JAMES DAVIES MEDIA

THE PEOPLE - 15/01/2012 - 05/02/2012

2012-01-18T18:16:00.009Z

THE PEOPLE - 18/12/2011

2012-01-03T14:24:00.003Z

One Too Many With Rock 'n' Roll Legend Rod Stewart

2011-12-08T11:31:00.006Z

James and 'Maggie May' star Rod

THE PEOPLE - 27/11/2011 - 11/12/2011

2011-11-29T10:34:00.009Z

An art lesson from Rock 'n' Roll royalty

2011-11-21T18:54:00.007Z

'Rolling Stone' Ronnie and James

THE PEOPLE - 13/11/2011 - 20/11/2011

2011-11-15T16:27:00.007Z

Chatting with Dame Judi Dench

2011-11-08T23:24:00.007Z

James BOND-ing with the lovely Dame Judi Dench

THE PEOPLE - 23/10/2011 - 06/11/2011

2011-11-01T10:54:00.006Z

THE PEOPLE - 16/10/2011

2011-10-18T14:35:00.003+01:00

THE PEOPLE - 09/10/2011

2011-10-12T16:49:00.002+01:00

"Don't call me Mr Flintoff...I'm Fred to you mate"

2011-09-03T13:14:00.009+01:00

With the charming Freddie Flintoff

THE PEOPLE - 28/08/2011

2011-08-30T13:50:00.005+01:00

Getting 'papped' walking along Piccadilly with Ricky Gervais

2011-08-25T13:08:00.011+01:00

Taking a stroll with the affable Ricky, in central London

THE PEOPLE - 21/08/2011

2011-08-24T12:50:00.004+01:00

THE PEOPLE - 17/07/2011

2011-07-22T17:42:00.004+01:00

THE PEOPLE - 10/07/2011

2011-07-12T12:11:00.009+01:00

At the Harry Potter premiere and wrap party

2011-07-08T13:23:00.021+01:00

Enjoying a glass of 'Champers' with the highly affable Rupert

Grint, aka Ron Weasley - star of the Harry Potter films!

With the X Factors Dermot O'Leary

2011-07-05T17:11:00.006+01:00

Chatting to the charming Dermot

Chatting to McFly, 2/5 of Girls Aloud and the X Factor's Tulisa

2011-07-01T18:32:00.014+01:00

With the McFly boys

Nicola, James and Kimberley

With the lovely Tulisa

GLASTONBURY 2011

2011-06-26T23:31:00.017+01:00

What a pleasure it was chatting to the talented and

incredibly humble PLAN B, aka Ben Drew - great bloke!

For the latest updates on the 'British rapper, singer-songwriter,

actor and film director' follow the star on Twitter: @4PlanB

THE PEOPLE (some of my favourite stories)

2011-06-26T23:22:00.035+01:00

Catching up with West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara

2011-06-26T23:09:00.005+01:00

Brian and James "chilling" - as the
cricket star so succinctly put it....

Catching up with 'Parky'

2011-05-24T12:22:00.007+01:00

Chat show legend, Sir Michael with James

CLICK HERE TO READ/ LISTEN TO JAMES' INTERVIEW WITH 'THE KING OF CHAT'

Sir Michael has now had a chance to download a copy of the feature you wrote about him.

In his words – “well done and congratulations on a very well written piece”.

Reporting on the Royal Wedding, for The People

2011-05-24T12:17:00.002+01:00

Crowds of people gather outside Buckingham Palace to see the newlyweds...and Pippa's bum!

In the press stand...

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

2011-05-04T12:08:00.004+01:00

My first ever interview...and behind the scenes feature

James talks to England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, Bristol 2006

Chatting to England footie ace Wayne Rooney, Manchester 2005

Enjoying a drink with X Factor WINNER Alexandra Burke

2011-04-04T15:28:00.013+01:00

James with the lovely Alexandra Burke at the Dolce & Gabbana
Dress Me Up cocktail party, Old Bond Street, London

For the latest updates on the 'Bad Boys' singer follow the star on Twitter: @alexandramusic

The BRITs afterparty- The Savoy

2011-02-17T12:27:00.023Z

Jessie J, James and Pixie Lott

Being a dad? It’s a juggle out there

2011-02-04T23:14:00.008Z

James interviewing Labour leader, Ed Miliband for The People

My interview, as it appeared in The People

Ed Miliband finds it hard to balance politics with being a dad and admits: “I don’t juggle it as well as I’d like.”

The Labour leader has two sons with partner Justine Thornton – three-month-old Sam and Daniel, 20 months.

But he said: “I have the same frustration many People readers have – they don’t have enough time to see their kids.
“It’s a real problem in Britain today.What I do try to do is to protect and enjoy every single moment I do have with them.”

Ed, 40, opened his heart to The People as he headed to Newcastle to launch an initiative highlighting the importance of family life.

He said: “The biggest frustration is not having the chance to spend more time with my children.He said: “The biggest frustration is not having the chance to spend more time with my children.

He added: “Daniel has a fascination with tractors and diggers at the moment.

“He’s obsessed with bricks, too, so we have fun building things together. But he also has a helpful streak and likes to help empty the dishwasher, which is quite a good thing. I suppose you can say Justine and I are training them young.”

Ed, who lives in Primrose Hill, north London, added: “Two is more work than one – and more joy too.”

Asked if he’d like his sons to go into politics, he said: “I won’t push them – they should do what makes them happy.”

But he expects they will one day judge how well he’s performed as party chief. Ed said: “I think they will ask in 20 years time, ‘Were you the last generation not to get climate change?’ or ‘Did you promote opportunity for us or hold it back?’”

In Newcastle, he made an angry attack on the Coalition which he says is making it harder for middle and lower income parents to build better lives for their children.

Reflecting on his childhood with brother David – who he pipped for the Labour leadership – he said: “My parents tried to give us the right combination of encouragement, love and support and were incredibly important in shaping me as a person.

“They came to Britain as refugees from the Nazis and they gave us huge opportunities. That’s what I want for kids across this country.”

A Day With...The Richard Bacon Show

2010-12-13T23:07:00.003Z

James and Richard

A pint with Piers!

2010-12-08T10:32:00.009Z

Piers and James at The Hansom Cab

Having interviewed Piers Morgan over the telephone, for my university's radio breakfast show last March, it was great to finally meet the man who is to take over from the broadcasting phenomenon that is Larry King!!!

Chatting at his Victorian pub, The Hansom Cab, in West London, the chat show host was in high spirits as he celebrated his latest success in the States.

Although Piers said, replacing the CNN legend, who announced earlier this summer that he was stepping down from his world-famous show, will be like following, "Sinatra at Vegas", the former Daily Mirror editor explained, he was "excited at the prospect."

Piers, whose show will be watched in more than two-hundred countries, admitted it was a "dream job" and said he would like to get Obama on the show.

He told me, "We'd like the President. He is the most significant figure on the planet and we are trying to get him."

Well done Piers- you'll be great! Good luck.

Bumping into Gazza again!

2010-11-30T16:48:00.003Z

'Gazza' and James

Paul Gascoigne has had his problems but he was a real gent to me...Cheers Gazza.

Enjoying a beer with Jimmy Anderson and Kevin Pietersen

2010-11-16T17:04:00.006Z

Jimmy, James and Kev enjoy a drink at Vendome

In conversation with Alastair Campbell...the 'king of spin'

2010-10-11T20:55:00.002+01:00

Alastair and James

In conversation with USAIN BOLT...of lightening

2010-09-09T12:25:00.010+01:00

James chatting with Usain

If there is one interview you really do not want to be late for it is one with the man universally known as ‘the fastest human that has ever lived’- or for those not so hot on cryptic clues, the sporting phenomenon that is Usain Bolt…of lightening (as his publicists business card quite rightly calls him).

As I wandered down London’s busy Oxford Street, I made a conscious effort to check my watch every few minutes, or so, to make sure I was not ‘running’ late - if you will forgive the pun - as I thought, ‘surely the man who has already shattered numerous world records for not only being fast but very fast, can’t ever be late for anything’.

But to my surprise, my illusion of the affable athlete was wrong, as for probably the first time in his professional career Usain was behind schedule.

Lounging on what can only be described as an uncomfortable looking red leathery sofa, Jamaican born Bolt was finishing one of the many interviews he would have to endure throughout the relentless publicity run for his autobiography.

Although Usain was clearly busy, a raised thumb, pointed in my direction, acknowledged my arrival in the room and was his thoughtful way of saying hello, while he was tied up elsewhere. A nice touch for someone who quite easily could have an over inflated ego.

As I watched the remaining few minutes of the interview peter out, I was pleased to see Usain looking like he always does…calm and collected.

Once the interview was over the world beating runner, who stands at an impressive 6’ 5”, slowly sauntered over to humbly introduce himself. “Hi, I’m Usain Bolt”, he said.

As we stood looking out over a view that showcased the whole of London, Usain began to help himself to some of the fabulously extravagant and, might I add, tasty looking food that had been laid out for him.

Given the impressive view, Bolt was quick to ask, in that deep, soft, slow tone of his: “Is that the Tower of London?”

“No, I think it’s the Houses of Parliament”, I replied.

“Oh”, he said. “I would like to go there. Can I go there?”, he asked his manager, and best friend of twenty years. “Sure, we’ll arrange it for next time”, he assured Usain.

His attitude towards life is quite amazing and something that has always fascinated me about this extraordinary twenty-four year old.
For example, while intensity is etched on the faces of his rivals during the buildup of a do-or-die event, Bolt nonchalantly smiles, dances and even has time to mess about for the television cameras capturing the action. But why shouldn’t he be relaxed. Bolt is the fastest man ever – at both one- hundred meters and two-hundred meters.

“That’s just me, that’s my personality and that’s who I am”, he said. “I try not to think about the race, because if you try to focus too much then you over think things and you make mistakes, and I don’t want to make a mistake. So I try to be relaxed. When they say on your marks, I re-focus. It gives me less time to stress out and to think too much.”

When we begin to discuss breaking world records- which let’s face it he is now renowned for- Usain explains rather casually and quite outrageously: “I wasn’t even giving my all when I broke them.” To which me both shared a brief chuckle.

