TV producer Ruth Boit takes you behind-the-scenes at celebrity parties & TV shoots, bringing you exclusive interviews plus all the backstage gossip. Where are they partying? What are they wearing? What are they eating? And, most importantly, what’s in the goodie bags?
How to celeb-spot
By
No comments
Like it or loathe it, the celebrity culture is here to stay. And whether you're an avid follower of all celeb gossip, or you couldn't care less about the lives of the rich and famous, there is no-one who doesn't get a buzz out of meeting with one of their idols.
I was at a party recently, chatting away to T4's Miquita Oliver, when I realised that the DJ was none other than Jazzie B of Soul II Soul. Now, I realise that Jazzie B isn't everyone's idea of a celebrity (his profile has dwindled in recent years) but anyone who grew up in the 80s will remember Soul II Soul's massive hit Back to Life. I adored that band, so when Jazzie finished I had to cut short Jo Wood - who was sharing her home-made cocktail recipe with me - to run over and gush in a way that would make any 13 year old JLS fan proud.
It disappoints me greatly to discover that while I can hang out with celebs at whatever party you want to throw me into, put my in a room with one of my idols and I revert to not-quite-hysterical fan mode. Luckily for me Jazzie B overlooked my gushing and while I don't remember the conversation, I do remember the kiss he gave me as we parted. I try to be cool, but sometimes it's simply not possible.
The problem with meeting our idols is how to do it. It does often seem that celebrities inhabit another world that we mere mortals simply don't have access to, but celebrities are everywhere - you just need to know where to look.
The Mayfair Hotel in London is a great place for a bit of celeb spotting. I've lost count of the number of bonafide stars I've seen inside. There are often photographers milling outside, so if you are in London, pop in for a coffee. I had a meeting there last week, and it was interrupted by Jedward climbing trees, running about and causing general mayhem. And sipping coffee next to me was TV reporter hard-man turned Ice skating celeb Donal MacIntyre.
Cool hotels are great places for bumping into the rich and famous. Sanctum Soho is famous for it's fantastic rooms and celeb parties. I've bumped into Sinitta in the lift, Anthony Costa on the roof terrace and Frankie from The Saturdays held her 21st birthday party at the hotel. If you're planning a shopping trip to London this Christmas (yes, I said it - CHRISTMAS) consider giving yourself a treat and staying at the edgy hide-out. Rooms start at £195 per night, a bit expensive but that does give you access to the ultra-cool residents' bar. Who knows, you might just finish your trip off sipping a Martini with your idol.
Of course, London isn't the only place celebrities hang out. During a recent weekend in Cardiff where I did my DJ thing, I was invited along to try the food at Jamie Oliver's new restaurant in the Welsh capital.
Most people there were too engrossed in the delicious food to notice that Rhys Ifans and Howard Marks were at a table chatting away! Speaking to our waitress I discovered that the restaurant is a favourite for celebs. Everyone from Jason Statham to Michael Ball has eaten there. Strangely though, I was told that Denzel Washington who was in town recently bypassed Jamie's Italian and opted for a sandwich from Greggs the Bakers (!!!) next door instead. I guess even celebrities have to eat on the move sometimes...
My point here, ladies, is that celebrities are everywhere, you just need to know where to look. And if you do happen to find yourself behind Madonna in the queue at Tesco, do say hello - most of them are happy to speak to fans, but try and be cool - they're not all as understanding as Jazzie B when it comes to over-excited women who really should know better.
Happy celeb-spotting, until next week.
RB x
What's Hot
Food - as I mentioned, I was invited to try out the fayre at Jamie's Italian in Cardiff. I've eaten in a lot of nice places and have had many top chefs try and get a good review out of me, but never have I tasted such delicious food. I was treated to five courses (try the South Coast Fish and the Italian Nachos - exquisite) in this amazing restaurant with a funky relaxed vibe and fabulous staff.
I have to admit, while Jamie Oliver can sometimes overdo it on television, in the kitchen he is a master.
Comments