Former Opposition Leader and PN MP Adrian Delia definitely did not mince his words when addressing legendary film director Sir Ridley Scott after comments he made about Malta in a recent discussion with a similarly beloved film director.

Earlier this month, the 87-year-old English cinemas titan – who has produced a number of Oscar-winning films such as Gladiator – and filmed some of his biggest productions right here in Malta, praised the islands for its history and architecture… but was notably quick to add that he would not advise anyone to visit as a tourist.

“I wouldn’t advise going there on holiday,” Scott told decorated film director Sir Christopher Nolan in a recent sit-down chat following the release of Gladiator II, which was also filmed in Malta and received a hefty €47 million cash rebate in return for its location choice. Looking into the crowd in front of him and asking to make sure there were “no Maltese” in the crowd, Scott doubled down by saying he “wouldn’t go back there on holiday,” smirking as everyone else laughed.

“But the architecture goes from medieval right through to renaissance, and when it’s good, it’s spectacular,” Scott said, returning to the historical and architectural gems which Malta holds.