Although Usain remains remarkably humble, considering the amount he has already achieved, he is only too aware of his special status: “Never, ever do I get tired of hearing that I’m the fastest man on earth. If you lined up a hundred people and asked them who the best basketball player in the world is, the best footballer, or the best cricketer, it is unlikely they would give the same answer. But ask any of them ‘Who is the best sprinter in the world?’ and there is only one answer- Usain Bolt. Why? Because that is what it says on the clock. There can be no dispute or argument...It doesn’t get any cooler than knowing you are the fastest of them all.”

So, as someone regarded as the best sprinter in the world, I was interested to know what he thinks makes him such a great runner? Looking a little blank, Usain said, “Perhaps the height helps and those huge strides.” After a short pause, he continued: “A lot of tall people don’t have good co-ordination, but my coach says the one thing he can relax about is that I learn really quickly. I just think I’m blessed with a lot of talent and I was just blessed to bring joy to the world. I think when you have talent people say you have a destiny. I guess this is just my destiny- to go out and make the world happy and run as fast as I can.”

When he talks about his childhood, he does so as if it were only yesterday. It’s a reminder of how young he still is. “Growing up as a child I was full of energy. I loved sports. As soon as I left school for the day I was out playing football, cricket or anything. When I was young I loved to climb trees, I loved to ride bikes, go to the river- just being a boy, getting into trouble.”

Although Bolt is renowned for his record within track and field, cricket was his first love. He grew up when the West Indies were still a force in the international game, and he wanted to be the new Courtney Walsh or Curtly Ambrose. He was gifted, too, opening the batting and bowling for his local side. “I’m an all rounder- definitely good at both”, he explained.

So why did Usain- a talented cricketer- not go with his heart? “I just happened to run fast.” he said, looking rather puzzled. “It was literally just my teacher saying ‘try track and field’.” He added: “Really I’m a cricketer and I really love playing cricket. That’s what I grew up on- my father loves cricket and I was very good at playing so I didn't think about playing about changing because that’s what I wanted to do. But when my teacher said try it, I tried it and started winning, so it was fun and I just continued.”

Usain, who comes across as a very likeable individual, wears the mantle of role model with grace. Despite coming from a poor Jamaican background, where his first races were on a track that had a two-foot dip towards the finish, he explains that hard work and discipline can overcome almost anything. “Anything’s possible for me. That’s one of the things I live by”, he said assertively. “I think it’s very important to have something that you want to strive for. If you want to be the best at anything you do, you have got to really work at it and push yourself to the limit.”

One of the perks of being Usain Bolt is that sporting stars love to meet him as much as he likes to meet them. “I do get star struck sometimes (laughs). I’m big on football so when I met Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney and all these guys it’s an honor.”

So, what do all these sporting superstars do when they get together I wondered? “We just try and hang out” he said. “I also get their autographs! But I have some of these guys on my BB (BlackBerry) so we talk and whenever we get a chance we meet up.”

As we near the end of the interview, I ask about his ambitions. Ultimately, he says, to my surprise, he would love to make a go of playing football professionally. He’s being deadly serious: “I definitely want to try football. I think I’ll be a good soccer player because I watch these guys and most of them just use speed and I think I’m good at doing that! (laughs). I’ve messed around with Cristiano (Ronaldo) a little bit but I play football every Sunday, with all my friends in Jamaica, when I get the chance, so I’m ready to play.”

He added: “If I keep myself in shape, I can definitely play at a high level.”

But before that, Bolt says, there is so much more he has to achieve on the track. “My main ambition is to become a legend in the sport. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest athletes ever to live. People always say I’m a legend, but I’m not. Not until I’ve defended my Olympic titles.” He smiles. “That’s when I’ve decided I’ll be a legend.”

Usain Bolt: 9.58 is published by HarperSport at £20.00

Campaign launched to save Elmlea Junior School's playing field.

2010-05-24T15:43:00.006+01:00

A community in Bristol says it's outraged by the council's plans to build on a primary school's playing field.

A campaign has been launched by parents and local residents to help save Elmlea Junior School's field in Westbury-on-Trym.

James Davies reports.

The 'Sky's' the limit

2010-04-21T20:51:00.011+01:00

James on the Sky News set

Here are a few of the news stories I have written during my work placement at Sky News Online. What a great experience! Thanks to Rob, Jules, Phil, Jon and everyone else at Sky News.

Wayne Rooney's Art Is 'Picasso-Esque'

Atchoo! 'Hay Fever Suffering To Soar In UK'

Cabbie's Hirst Sketch To Drive A High Price

'Stilettoed Socialist' In Anti-Brown Blog

Bananarama: Fruit Collection Won't Be Split

Barrier Reef 'Pulverised' After Ship Crash

Threat To Hollywood Sign: Deadline Extended

L Of A Driver: Woman Flips Instructor's Car

Bank Robber Held In Bear Hug By Customer

Burger King Sued Over Whopper With Spit

Volcanic Dust Cloud: All You Need To Know

Satellite Device Tracking Speed From Space

Giant Crab May Have Pinched Record Title

Greek Goddess Kylie Shares New Song 'Snippet'

An interview with Wales' Under 20's captain- Dan Watchurst

2010-03-02T16:48:00.002Z

Dan Watchurst interview - Wales Under 20s captain by jamesdaviesmedia

Three minutes with Stephen Jones

2010-02-03T22:51:00.004Z

Stephen and James

Stephen Jones interview by jamesdaviesmedia

Podcast: Homelessness in Cardiff

2010-02-03T22:42:00.004Z

The Big Sleep Out 2009

Radio feature- Homelessness in Cardiff by jamesdaviesmedia

An interview with Piers Morgan

2010-02-02T14:42:00.027Z

Piers with James at The Hansom Cab

Piers Morgan interview web by jamesdaviesmedia

Misadventures of a Big Mouth Brit, by Piers Morgan, published by Ebury Press

As a trainee reporter, I’ve been asked more times than I care to remember, ‘who’s your favourite journalist?’ When asked this question, most people expect me to say I’d like to follow in the footsteps of Jeremy Bowen, Jon Snow, Robert Peston and others of that ilk.

Even when I explain I’d like to have my own chat show, it’s taken as a given that I’ll retort the legend that is Sir Michael Parkinson.
So when I respond Piers Morgan, the majority gasp and look at me in horror.
In fact, when I told one of my university lecturers this, he paused and simply muttered disappointedly, “oh, one of those.”

As a young aspiring journalist, I must admit, I happen to like him and in fact think we’re actually quite similar. I’m not the only one. When I went to cover Michael Jackson’s press conference in London, twelve months ago, I met one of Piers’ oldest friends-media King-pin, Alan Edwards- who said I reminded him of a young Piers- to this day I’m not sure whether that was meant as a compliment.

Although I think it’s fair to say that Piers Morgan, or Piers Pughe-Morgan as he was born, is the human equivalent of Marmite, you can’t deny or do anything but admire his ability as a journalist.

At just twenty-eight, Piers was Editor of the News of the World, and two years later headhunted by the Daily Mirror. The reason? A unique gift for finding, investigating and selling a story, and knowing just where to look and who to talk to.

Piers changed the face of popular journalism, taking the British press into a new era, and introducing the nation to the cult of celebrity.

Despite his infamous sacking, where he was escorted off of the Daily Mirror’s premises, he set a standard during his tenure, that has been much emulated, but never equalled.

Perhaps the most famous newspaper editor of recent years, Piers is never far from controversy, with his uncompromising personality and forceful opinions always guaranteed to cause a storm.

But it was with the help of his friend, the cultural phenomenon that is Simon Cowell, that has helped Piers burst onto our T.V screens and become a true global superstar. Judging talent on both sides of the Atlantic, Piers, the ultimate celebrity insider, is once again at the helm of mainstream media.

Although Piers often seems vain, egocentric, occasionally pompous and often wincingly smug, throughout my interview I found him to be honest, witty, balanced, charming and truly capable of laughing at himself.

In an exclusive interview for James Davies Media, Piers describes the experiences that shaped the boy and created the man who would go on to carve out such a dazzlingly brilliant career.

From starting at a local newspaper in south London to judging talent on one of America’s biggest shows, Piers, one of this country’s brightest and boldest personalities, tells me the real story beyond the glare of the media spotlight.

James: We know a lot about your illustrious and incredibly successful career. From working in Fleet Street editing the News of the World and the Mirror to Britain's Got Talent but we don't know too much about your childhood. What were you like as a child?

Piers: My mother says I was always quite a happy child. When I wasn’t tormenting and torturing my brothers- which is what older brothers should always do of course to their younger brothers- I think I was a happy boy. I had a very pleasant upbringing. I was a bit mischievous at school. I wouldn’t say I was exactly an academic scholar because I preferred running card schools and playing cricket to getting my head down but I wouldn’t say I was a bad young man.

James: What do you think those who taught you and knew you at school will think of your success?

Piers: Some of them will be absolutely flabbergasted. There will be one guy, who one parents evening with my mother simply looked her in the eye and said “The only thing I want to say about your son is that he’s an absolute buffoon”- so I’d imagine he’s going to be fairly gobsmacked by what’s happened. But as for the others, I think they’ll probably look at me with a wry smile and probably think he was always a bit naughty but they quite liked me.

James: What sort of ambitions did you have growing up?

Piers: I always wanted to be a journalist, always. My mother remembers me reading the newspapers avidly when I was about six or seven, which I now realise having sons of my own of that age is probably quite an unusual thing to do when you’re a six or seven year old. So I used to read the Daily Mail and stuff which probably explains a lot about why I am, the way I am now. But I think I always had this real desire to be a journalist. That’s why I say to people who want to be one now- unless you’ve absolutely got the passion for it like I had I wouldn’t go into it.

James: Where did your interest in journalism come from? Do you think it was just inbuilt in you?

Piers: Yea, I think so. My grandfather dabbled a little bit in journalism- he used to do private undercover reporting for various papers and I think it was just one of those things. I just had an absolutely insatiable lust for news- I just couldn’t get enough of news and I think if you’ve got that in you then you just have to follow your dream a bit.

James: You trained at Harlow College. How did that affect your life? Were you a normal student, going out drinking or were you always focused on what you wanted to do?

Piers: Oh god no. I got drunk at least three times a week and I’m talking seriously drunk. We used to drink Grolsch out of those bottles of pot. I used to drink like twelve or thirteen in a night which is the kind of thing that could hospitalise me now but it was great fun. Harlow’s a fantastic place to go and get drunk. I was also on a course where there were fifty-six pupils in my year of which fifty-one were women- so for a young red blooded man like me aged nineteen who liked a drink and a pretty girl it was about as good as life got.

