College earlier this year.

The actor, 49, took on the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre role from Patrick Stewart and will remain in the post for one year.

He said: "It really is an honour for me to have been invited to follow such illustrious names and take up this role at Oxford.

"The university is steeped in tradition and has a great heritage in the arts and I look forward to working with the students and staff. I am delighted that Cameron thought of me, I relish the challenge ahead and am excited for term to begin."