Techno star gives lessons in medieval culture

The Chemical Brothers star Ed Simons gives medieval studies lessons.

The ‘Setting Sun’ producer studied the subject at university and was happy to share his knowledge with singer-turned-presenter Lauren Laverne.

Laverne, who gave up her studies to pursue a career with indie group Kenickie, said: "I don't regret not going to university. I had a place to do medieval studies at Durham but I'm not sure if it was meant to be.

"Ed from The Chemical Brothers did it at Manchester – that's how the band met – and he gave me a lesson once in a field at 3am and I thought: ‘Ooh I'm not sure it would have been for me’."

Laverne – who has a two-year-old son Fergus with husband Graeme Fisher and is six months pregnant with her second child – also admitted she no longer thinks she is cool because of her parental responsibilities.

She explained: "I'm definitely not cool. I'm a 32-year-old mum. You check your dignity at the door and at some point you're going to find yourself in a park wearing a cagoule.

"There's no kudos or mystique but it’s solid and secure and dependable and boring."