James: You've interviewed some remarkable people. From Princess Diana to Michael Jackson. What was that like?

Piers: Yea, I think the one thing that I’ve never been is in awe or star struck around famous people which has probably held me in very good stead because I’ve seen so many people who just crumble and start trembling when they see somebody famous when actually they’re all just human beings and I was always able I think because of my background of going to a comprehensive and a prep school I sort of had the posh end of education and the rough end if you like and I think it taught me to mix with anybody. I’m equally at ease with a coal miner as the Prime Minister. To me they’re all the same, they’re all human beings.

James: How has fame affected you? Did you ever think you would be as famous, and perhaps more famous than those you interview?

Piers: (Laughs) Not really- I didn’t think I’d go into television in quite this way but I always fancied being famous because I thought it was a lot easier than working for a living and the reality is that it is. If you can deal with what I think are very minimal downsides i.e. the loss of your privacy, the so called intrusion, people coming up to you all the time- if you can deal with that which I always think is very easy to deal with then actually being famous is great. You get treated very well by people. Everyone I meet is always very nice. You get upgraded to lovely suites like the one I’m in now, you get driven around in flash limos that somebody else pays for, you get upgraded on flights, eat at nice tables in restaurants- I mean what’s not to love?

James: You mention the issue of privacy. Do you think that’s destroying journalism at the moment?

Piers: Journalism is better now than it’s ever been in my experience. It was completely lawless in the 80’s. There was no privacy law then, no PCC, hardly anybody sued the papers and so the balance of power was completely with the newspapers which was dangerous and the balance of power now I’d say has gone back to the celebrities and is now coming back to a more sensible middle ground where everybody kind of knows the limitations. I mean the papers went too far, then the celebs went too far and hopefully we’re reaching a point where both sides realise they need each other.

James: You said you quite like the fame side of it all. Did you ever imagine you'd be as successful as you've become?

Piers: No but I did always work very hard and I always think that the harder you work the luckier you seem to get and all the people I know who’ve made it- like Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole- they’ve worked very hard . There are no short cuts in this business. If you want to get on you’ve got to be prepared to get up at four o’clock in the morning and work to midnight and do that for weeks on end, as we all do on these shows.
It’s tough- the rewards are great and the fame’s lovely and everything else but staying at the top of this sort of business is hard work and if you’re not prepared to do it then don’t start.

James: Why do you think you’ve done so well? What have you done differently?

Piers: Well I think you have to get lucky. I mean I was lucky that Kelvin Mckenzie spotted me at The Sun and thought ok we’ll give this guy a run on the Bizarre column. I was lucky that Rupert Murdoch spotted me and thought I know what I’ll do I’m going to give him the News of The World. None of this is normal and I was in the right place at the right time when people wanted to take a bit of a gamble with a younger guy. I think that once I’d been given those amazing jobs I did work my absolute damndest to make it work for them and for me- and I think they would say that. But the original stroke of luck is just sitting there in the right chair at the right moment when people like that who can change your life do change your life.

James: You’ve mixed with some of the biggest stars around. Why do you think some people are at the forefront of life while others sit back?

Piers: Well I’m not sure that everybody wants to be famous for one. A lot of my friends who live in my old village where I came from are very happy not being famous and not being rich and everything else. They’re quite happy with their lives. They don’t have all the weird stresses that come from fame and fortune of which there are many because I see it really corrupts people. I think I’m lucky like Simon (Cowell) that we became well known in our 40’s so we’d seen so many people cock it up that we realised the only way to enjoy it is to have a laugh and not to take it all too seriously. If you take it seriously you’re going to get buried in this game because it’s so seductive and you start to really believe your own bullshit and start to think you’re wonderful. When that happens it’s the rocky road to ruin.

James: What do your family and friends think of your success and all that you've been able to achieve, because you've been incredibly successful haven't you?

Piers: If you ask my mother she’d say she worries about me all the time and that I work too hard. I mean it’s a very precarious business and she hates all the critics having a go at me like any mother would. However, if you ask my two brothers, one of whom is about to go to Afghanistan, they’d say I’m a damned lucky little git who has the time of my life, gets ridiculously over paid for something that a monkey could do and they think it’s all ridiculous and the truth is probably somewhere in-between (laughs).

James: Do you think the fact that you’re brother is in the army and goes to war keeps your feet on the ground more than most celebs?

Piers: It doesn’t bring me down to earth but it makes me realise how comparatively purile and inconsequential my jobs are. I write for a living, knock about columns, I do fun T.V shows, none of it’s going to change the world. I hope that it entertains people and cheers people up a bit and becomes a talking point but the reality is my brother will be going to war with the Taliban in a few weeks time and he’s got four kids at home and that’s a real job- I don’t even pretend that mine’s in the same conversational bandwidth to be honest with you.

James: What do you like to do away from the spotlight?

Piers: I go to watch Arsenal whenever I can. I have a season ticket there with my kids- have done for over twenty years and been following them for forty years. I play cricket still- love that. I love playing and watching cricket. Other than that I like going to nice restaurants, drinking good French wine, having a laugh with friends, seeing family and lying on a beach. That’s about it really.

James: Where did your interest in cricket come from because that’s something you’ve always had a passion for isn’t it?

Piers: I played for the England prep schools team when I was about twelve or thirteen and I was quite good then. I could have played for Sussex school boys- I had a few run outs for them but then I went to the comprehensive where they didn’t play any cricket and it took me about another year to get back into it with the village and by then I’d missed the boat really, but I love cricket- it’d always been a real passion of mine and I count people like Freddie Flintoff and Ian Botham and all my heroes as really good friends of mine now which is great. I just love hanging out with them. If you ask me about who would you rather hang out with- Madonna, Beyonce, Jack Nicholson or Ian Botham, I’d say Ian Botham.

James: Who’s your perfect interview and why?

Piers: The one I’d love to do is Jack Nicholson because he’s the ultimate star. He doesn’t give a damn how he looks and he’s always pictured on boats in the middle of summer with six girls under twenty-five clutching six packs of beer and pizzas, looking about seventy-six stone with this big grin on his face and that’s the way to go isn’t it?

James: If you were to have a dinner party with three or four guests who would you have and why?

Piers: Freddie Flintoff because he’s absolutely hilarious, drinks like a fish, tells great stories and he’s a lot smarter than people think he is.

I’d have Stevie Wonder to sing.

I’d have Marilyn Monroe-I’ve just read a book about her which was fascinating. I’d love to know what she was really like beneath all the media caricature, so she’d have to be there.

The fourth one would be Warren Buffen- the richest man in the world because he’s a fascinating guy and he’s got a very simple view of how to make money.

So I could talk cricket, learn how to make money, chat up Marilyn Monroe and have Stevie Wonder singing in the background. That’s a pretty good diner party.

James: You interviewed Michael Jackson who recently died. What was he like to interview?

Piers: Well I interviewed him and shook his hand through a glove. He’s an extraordinary character- very strange sort of schizophrenic to interview because one minute he’d have this high pitched voice and the next minute quite a lower pitched voice talking about business as if he was a really hardnosed business man. He was a strange guy Jackson. I felt sorry for him to a certain degree but he was addicted to fame and addicted to celebrity and he milked that for all he was worth. It’s very sad what happened to him but I wouldn’t like to have seen Michael Jackson get too old because if he got too old he’d hate himself even more. He’s one of those guys who found the ageing process horrendous.

James: As someone who's been incredibly successful within the media, what do you think makes a good journalist?

Piers: I think tenacity’s a massive thing I think. You’ve got to try and be charming. People have got to want to talk to you and they’ll only do that if they feel slightly charmed by you. You’ve got to be very hard working, very dedicated. The kind of person who’s about to go to a dinner party with all your favourite people and a big story breaks you don’t even hesitate to cancel the dinner. That just shows you it’s in your blood. You’ve got to be a stickler for accuracy. The one thing I hated on The Mirror was getting things wrong because if you get it wrong people laugh at you and what’s the point in that? And obviously in the end I had to quit or be sacked over the Iraq photos which turned out to be apparently wrong but as a general rule I liked accuracy over everything else because if it was true it was deadly information. If it was untrue it was pointless.

James: You mention your sacking. What was it like going from editing a national newspaper to having nothing?

Piers: The honest truth is that I was getting a bit bored anyway. I’d been doing editing papers for eleven years and it’s incredibly tiring and draining. I also felt I’d done some of the biggest stories that were ever going to come across an Editors desk- I was right. 9/11, Diana’s death, Dunblane- this is stuff that stuff I don’t think has been replicated in any sense since so I think I did get a spectacular decade for news events to edit the paper in and had a great time but was getting itchy feet and it all kind of came at the right time for me so I was actually quite relieved to be out of the day to day mayhem. I miss some of the journalists and I miss some of the fun but I don’t miss newspapers because the importance of newspapers is eroding by the day.

James: Simon Cowell always strikes me as an extraordinarily interesting character. What’s he like to work with?

Piers: He’s an extraordinarily interesting character. He’s tough, he’s demanding. He’ll reward you well and be loyal if you work hard and if you constantly evolve. He’s always looking to see evolution from everyone that works on the show. If you just tread water and take the money and think you’re wonderful then he’ll soon get rid of you- I think he’s right to do that. That’s what keeps his shows fresh and it all keeps us on our toes. But he’s also very, very funny and very entertaining to work with.

James: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Piers: I think the thing I most enjoy about my job is the unpredictability. You’re never quite sure what’s coming next. Travelling’s great. I’ve spent four months of the year travelling around America and have had a great time doing that. I really love America. I do my other travel show which took me this year to China, Marbella and Vegas and I love doing those- so I think the variety, the travelling, the fact I’m not chained to a desk anywhere- I don’t even have an office- I just work from home whenever I’m in the country. And the fact that I choose what I want to do now and I don’t do anything under duress or for the money- I’m in that fortunate position where I can just choose to do what I like doing.

James: At the moment you’re doing Piers Morgan’s Life Stories. With Jonathan Ross finishing his chat show would you ever like to do that sort of chat?

Piers: Not at the moment. I think the thing about Life Stories is that it was getting fifty per cent higher ratings than Jonathan’s anyway, which confirmed to me that the British public, as I suspected, actually were getting a bit fed up with three people coming down a stair well plugging their latest album or book and actually wanted a more in depth interview and so I think one of Jonathan’s problems was that he was only getting like three million for his interviews and I was getting four and a half. I’ve re-invented the chat show format to make it one guest, their life story, more dramatic, more emotional, more in depth and I think that’s working and I think it’s the others that are now looking at what we’re doing and thinking well that’s working better than we are.

