Archives for December 2012

Here I am!

Lovely to talk to Emma Samms today. It's been a while, but I first remember talking to Emma when she was a new star of Dynasty (and then The Colby's) back in the 80s. It was then her dream to start up a charity making ill children's dreams come true, in tribute to her late brother, Jamie.

That charity, the Starlight Foundation has since grown and grown, and is continually fulfilling her dream. Her brother would be proud.

Meanwhile - what of reviving those glamour days, of Dynasty and Dallas? They've brought back one - why not the other?

Nah, says Emma. Dallas hasn't exactly wowed audiences in the states. Not once everyone realised how old they'd all become. And anyway, no-one's got the budget anymore.

Perhaps that's a blessing. But I miss those days of shoulder-padded glamour.

..... it's not to jump to conclusions - and certainly not to play the blame game.

The story of the prank phone call and its tragic outcome is not yet over, and could become even worse if we don't all calm down a bit. I was quite shocked that the hospital, no matter how upset, have sought so quickly to blame the Australian radio station. At this stage, blame is completely inappropriate. I am appalled at the apparent alacrity of the British press to blame it all on the Aussie broadcasters. I hope they have all behaved well in this matter. I note that the only 'news' picture of the nurse, is of her being hustled away from prying lenses. So I hope photographers' consciences are clear... If everyone doesn't shut up about it, we'll end up with yet more tragedy.

And as for poor Princess Kate, still sick and worried that her pregnancy is safe and well - how do we think she's taking all of this?

Frankly, blame, responsibility and lessons to be drawn from this whole sorry incident is a job only for the coroner at the inquest of the tragic nurse at the centre of this media storm.

I've never been to Eton - but I'd love to get along and hear the very best of music in the setting of the historic college chapel. Today my guest was Ralph Allwood, who was Director of the Choir there in the 80s, now known on TV too, as a judge on The Choir. He's got a special concert coming up at Eton next Wednesday - details here.

Plus a New Year's Eve concert with his Rodolfus Choir - see here.

Thanks to Ralph, and all of his choir members who'll be making our Christmas especially musically festive!

PICTURE: © Tom Allwood (tomallwood.com)

Or am I letting down all of my female colleagues at BBC Berkshire?

But Hugh Grant ringing up today, and coming on air to do an interview with me really did set many hearts aflutter.

He was great, by the way. Thanks Hugh.

Poor Princess Catherine. Being forced into going public with what is still very private news. The same thing happened to me. I was catapulted into going public with the news of my first baby - well before I was ready. I too had 'complications' meaning that I had to be rushed into a clinic in Harley Street for an emergency scan - just to make sure I was, in fact, still pregnant. For several days, we were scared the pregnancy might not last, so I clearly didn't want to tell everyone I was expecting. Particularly as I hadn't even yet told my Mum. But somehow, someone had noticed me going into the clinic, and rang the News Of The World, who broke the news the next morning.

I wish for Kate and William they could be afforded a few more weeks of privacy. It must be horrid enough feeling so dreadfully ill with this condition hyperemesis gravidarum, and having to be lying in hospital on a drip. But to have the world's media tweeting, congratulating and even taking bets on the name, it must all add to the stress.

Leave 'em alone, I say. Yet I too have been broadcasting all about it this morning. And we just KNOW they listen to their local radio station!

When one of your friends is Cameron Mackintosh then I suppose anything's possible! My guest today, James Inverne from Reading, was asked to write - for The Times - the definitive piece about musicals - so he thought - why not be in one?

He rang his mate Cameron, and asked if he could be in Les Miserables for just one night. Ever the professional, Mr Mackintosh made him audition, and gave him a part in the chorus. He says it was the most brilliant experience.

I'm pea green with envy.

By the way, if you're interested in the concert that James is organising in Reading on Sunday the 16th December, these are the website addresses and phone numbers you'll need.

01189 394 889 - recitalsforhospices.eventbrite.co.uk

You can even bid for the best encore by emailing them on [email protected]