The fame game

A couple of months back, in this very column, I told you about a new up-and-coming TV show called The Last Van Helsing. It’s young star, Christian Cooke had been at my bar celebrating his birthday and was enthusiastic about his new show. Now re-named Demons, the fantasy/drama might already have you hooked. He plays Luke, the last in the Van Helsing line, who were the main hunters of vampires over the centuries, the programme has become a favourite of our Saturday night viewing. It’s a sort of cross between Doctor Who and Hollyoaks I’ve already called him to tell him my thoughts and look forward to seeing him again in person soon..

Meanwhile, I thought I’d hit the big time when I started getting emails on Facebook from people who’d said they’d seen me in Heat magazine. So, I rushed out to buy a copy and searched through it but couldn’t find it at first. Then finally, I saw the small picture, not much bigger than a postage stamp on the back page. It was of me on Secret Millionaire. The feature was an interview with Will Young and he’d been asked, “When was the last time you cried?” He answered, “I always cry. It was last night, watching the Secret Millionaire… I was weeping like a baby… God it was emotional”. I didn’t want to make Will cry again but felt I had to tell him that the lady who featured in the programme and the photo was suffering from cancer and has sadly passed away recently.
Appearing in Secret Millionaire and winning I Own Britain’s Best Home has opened lots of doors for Michael and I. Our latest venture is a six-part series about our lives entitled ‘2 Queens in a Castle’ on the Bio Channel, which starts on 6th Feb @ 9pm.

It was sad to read that Boy George had been sent down for 15 months for his involvement in imprisoning and attacking a male escort at his home. It brought back memories of the time I had Boy George locked up as well. Regular readers of this column will know Boy George and I go back quite a way. I used to book him as a DJ years ago for my club nights and there was one memorable time I put him up in my back-to-back house in Leeds. As there was no room left for me, I camped at my mum's house, and
locked Boy George in - why I didn't give him a key, I don't know. Anyway, when he found he couldn't get out until I turned up to open the door in the morning, he went mad. It wasn’t a deliberate thing as I only had one key and never intend never to let him out. Looking back the only way he would have got out would be the windows but seeing the latest photos of him, and the way he’s ballooned out, it wouldn’t be an option these days.
What a shame how he’s gone down the wrong path and ended up where he is – different outcome and you become a different person. Bet he’ll come bouncing back when he comes out of prison and make him re-focus. Maybe he should get back with Culture Club and start touring, go back to basics and make a go of it.
Oh yes… and keep away from drugs!

Photo: itv