James: What advice would you give me as a trainee journalist wanting to become, if possible, the next Piers Morgan and follow in your footsteps?

Piers: Well you have to be annoying. I was writing to endless people all the time. Editors of papers, magazines, I was writing stories, sending in interviews and doing what you’re doing. I mean you’re tenacious, you got hold of me, you wouldn’t take no for an answer and you got the interview and I think that’s what you’ve got to keep doing and you’ll find that eventually people do crack. They’re not all going to but occasionally you’ll get a hit and when you get a hit you’ve got to make sure you try and sell it somewhere and then sell it again.

James: Have I been annoying?

Piers: (Pause) Not that annoying actually. You’ve been quite polite and I thought you were quite good.

James: Thanks Piers I really appreciate that.

Piers: No problem mate. You take care.

When James met Chris Evans

2010-01-16T16:17:00.015Z

In conversation with the affable Chris Evans

Chris Evans’ extraordinary career has seen him become one of the country’s most successful broadcasters and producers. From The Big Breakfast to Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush and TFI Friday, the affable broadcaster changed the TV landscape during the ‘90s. On Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast show and as owner of Virgin Radio, he ushered in the age of the celebrity DJ. But this is only part of the Chris Evans story.

In an exclusive interview for jamesdaviesmedia, Chris describes the experiences that shaped the boy and created the man who would go on to carve out such a dazzlingly brilliant career.

Determined to escape the dreary council estate in Warrington where he was born, a single-minded Chris started out as the best newspaper boy on the block, armed with no more than a little silver radio. It was here that he would develop a life-long and passionate love affair with broadcasting.

From paperboy to media mogul, Chris, one of this country’s brightest and boldest personalities, tells James Davies the real story beyond the glare of the media spotlight.

Chris, we know a lot about your illustrious and incredibly successful career in broadcasting but we don't know too much about your childhood and what you were like growing up. Can you tell me a little about your early years?

"I grew up on a council estate in Warrington, which was tough. Sadly, my Dad died prematurely- if you can say that about anyone dying at anytime- so life in the beginning was quite hard for me. Apart from that, my early life was great. But I've always had this desire to do well and to try and enjoy life. I think I've done that."

Where did your interest in broadcasting come from?

"It came from listening to the radio and from watching the T.V. From Noel Edmonds Swap Shop, to Mike Reid’s breakfast show, to Timmy Mallet and from my brother who was a disc jockey at a club.

But I think the light went on when I went to see Timmy Mallet do a road show at Old Trafford football ground. That was very exciting. I interviewed him, much like you’re doing to me, and asked him how I could get a job with him. Fortunately for me, there was a guy who was helping him who was leaving, so I wrote off for his job and got it. There was no money. I didn’t get paid for four years but it was experience you couldn’t buy and so that’s how the radio thing started."

What was it like working with your hero?

"It was frightening. Primarily that’s the first thing I think when I think about working with Timmy because his show was so manic and so demanding and compelling and brilliant that to panic was the main ingredient to the night...for me at least. But I learnt so much. It was such a quick learning curb. Ninety per cent of what I do now is still based on what I learnt when I was working with him."

Although you’ve been broadcasting for a number of years now, are you nervous about taking over from Sir Terry (Wogan)?

"It’s going to be a very tough gig. But it’s what I do for a living. It’s not like I’m being asked to play football for England. Although I do want to be the Wayne Rooney of Radio 2- I want to work hard for the team for ninety minutes and more."

You’ve had an incredibly successful career in both television and radio. What do you think makes a good broadcaster?

"Terry! He’s extremely articulate and confident. He’s got a fantastic voice, good dictation, and a brilliant education. He makes emails sparkle. He takes some pretty average material and makes it sing. I don’t know how he does it."

What do your family and friends think of your success and all that you’ve been able to achieve because you’ve been incredibly successful haven’t you?

"I don’t know really. I don’t know what they think of it. I think they like it. I think my Mum likes it but I’m not sure. We don’t really talk about it to be honest. I’m from one of those families that keep your feet very firmly on the ground. My friends- I don’t really have many friends from when I was younger but I hope most people are happy for me."

I imagine being in the public eye is an incredibly surreal experience, particularly when people want pictures and autographs. What do you like to do away from the spotlight?

"Oh god, it is. What I love to do is sit in my garage and smell the cars. I love smelling my cars. I know it sounds silly but I know exactly where I am when I’m doing that. I also like to be with my son and I like to have dinner and a glass of wine with my wife every night. That’s it really. Just the simple things. I don’t watch much tele or listen to much music because I do it for a living. I like to read. In fact I’d like to read more. Everyone would like to read more I imagine. I don’t really consider it a spot light. I consider it a job. I used to consider it a spot light and that was a big, big mistake. For me the day starts like anyone else’s really. I brush my teeth and go to work. Then it’s home. I like to keep it simple these days."

In the 90’s I think it’s fair to say you enjoyed a night out.

"I did, but all the mayhem of the 90s wasn’t who I was – I was taken away with the times. I was living the rock star’s lifestyle, pulling women I’d never dreamt of and it was party time. I used to go out for days at a time and get smashed. I wasn’t an alcoholic, but I definitely had a problem. I did drink too much.And when you go to parties you do strange things – especially if they last for a while. Mine lasted anything between five and ten years. I didn’t really like it though. I like being on my own."

How did living that sort of lifestyle affect you?

"I stopped putting the hours in and started to live the life. I’d become a self-important twat. I thought I was invincible. I was utterly confident for all the wrong reasons. And now I’m confident for all the right reasons. Probably a bit less confident than I was then, even though I’ve got more to be confident about. I became an idiot when I thought I was moving on the same level as the bands and actors who came on TFI Friday. I thought I was part of Oasis, and what I am really is a facilitator. I forgot that. I’ve got back to why I loved radio in the first place, what I’m here for. I push the boundaries every day. We're still being as creative, but not as loud and brash."

You’ve had some fantastic guests on your shows and were able to interview some quite remarkable people. From George Best to the Spice Girls, Pierce Brosnan to Tom Jones. What was that like?

"It was interesting and intriguing. Because the show was live I didn’t really have time to get into them. You’re talking to me for longer than I ever talked to any of those guests in four years. So it was fun but there wasn’t much depth to it. I got a sense of who people were but I didn’t really get into them like you are. This is a different sort of journalism- it’s more comprehensive. We had fun but I would have liked to have talked to them for longer. You mention George Best. What I remember most about George is when he came to my house. We had this football and he said ‘go on then, kick it to us’. I kicked it to him and it was unbelievable. He literally plucked it out of the air- amazing. He was like fifty odd."

Did you ever imagine you would be as successful as you are and achieve all you have? It’s quite remarkable isn’t it?

"Well every single job I’ve ever had- maybe with the exception of one- I absolutely loved. I was a newsagent and I absolutely loved it. When I worked behind the bar at the Red Lion in Warrington I loved it. Even being a fork-lift truck driver was great. It’s all been great. But the success I’ve had is brilliant but it’s contemplative and what’s better than that is talking to you- the next generation. Success can get in the way though. It can be a bit of a heavy bag to carry."

Would you ever consider going back into television?

"It’s not a question of whether I’m going to return to TV. It’s a question of whether TV is going to be there to be returned to. I would go back if we could come up with an idea that was different and new. When I was on Jonathan’s (Ross) show it was very exciting to be there but not for a second did I want to be Jonathan and I was quite relieved that I wasn’t."

When you look back at your career I imagine you have some great memories and reflect fondly on it. Do you have any regrets?

"The only thing I regret in my life is the thing with my daughter because that’s huge and wrong. I was a selfish prick. I regret that, but there’s nothing I can do about it."

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to break into broadcasting today and emulate, if possible, all you have been able to achieve?

"Take it one step at a time. Have an end goal in mind but don’t become self-important like I did. Always keep it simple and don’t over flower anything. Perhaps most importantly, don’t have any baggage. Keep re-doing things time and time and time again until you absolutely don’t have time to do it anymore because things can always get better."

Having interviewed one of the country’s best loved and most talented broadcasters, Chris, an engaging and incredibly likeable chap kindly offered me a week’s work experience with him on Radio 2. This said it all. Success, fame and wealth have not turned his head, nor has he let it dilute the straightforwardness that has always been his way. Thanks Chris.

It’s Not What You Think, by Chris Evans, Published by HarperCollins.

jamesdaviesmedia.co.uk

An evening with President Bill Clinton

2009-10-31T15:58:00.011Z

President Bill Clinton and James

When James met JLS

2009-10-16T19:39:00.014+01:00

JB, Marvin, James, Oritse, Aston

Humble, welcoming, warm, talented, friendly, inspiring. These are just a few of the many adjectives I could use to describe the pop band JLS.

Having watched the boys, like most of the country, progress on last year’s X Factor- the nation’s favourite Saturday night show- I was looking forward to speaking to the four lads who have, without sounding too melodramatic, transformed their lives in just over twelve months.

From their first audition, Simon and the gang were rubbing their hands together with glee, as they knew they had, potentially, the finest group to come out of the show that has made Mr Cowell a household name, a multi-millionaire and, to put it conservatively, a global phenomenon.

Although coming anything but first in a talent show like the X-Factor often spells the end for most acts, this really wasn’t the case for Jack the Lad Swing, as they are formally known. On the contrary, since leaving the show, they have gone from strength to strength, collecting fans like a stamp enthusiast collects you know what.

Having lived in Cardiff for the past six weeks I have, for some bizarre reason, forgotten how awful Bristol traffic is during the middle of rush hour. Arriving fashionably late, with about five minutes to spare, before I was to question the talented quartet, I was met by a barrage of blood thirsty hyenas– and that’s the politest way I could describe their fans!

Word had spread that the boys were in town and a crowd that seemed to contain most of Bristol’s teenage girls had assembled with banners, while the shy ones just swung their knickers around their heads, as they waited in the pouring rain to get a glimpse of the group.

As I was ushered passed the tight-knit security, which was made even stricter due to the attack on fellow X-Factor star, Leona Lewis, the day before, I was taken deep inside the venue to one of the many backrooms.

The place was crowded with instantly recognisable faces- a paradise for autograph hunters, but also hazardous for anyone not qualified in the Japanese art of Ju-Jitsu. As I battered my way through the rigid and rather intangible mess, I thought to myself, ‘how do these lads live, let alone thrive on such numbers everyday of their lives and come out unscathed?’

After being greeted by a tsunami of smiling faces, we exchanged pleasantries, shaking hands and sharing, what can only be described as a brief, but rest-assured, very masculine, man hug. “Pull up a seat James bruv,” Marvin exclaimed rather charmingly.

Having explained I was writing the feature for Cardiff University’s Gair Rhydd, pint-sized Aston exclaimed, “I love Cardiff- it’s a wicked night out”, to which I nodded and shared a mutual grin. Little did he know, like most students, I don’t really remember too much about my nights out!

You might think that you know JLS already as, for most of the British public, Oritsé, JB, Aston, and Marvin are part of the most successful group to enter Simon Cowell’s star-making vehicle. But what lurks behind the scenes is an altogether more interesting story of ambition, drive and determination to succeed in this rather harsh and fickle industry that tends to chew up and spit out almost everyone who tries their hand at it. “I was in a boy-band before we met, but it didn’t feel right,” Ortisé explained. “One day someone said to me ‘why don’t you form your own band?’, so I did.”

With his vision firmly in mind, Oritsé tirelessly trawled for people he believed could turn his boy-band super-group dream into a reality. He toyed with a number of different line-ups on his computer, pitting face to face, working out how they would fit together, before alighting on his dream team. “As soon as I saw the four of us, I knew it was perfect,” Oritsé said with a wry smile.

The boys soon formed a brotherly bond, giving all their time to rehearsals, polishing their act at studios in West London. Their fervour for the band bordered on the devotional. “It clicked immediately,” Aston mused.

Marvin interjected, “There was no time for time-wasters. If one of us was late for rehearsals, they’d have to pay for the time.”

The dream was not just to be slick and solid, it was to hit the pop world for six. Various parties within the boys families began mentioning the idea of trying for the X Factor. “We were quite anti the idea of going into it,” Oritsé recalls.

“We were of the opinion that we could get there through sheer hard work. For us, it was about creating our own path. We’d already won an award for best-unsigned act, we’d arranged photo shoots of our own and we were doing paid gigs by the time we entered. We had that level of achievement before any of the X Factor thing started. The Leona effect changed the perception of the whole show. The chance to become a global superstar existed through it now.”

From the outset, it was clear that JLS were not the usual X Factor fodder. A year’s worth of disciplined rehearsal had turned them into something special. “From the producers and the judges to the back-stage crew, they all said, they couldn’t believe we were a real group.”

The X Factor, however, was just the beginning for the talented four. Despite their early reservations to audition for the show, they are all delighted with the experience they gained. Aston explained, “The last year has just been everything we have ever wanted and more. It’s been absolutely amazing. Our first single debuted at number one- which is a dream come true for any new artist.”

Adding, “That sort of thing opens up so many doors for you that you didn’t even know existed. Without that platform it would’ve taken us much longer to get to where we are now. We’ve had the best start- it’s been incredible- but no way did we anticipate how quickly this would happen. It’s all down to our supporters. Everyone who supported us on the X-Factor, everyone who bought the singles, our tour tickets, our book- it all culminates with where we are now- we’re just so thankful and we’re all just over the moon.”

As their stellar debut single, ‘Beat Again’, marched its way out of radio speakers up and down the country, the infectious, addictive, street-savvy pop gem skewed perception of the four piece. “I think people might have expected a black Westlife,” says Oritsé. “But that wasn’t what we wanted to do. We have our own sound and you can hear it all the way through the album. The music we are making is exactly what we wanted to make.”

So, what advice would the band give anyone wanting to make it in this business? Aston responded, “The best advice is to practise, practise and practise. As Simon (Cowell) always says, you don’t have to be the best singer to make it in this industry. As long as you have that character and that personality on stage and, you bring something different that no-one else can do.”

Adding, rather philosophically, “You also need to believe in yourself. Maybe the first hurdle might not be the one for you, but the one after that could be.”

So is the dream becoming a reality? “Every day I have to pinch myself,” Oritsé said.

“It’s worked out exactly as I wanted it to. Getting a number one single was just the validation of that for us. We’ve put every single bit of our energy and devotion into making this record. There can’t be a first time for JLS again so we have to make this right. I never anticipated anything happening this fast for us but somewhere along the line the stars have aligned for us. And most of all it is about sharing the most incredible journey of your life with three other guys that share this ambition and love for what you do. I set out wanting a pop super-group and sometimes I have to say to myself ‘be careful what you wish for’, because it might just come true. Let’s just hope people love our album as much as we do.”

Towards the end of the interview, I explained to the boys that my girlfriend (Bryony Tooley) was a huge fan who, in a couple of months, was going to see them perform in concert.

Somewhat cheekily, perhaps, I asked the affable four whether they would record a message wishing her a happy birthday, as it was only a few weeks away. In unison, “sure” came back from each member of the band, at a speed Usain Bolt would be proud of.

Without hesitation they broke into song. With three clicks and a brief one, two, three, Marvin began the song, singing the top line, followed by the rest of the group. Having sung Happy Birthday, serenading arguably their biggest fan, the boys continued with another little message- “Happy Birthday Bryony- We love you, this is JLS. Have a good day hun.”

Birthday message for Bryony JLS by jamesdaviesmedia

This gesture really was a testament to how nice they were. Although the boys have already been incredibly successful during the last year, they remain humble and realise they have their fans- as well as their talents- to thank for where they are today.

Before I left, I thanked each member individually, as it really had been a pleasure talking to them. “Give these to Bryony,” Aston said, as he passed over a handful of sweets and a book signed by them all.

As the famous saying goes, actions speak louder than words, and their polite manner says more than I could ever convey. Despite all the success, fame and wealth that has come their way, they have not let it turn their heads, nor have they let it dilute the straightforwardness that seems to have always been their way.

JLS: OUR STORY SO FAR, Published by Harper Collins.

jamesdaviedmedia.co.uk

James talks to Ben Ainslie CBE

2009-09-17T20:54:00.017+01:00

Ben with James

Knife-edge decisions, adrenaline rushes, extreme weather, bitter rivalries, heart-stopping races - they are all in a day’s work for sailing’s ‘Superman’, Ben Ainslie.At just nineteen years old Ben, an ambitious and ferociously competitive young man, won his first Olympic medal- silver in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Ben has won four Olympic medals including successive gold’s in the last three Olympic Games, making him not only a British hero, but quite simply our greatest Olympic sailor ever. He is a true Olympic superstar, up there with the likes of fellow Olympians, Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps.

In addition to his three Olympic gold’s and one silver, Ben has won eight World and European Championships during his illustrious sailing career to date, been crowned ISAF World Sailor of the Year twice, and won British Yachtsman of the Year four times. Without question, Ben is the most accomplished competitor at work in British sport today. Although the likes of Chris Hoy, Lewis Hamilton and Rebecca Adlington, of course, deserve unreserved praise for all that they have achieved within their sports, the real adulation should be kept for Ainslie, who with a combination of dedication, stamina, tactical nous and an unrelenting level of ruthlessness, rarely witnessed before in British sport, has achieved almost all of his childhood dreams.

In an exclusive interview, Ben reveals the truth behind his incredible achievements and his plans to bid for a fourth gold, where it all began- on home waters- at the London Olympics in 2012.From his proudest moment, representing Team GB, to one tough decision that almost risked destroying his career, Ben gives an insight into his life and explains why he can’t be second best.

Ben Ainslie, CBE, was born in Macclesfield on February 5, 1977. As the son of Roderick Ainslie, one might expect a young Ben to take an interest in water sports- after all, his father captained the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973. Sitting in what can only be described as a box-room, Ben revealed how it all started and how he took his career to stratospheric levels. Rotating from side to side in a red swivel chair, Ben explains, “I was about eight when my family moved to Cornwall. It’s a great place for a kid to grow up, especially if you love the water because you’re by the sea. I was lucky, because we lived on the edge of a creek, off an estuary, so it was very easy to get down to the water and go out sailing whenever I wanted to.” He added, “My parents were keen sailors so they got me into the sport but purely from an enjoyment point of view. When I was nine I was given some hand me down, second hand dingy, which is what most kids learn to sail in and it went on from there.”

What started as a hobby, quickly turned into a way of life, and by the age of sixteen the talented sailor was already Laser Radial World Champion. Reflecting on his childhood, Ben said, “Where we lived was quite remote so it made catching up with my friends difficult, so sailing really became the big thing for me and my big focus as a kid. I came up through the youth divisions, like all other sports, so it was a gradual progression. It wasn’t one day that I suddenly woke up and decided I want to be a professional sailor or go to the Olympics. When I was 18 I won the Youth World Championships and three months later I won the Olympic trials for the ’96 Games. That was really the big turning point for me in terms of actually seeing it as a sport, where I could become a professional and I could do it full time.”

Looking rather relaxed, the Olympic legend revealed, “I think in many ways winning a silver medal was very good for me because it gave me the determination to go out four years later and work that much harder to go one step better- so it wasn’t all bad, although it was pretty frustrating at the time.” Four years later, Ben achieved every athlete’s dream, winning an Olympic gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Ben, a charming and affable spokesperson off the water, reveals just how ruthless he is on it, admitting to fierce rivalries, above all with the Brazilian, Robert Scheidt, yes that’s right, Scheidt, who robbed him of gold in his first Olympics four years previously. With a broad smile emblazoned across his face, Ben remarked, “It was an epic race with a man who has a fantastic name! It was one of those classic rivalries that had gone from ’96. In the four years leading up to Sydney, we were competing against each other in various events which either he or I would win. It came down to the final race in Sydney and I basically had to take him out- so it was some pretty aggressive tactics.”

Looking somewhat relieved, as he relived the marathon duel, Ben added, “It was incredibly intense but I managed to get there and do the job, so it was a huge relief. When you’ve got that sort of fierce rivalry against somebody, to actually come out on top was a massive relief more than anything.” What Ben did, to beat the Brazilian in Sydney, has been questioned in some quarters and regarded as unsporting by certain critics - not by me, I might add. Looking a little bemused, Ben explained, “It was a little bit frustrating at the time. There were a few sporting commentators who didn’t know anything about sailing who were questioning the fairness of it, but actually within the history of sailing it wasn’t that new and certainly I didn’t break any rules. It was just very aggressive sailing. But sometimes in any sport, that’s what you need to win”

In place of the tall and friendly man on shore, a darker and more driven character began to emerge. So, I wondered, where does this ruthless streak come from? After a brief pause, Ben said, “I don’t know. Like in all sports you have to be ruthless at certain points to get a result and to win.”

After the Sydney Olympics, Ben, who is an Honorary Doctor of Sport, at Southampton University, changed focus and spent fourteen months with the One World Challenge America’s Cup campaign. In 2004, Ben competed in the Athens Olympics and again won gold in the larger Finn class, only to return to the Cup, competing with the Emerates Team New Zealand as an after guard member and ‘B-boat’ helmsman. His most recent win was gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Ben commented, “The gold in Beijing was very special because it was my third consecutive gold which meant a lot.”

So has Ben dared to imagine what it would be like to be coming home for the gold medal, on home water, in Weymouth with the union flags flying? After a brief chuckle, Ben said, “It’s a scary thought. Winning a gold medal on home waters- where I grew up, learned to sail and trained- would be a pretty surreal feeling and something very special.”

It’s no secret that the British Olympic Association are targeting a number of key sports for medals- rowing, cycling and sailing are top of that list. It has been argued that these are all fairly exclusive sports, as you have to have a certain amount of backing behind you in order to compete. This argument however doesn’t stand up with the affable Olympian. "I think there’s always a bit of a misconception. All Olympic sports at the top level are elite, but if you go down to the grass roots in sailing, I think it’s one of the highest participation sports in the UK. The big thing is to encourage the youngsters to get involved and make them realise it’s not that hard at the grass roots to get into a sport. It’s then up to you to take it as far as you want."

Although kids all over the globe dream of representing their country and becoming the best in their chosen sport, Ben rather humbly admits he couldn’t have imagined achieving all he has. “When I was a kid I dreamed of maybe going to the Olympics and somehow winning a gold medal, and perhaps one day being involved with the America’s Cup, but I never dreamt I would be where I am today, but I doubt most people do.”

The affable sailor continued, “I think if you love doing something and you’re inspired, you set about on the track to try and do as well as you can and who knows where it will take you.” He added, “My success has been a result of a number of different things. Obviously a huge amount of hard work, which you need in any sport, but I’m also really fortunate to be supported by great people- coaches and sponsors. It’s amazing, with individual sports you only see one person out there competing, but the team normally behind these people is huge- so I’m very fortunate with the support I get.”

Having expressed his desire to race at the next Games in London, what advice would the charismatic Olympian give to those who wish to follow in his footsteps and, if possible, emulate all he has achieved? “The key is to enjoy it and to get involved. Sailing I think has come a long way in the last ten years. The likes of Ellen MacCarthur have really brought sailing into the living room and she’s really helped promote the sport, but it’s still got a long way to go.”

Close to the Wind, by Ben Ainslie, Published by Yellow Jersey.

jamesdaviesmedia.co.uk

COMING SOON: In conversation with Sir Stirling Moss

2009-09-16T23:18:00.003+01:00

James interviews motor-racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss

Meeting David Beckham

2009-08-24T18:01:00.029+01:00

David with James

James Davies chats to the former England captain and footballs biggest star at The Home Depot Center- home of the Los Angeles Galaxy- as he prepares for the World Cup and limbers up for, potentially, the season of his life.

Having spent the last five weeks travelling much of the United States and visiting the likes of New York, Hollywood, New Orleans, Las Vegas and San Diego, to name but a few stop-off points, with three of my best friends, I didn’t think life could get much better, particularly after hearing I had graduated from university with the grade I had slaved away all year to achieve, and was about to start the latest chapter in my life.

That illusion, however, was smashed to smithereens after discovering what the next twenty four hours had in store for me.

As I sat sunning myself on one of California’s finest shores, eating a beautiful piece of fresh swordfish in the glamorous and highly affluent Newport Beach, I took a well-deserved sip of my cocktail and checked my email-as I so often did- much to the annoyance of those I was travelling with- to find my request to spend the morning with the Los Angeles Galaxy, and their star player David Beckham, had been accepted.

“Can you come out to our training session at 11am on Thursday, at The Home Depot Center?” read the email. “David should be available to the media after training.”

As I sat in my sun lounger punching the air in delight, having secured a meeting with the game’s most famous son, I unsurprisingly sent my response at a speed Usain Bolt would have been proud of. “Thanks Patrick, that’s great. I really look forward to seeing you and the team tomorrow.”

Although our meeting wouldn’t be the one to one sit down interview I had really wanted, it was a starting point and an opportunity to meet and question, in my opinion, England’s finest number seven and, more importantly, my footballing hero, along with a handful of other journalists from around the world, ahead of the Galaxy’s game against the European champions, Barcelona.

Preparing for the day ahead, I placed my alarm clock within an inch of my ear. I wasn’t leaving anything to chance. As my alarm screeched, waking half the campsite, I crawled out of my tent, dragging myself to the shower to try and gain some sense of consciousness. As the cold water dripped momentarily onto my forehead, I began to run through what I would ask the world’s most famous ‘soccer’ player.

For some, David Beckham has been, for most of his career, one of the best footballers on the planet and let’s face it, someone who has worked his socks off to achieve all he has throughout his illustrious career. For others, he is a global sex symbol, fashion icon, multi-millionaire and one half of the world’s most famous and readily talked about celebrity couples. For me, however, David is quite simply, as anyone who knows me will tell you, the footballer I wanted to be as a child.

As a little boy, I grew up awe-struck by his ability on the field and despite his sending off against Argentina during the World Cup in 1998, I remembered his performance days earlier against Columbia in which he scored a magnificently marvellous trade-mark free kick. Despite that faux-pas, I stuck by the world’s most exciting player.

My earliest memory of the soccer superstar, however, came in 1995 against Wimbledon as I witnessed him caress the ball into the net from the halfway line.

Although that was a spectacular moment and, for any other professional player, a career- defining couple of seconds, it was merely a highlight in David’s career. My true appreciation for the player nicknamed ‘Golden Balls’ came during the nail-biting stalemate against Greece.

David was extraordinary that day, single-handedly guiding the national team to the World Cup finals. For a 13-year old boy, there was no greater role model. Living through moments like that Greece goal and the penalty against Argentina are irreplaceable moments I will cherish for the rest of my life.

From the modest parks of Leytonstone to the glamorous showbiz setting of Los Angeles, David Beckham has made it to the top with his sheer hard work and determination.

Having spent the best part of a week in sunny California, I was only too aware of the relentless heat. Although I usually enjoy dressing smartly for occasions such as this, the Californian sun was unbearable and made me think twice about sporting a suit. Nevertheless, I excitedly buttoned up my slightly creased white shirt and put on my favourite tie.

Hopping into the Jeep we had been driving throughout the course of our trip, I placed my sunglasses on the top of my head to complete the L.A. look, and made my way down the highway in search of the American dream. Driving across wasn’t so much a chore as I was incredibly excited about the prospect of the day’s events. The hot West coast sun thumped down on to my already sun-burnt face.

Once I had arrived in Carson- the home of the L.A Galaxy and England’s David Beckham- I was ushered passed some of the strictest security I have ever come across, to one of the clubs exclusive parking spaces.

Having arrived about two hours before the team were due to train, I was able to soak up the atmosphere and walk around the place that has, in recent years, been at the forefront of a tsunami of press attention, since David’s arrival two summers ago.

The anticipation was enormous as I explored the fascinating surroundings while I waited.

Soon, Patrick, the affable Director of Communications, collected me and took me through yet more security on our way over to the training field. As the players began to emerge, a smile grew on my face.

Like a school team on games day, the players walked out with bags slung over their shoulders and shirts un-tucked and with the background noise of chatter and joking.

What struck me the most was their dedication and skill. Although the standard in Major League Soccer has been criticised, the players made the people’s sport look so easy, yet stylish, composed and clinical.

Players flung themselves around all morning, chasing the ball during games that featured three-a-side and one-touch passing. The sheer competitiveness was overwhelming.

None of the squad was content with passing the ball round the opposition. They all felt the need to try new and inventive tricks to embarrass their colleagues, creating a monumental amount of banter amongst the side. But the professional side of what they were doing shone through. It wasn’t a simple game or a half-hearted training session they were taking part in, but a gruelling practise monitored by Bruce Arena.

Before the team even kicked a ball, they were led around the pitch several times to warm up. They then stretched off at every corner and, once they were well prepared, gathered together for a team talk.

Having watched the entire training session, Patrick took me deep into the stadium, away from prying eyes, where I would get my opportunity to speak to David. With endless newspaper column inches devoted to one of the most talked about men in the world, it seems that we know everything there is to know about David Beckham. Or do we? Set beneath the ground, the venue for our meeting was fascinating. It was a labyrinthine maze full of staircases, corridors and rooms.

Holding tightly to his three boys, David slowly came into sight. Ushering his children through to one of the many rooms, he disappeared for a minute or two, only to re-appear with a broad smile emblazoned across his instantly recognisable face.

As David headed towards the media scrum, that had converged at the end of the long passageway, I must admit I was rather taken aback with the rather casual and laid back way he sauntered down the dimly- lit corridor. He didn’t, as many might have cynically expected, traipse in with an entourage, or turn up decked-out in designer gear. Instead, in stark contrast, he was accompanied solely by his three children where he was, from what I could see, performing his fatherly duties.

Wearing a tightly-fitted grey t-shirt, jeans and a smashing pair of glittery blue shoes and with his hair all immaculately in place, David greeted everyone with a smile. Although he was a little smaller and a little leaner than I had anticipated, he seemed to be perfectly at ease with himself.
After shaking hands and quickly exchanging pleasantries with him I, along with the handful of other media present, began questioning him. I just stood there, transfixed, staring at him, studying his every move and listening to every word he spoke.

Say what you will about Beckham - and a lot has been made over the years by members of the media - although not by me - that he isn’t the brightest or most articulate guy in the world - he spoke intelligently, thoughtfully, openly and frankly. Never once did he waver or decline to answer a question, or try to skirt an issue.

When answering a question about the recent reaction by L.A Galaxy fans over his decision to play in Europe, which has caused a minor ruckus, David just charmingly said: “I’m just trying to ignore it as much as I can. I think that’s the way you have to deal with these things. I’ve had it a lot worse than I’ve had here.

“After ’98 it was at its worst- but I’ve had it bad in a number of different places I’ve played- it’s just part of the game.

“When it happens, it can sometimes become a distraction not just for myself but for the team, the team have done well to deal with the situation.”

He added: “I’ve got the support of the players, the management and the owners and for me that’s the most important thing. I’m happy to be back and I’m happy to be playing with these players and with this team. I’m enjoying it.”

With all media outlets firing at all cylinders, in a media scrum that seemed to suffocate David for space, I waited for my chance to fire a couple of questions of my own.

Amongst the crowd of American twangs came my English accent. Immediately David looked up and smiled at me- I think he had found it rather comforting to hear the tones of a ‘Brit’.

With his attention fixed firmly on me, I began to explain to the superstar that I was in the States on a road trip, to which the affable midfielder smiled. “What would you advise me do while I’m here in L.A?” I asked.

Without a hint of hesitation, David enthusiastically retorted, “Go to the beaches.”

Before adding: “There are quite a few nice beaches out there. L.A life is great. The weather’s great and people are always good to you. You’ll have a good time while you’re here.”

I was impressed with the genuine niceness of the man who is, at times, all too easily and unfairly criticised.

And when asked about his three boys, David said with a huge smile: “Having my children was the most important thing to me. When Brooklyn was born football came second. Having my family is my proudest achievment.

“I’m a very proud father and love to be with my three boys. We like to play on the beach and do normal things like that.”

Having played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and A.C Milan-three of the biggest clubs in the world- as well as captaining his country, where does this insatiable drive that seems to be instilled in our finest football icon come from?

“My drive has come from my parents, my family and the clubs that I’ve played for and the mangers I played under.

“When you play under some of the managers I’ve played under, if you don’t have that drive then you don’t get in the team, so I have been brought up on it from an early age. My drive to succeed will always be insatiable.”

He added: “It was the way I was brought up and it’s the way I’ve always played. Every club that I’ve been at has driven me to success. Once it’s in you, I don’t think it will change.”

Having reached the pinnacle of sporting success himself, what advice would he give the next generation of footballers who wished to become the next David Beckham and, if possible, achieve all he has accomplished throughout his illustrious career?

“I’ve been lucky with my career but I’ve worked hard to achieve what I have.

“Kids out there, if they want to become a professional footballer then you have to work hard and enjoy it.

“I’ve enjoyed my whole career and I’ll be very honoured to enjoy it until it finishes.”

Asked about his plans after retirement, he said he wanted to make up for lost time with his family. You could tell from the way he lovingly talked about his wife and kids that he is a devoted family man, and that he hates to be away from them for any length of time.

It was refreshing to meet an athlete who keeps things in perspective. David Beckham is the most famous sports star in the world but, instead of puffing his chest out, he remembers what’s most important in this world: his family.

But for all the fuss and humdrum that goes with being the most famous footballer in the world, David is a down to earth man who is unquestionably more approachable than others who have less talent than he does in his little toe- the one on the left foot!

Although he is proud of his admirable success and he is proud of his wife and children he is, beneath all that star-like veneer, an ordinary person, which was refreshing to find.

A first-rate footballer? Yes. A first-rate person? Without question. Having waited many years to meet my hero, I was not disappointed and he was just the way I hoped he would be. Thank you David.

It was only on the way home, though, that I was able to reflect on a wonderful day.

Not only had I spoken to and met a great ambassador of the game but the player who has mesmerised, influenced and inspired me, and countless millions around the world. The day also confirmed what I had been thinking for a long time. ‘Becks’ is back to his best and the World Cup is on its way home!

David Beckham: My Side - The Autobiography by David Beckham, Published by Harper Collins.

Remembering Michael

2009-07-15T02:15:00.039+01:00

Michael Jackson takes to the stage - 'THIS IS IT'

Picture courtesy of The Outside Organisation

As the entire world gathers in shock to mourn and honour the memory of Michael Jackson, James Davies- who in March attended the press conference at which Michael spoke enthusiastically about his forthcoming This Is It tour- proudly presents this personal tribute to the star, whose musical genius and creativity earned him the undisputed title: 'The King of Pop'.

For followers of the entertainment world, June 25th, 2009, will be a day they will never forget. Michael Jackson, the greatest pop star of all time, collapsed in his rented Californian home and was whisked by ambulance to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, in Los Angeles, where doctors frantically tried to revive him, after he had suffered suspected heart failure.

As the news of the shocking crisis spread, worried fans gathered outside the hospital and other spots throughout the country-and the world-to pray for the beloved singer. Sadly, when Michael Joseph Jackson tragically died, two months shy of his 51st Birthday, it seemed as though the whole world suddenly stood still and went into mourning.

The outpouring of grief, from his fans, has been tremendous and something rarely matched in the history of music and entertainment, but that's the power of a man who was called a King, crowned a King, and truly was, as, his dear friend, Elizabeth Taylor once declared, "the King of pop, rock and soul".

The 'King of Pop' talking ahead of his comeback tour at London's O2 Arena

Millions of people around the world will have their own memories of Michael. I'm no different, other than the fact I was fortunate enough to grace the great man’s presence, while he was in London promoting his final This Is It tour. Having been invited to Michael’s press conference, shortly before his death, I was able to see, up close, the man who, with the mere mention of his name, is able to stop the world go by.

The excitement that surrounds the superstar is incomprehensible to someone who hasn’t ever seen or experienced it. Even hours before his arrival there was an unexplained buzz amongst all those who were lucky to be in the vicinity. We all knew 'The King of Pop' was coming. As an admirer of his work, I was incredibly excited to be part of 'HIStory' and couldn’t wait for his comeback.

Standing within three metres of Michael, I was able to see, firsthand, the pandemonium that surrounds the singer, wherever he goes. The chorus of screams is insatiable and one that does not go unnoticed, with him responding, in his characteristic tone, "I love you, I really do, from the bottom of my heart."

Despite the world’s fascination with his appearance, up-close, he looked well and, dare I say it, normal. But what struck me most about Michael, was the aura he exudes. His mere presence sends a crowd, of even hard-nosed journalists, wild, who are hanging on his every word. This is something that few entertainers have or ever will have, but I suppose that is what made Mike special. The man’s charisma.

The magnitude of Michael Jackson's star power is almost impossible to overstate. His influence on music and culture has been immeasurable. During his lifetime, he has smashed sales records, pushed creative borders, broken racial boundaries and influenced generations of pop, R&B and hip-hop stars. But there was never a doubt that Michael was going to be a star. When the Jackson 5 exploded onto the music scene in 1969, the world found out what his family had known for a long time- Michael was special.

As a child, the spotlight loved him, and he loved it. Even when sharing the stage with his four talented older brothers- Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon- and recording on a Motown label full of legends, the pocket-sized singer, with the big voice and magnetic smile, stood out. The musician, who was born to perform, had the rare achievement of being a mass cultural phenomenon- twice. First in the late 1960's, as a cherubic 11-year old with his brothers in the Jackson 5 and again with the release of his solo recordings.

When the group were put together by their father Joseph, they were instant sensations, putting four albums at the top of the pop charts in 1970 alone.

With singles such as ABC and I Want You Back, the Jackson 5 became the darlings of millions, and made genre and chart distinctions irrelevant with their universal appeal. 'Jacksonmania' began with bubblegum soul.

Michael would do it again, 12-years later, with Thriller, which became the biggest-selling studio album in history, and brought sweeping changes to the music industry and redefined the word 'superstar'.

Even though Michael's 1979 solo album, Off the Wall, went multiplatinum, that was a mere prologue to the Thriller supernova that followed, and its success could not prepare the world for the cultural tsunami that was Thriller.

On stage, Michael brought applauding audiences to their feet with acts of genius that transformed the entertainment world, racking up enough awards to fill a personal Hall of Fame.

One defining moment for the talented showman came on a March evening in 1983, during the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever television special. After performing a few numbers with his brothers, from his Jackson 5 days, Michael, at the tender age of 24, in two short breaths, black shoes and sequined socks, takes over.

"Yea, those were the good old days…those were magic moments," he tells the audience, as he pants for air.

"But, I especially, like the new songs."

Suddenly, thunder. The thumping beat of Billie Jean, sent fans to their feet screaming. Jackson struck a pose on stage, clasping his black fedora hat and the now infamous white sequined glove. His black jacket and silver vest glittered as white socks peeked from under his black trousers. Then he erupted into a flurry of fluid dance moves as he launched into the song. But it was not until three minutes and 40 seconds into the song that Michael introduced his most unforgettable move: the fluid, gliding, seemingly airborne, moonwalk.

Taking four short, sliding steps backward, Michael danced into history- unknowingly changing the world that night. Four steps. That was it. No pyrotechnics, no backup dancers, just a man, one glove and four monumentally memorable steps that seemed to defy the law of gravity. It is no exaggeration to say Jackson’s surreal dance step triggered a lasting transformation of music, dance and pop culture.

Seen by 47 million people, the Motown special created even more of a frenzy around the singers 1982 album Thriller, helping him become, arguably, the first African-American artist to truly own the mainstream, turning him into the biggest superstar of his and, perhaps, any generation. It would be his coronation as 'The King of Pop'.

For nearly four decades, Michael Joseph Jackson brought the world to its feet with his incredible voice, innovative dance routines and catchy pop lyrics. There was no one bigger than Michael and his longevity and record sales speak for themselves. For roughly ten years, starting in 1982, no celebrity could hope to approach Jackson’s level of global fame and influence, nor has any since.

When the world lost Michael, it lost one of its few international superstars. From his work with his brothers, The Jacksons, to his international success with the Billboard-topping Thriller and Bad, to his anticipated 50-run show in London, he was truly at the pinnacle of pop culture.

His extraordinary gifts were shared by all of us as he excited our senses with music and dance, as exemplified in the epic albums Thriller, and Bad and the sounds and beat of Billie Jean. His stage presence was always an extravaganza.

He offered everyone his music and love with a white-gloved hand extended out to all. He contributed his time to so many worthy causes as he truly believed We are the World. But what's more, Michael loved to create magic, to put something together that was unusual, something so unexpected, that it blew people's heads off, something ahead of its time. The moonwalk was just that, sending adrenalized kids scurrying to their kitchens in white socks, trying to master the move. When Billie Jean aired on MTV in 1983, Jackson became the first African-American artist ever featured on the emerging channel and inspired fans around the globe to copy his rhinestone style.

The glittering white glove became Michael's singular accessory soon after it made its TV debut on Motown 25. So synonymous was it with Jackson's image that it morphed into one of his nicknames, 'The Gloved One'. Like Marilyn Monroe’s white dress or Dorothy’s ruby slippers, the glove ceased to be merely an item of clothing. It was part of a persona.

Lost amidst the eccentricities that increased later in life, many people may have forgotten the huge volume of time and money Michael donated to charity. He was always ready to give back to those who were less fortunate and never forgot his own humble,blue-collar roots. He gave into the tens of millions of dollars to charities over the years- even including his entire cut from one of his incredibly successful world tours.

Michael Jackson will be remembered as the 'King of Pop', as an enigma who may never be completely understood. While his 50 years on this Earth were entirely too short, his light flickered so bright when he lived that it has left an indelible mark on everyone who has ever listened to his music, or been helped by this gentle and sometimes tortured soul.

We now celebrate Michael’s life’s work as we reach out and eternally hold that gloved hand and remember him forever in his music. Perhaps, somewhat fortuitously, Michael knew these would be his last performances.

"These will be my final shows in London. This will be it. When I say this is it, this really will be it. This is my final curtain call!"

Michael Jackson lived the last hours of his life doing what he was born to do. He will always be 'The King of Pop'. May he now rest in peace.

Mike at his best

jamesdaviesmedia.co.uk

An interview with Sir Jackie Stewart

2009-06-07T14:33:00.045+01:00

Sir Jackie with James

He made his name as one of the all time greats behind the wheel. Winner of three Formula One Championships, 27 Grand Prixs and ranked in the top ten drivers of all time, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, is one of the most highly regarded names in global sport. On the track Sir Jackie’s story is an inspirational one of drama, drive, determination, danger, excitement, tragedy, controversy, glamour and, of course, massive success.

Beyond the sport, his life is a compelling tale of battling against the odds and achieving world-wide recognition as an outstanding sportsman, a role model and a highly accomplished and well-respected businessman.From growing up in a Scottish village, to the racetrack of Monaco, Sir Jackie Stewart has led a ‘chequered’ and eventful life. Revealing all, however, the former race ace explains, "everything has not always been champagne and parties."

Although Sir Jackie will be 70 in June, it seems evident he has no intention of slowing down, as he motored into the room at some speed. Born, as he put it, "in a wee village" called Milton, Sir Jackie explained his love of fast cars began, at a tender age, while he worked at his dad’s garage. Although it is not a surprise, racing became Sir Jackie’s passion; it was during a chance meeting, with a customer, that put the young apprentice on the road to becoming a world champion.

As he sat sipping a glass of Coca Cola, the Dumbarton-born Scot, who left school at 15, explained, "I was preparing, what I would call, some club racing vehicles for a racing enthusiast, who was not allowed to drive himself. One day he came in and asked me if I would like to do a wee event as a reward for all the work I had done on his car. I finished second. He then came back and said ‘what about doing the next one?’ I won. I was never really aware that I had any skills as such for racing, but once I got a taste for it, I definitely wanted to do it again. From there, it was then a kind of rocket ship."

His first attempts were impressive. A young Jackie showed exceptionally quick reflexes and a cool demeanour behind the wheel, demonstrating his incredible hand-eye co-ordination. Despite his eminent rise to the top, Sir Jackie was, by his own admission, "a failure in the making."

Twiddling with the phone cord next to him, he explains, "I was a failure educationally. I’m a dyslexic so my school years were by far the unhappiest of my life. In those days, as it still is in some places, dyslexia was never identified. You were just stupid, dumb, or thick. These were difficult times because it’s humiliating not being able to read or write, and do all the things everybody else does so easily."

He added, with what can only be described as a real sense of sadness, "Dyslexics need to understand that they can achieve and they can succeed. Einstein was dyslexic, Leonardo Di Vinci was dyslexic, Churchill was dyslexic, Steve Redgrave is dyslexic. These are just a few examples. The great shame is that a number of dyslexics will never reach their full potential."

Nevertheless, his harsh Scottish school days are what instilled in Sir Jackie the will to triumph. Like many dyslexics wee Jackie had an overwhelming desire to prove himself in life. Rocking back and forth, the affable racer said, "Because you cannot do the things that people your own age can do so easily you’re made to feel inadequate. You feel humiliated and you have no self esteem. I had a terrible complex but managed to rise over it through sport. Now it doesn’t really worry me that I can’t read or write correctly, and it doesn’t bother me that I don’t know the alphabet."

Sir Jackie mused, "I do look back and wish my teachers were here to see me now because they and the educational system had totally written me off."

The triple Formula One world champion, who last stood on top of the winners’ podium in 1973, the year he retired, is clearly proud of all he has achieved. So, I wondered, what does it feel like to be the fastest man on the planet?

Launching into what can only be described as a vivid description, he explains, "The adrenalin is unbelievable, but a good racing driver doesn’t make it look like he’s going that fast."

In 1966, while racing at 164mph in the rain, Jackie Stewart left the track, crashing into a tree during Spa-Francorchamps. He remained in the upturned car while the vehicle's fuel poured onto him. "The tiniest spark would have made me a human bonfire," he said. After this near-death experience, Stewart became an outspoken advocate of Racing Safety. Sounding somewhat frustrated, Sir Jackie explained, "In those days, if you were racing for a five year window in formula one, there was a two out of three chance you were going to die, which is a ridiculous average. People did not think racing drivers needed to think of safety because they were seen as gladiators and if you were killed that was your full awareness before you went in there. I thought that was all wrong. I thought I was being paid for my skill not for the risks I was taking."

Having tirelessly campaigned for racing safety, Sir Jackie became incredibly unpopular with a number of those involved in the sport. He boycotted, campaigned and protested and was involved in a very major change in the safety of racing, making him more than just a wizard at the wheel. In an emotional tirade, the Scot explained, "It needed to be done because there was a period in 1968 where four of our drivers died in consecutive months. When that happens to you and you’re constantly going to funerals and you’re witnessing the grief and the devastation, when it doesn’t have to happen, I realised I had to do something."

Sir Jackie, a man of immense charisma, charm and integrity, to this day remains a superstar and someone with legions of loyal fans around the world. Rather humbly, he admits he understands the joy his fans feel when they meet him, as he, too, has those he gets excited about meeting. "When I first met Peter Sellers, the Beatles, Elizabeth Taylor and the Queen I did get slightly star struck. But you often find these people are just as anxious to meet you as you are of meeting them. The real stars don’t need to act or behave in a manner that lets people think they’re something different. Although I’m Sir Jackie Stewart, I’m still the same Jackie as I’ve always been."

Winning is Not Enough: The Autobiography, by Jackie Stewart, Published by Headline.

An Interview with Shane Warne

2009-05-02T14:21:00.016+01:00

James with Shane

During his playing days, Shane Warne was without doubt a special cricketer. He was the finest spin bowler of them all with many going as far as declaring him the greatest cricketer to ever play the game. That assessment would accommodate not only his skill as a bowler, but also his gift as an entertainer.

From the moment the spin star bemused Mike Gatting just over sixteen years ago with that fizzing first delivery, Warne has dominated the game and frustrated many of those standing at the other end of the wicket with, not only his mesmeric talents as a cricketer but also with his barbaric competitive streak, which has helped him, throughout his career, ruthlessly tear sides apart.

Although the charismatic legend made his name from a number of different turning deliveries, the affable Warne, who has 708 Test wickets to his name, doesn't spin off the field. The straight talking Aussie, who has a very physical presence, spoke frankly and was reluctant to pad a way any questions preferring, instead, to hit them for six, saying, "ask whatever you want mate."

Now retired from the international game, you are more likely to catch the leg spinning legend around a poker table than you are on a cricket pitch, as he tries his hand in the professional game.

The tanned Aussie explains, "I’ve played poker my whole life. I probably started as a 12 or 13-year-old with matchsticks. But I've only really been playing tournaments in the last three years, but I've really developed a passion for it."

Throughout his illustrious cricketing career, Shane was very good at playing mind games against his opposition, but has he ever tried dropping a few choice insults at the table? "Well, a few of the Yanks at the World Series all thought they were 'Eddie the Expert'. They thought they knew exactly everything about every hand, so occasionally there was a bit of sledging going on, but most of the time it was all pretty relaxed and I'd just go about my business and keep my mouth shut. I don’t really say much."

Adding with his mischievous school boy look, "Give me another year or so…"

Shane, who was born in Ferntree Gully, Australia, begins to talk about his childhood, making the room come alive. He says, with no sense of regret, "I used to get the cane a lot for misbehaving. At school, I wasn't the sharpest tool in the box so if I didn’t understand, I would act the fool. I would then have to go down and see the principle who would practise his golf swing with six of the finest."

Jokily adding, "I must have enjoyed it because I kept on going back."

'Warney', as he is known affectionately by his thousands of loyal fans, has basked in the glory of no fewer than seven Ashes series wins, taking an incredible 195 wickets in 36 Ashes tests, leaving many of England’s batsman bamboozled on more than one occasion. Not only have his outstanding achievements on the field revitalised the art of leg-spin, but they have made it sexy. Without knowing it, Warne has played a major role in the development of the game.

So what is the secret to facing the world's most successful leg spinner? Shane revealed, "Just watch the hand and how the ball comes out of the hand and you'll know exactly what's happening."

When Warne, the cigarette-smoking, beer-swilling sportsman, packed in the jet-set life style of an international cricketer two years ago, many found it incomprehensible that he actually even thought about leaving the sport when there was clearly so much more there for us to enjoy. A smiling, Shane explains, "A lot of people said you’ll get to an age when you’ll know when it’s time to retire, but I didn’t get that. But then I did and I knew it was my time. It’s better they say to you why did you, then why didn’t you?"

The legend, however, really began in England during that famous Test match of 1993 when he bowled Mike Gatting with the 'ball of the century'. A moment of cricketing history was born, changing his life forever. Shane humbly says, "It was a fluke. To do that on your first ball when you’re nervous and you haven’t been playing for long and you’re playing against England and Mike Gatting, who’s a superb player, to just land it was a fluke."

Shane made spin bowling sexy with that one bowl, and single-handedly transcended the sport. Soon fast bowlers were shoved to one side with leg-spinners coming to the fore.

But what struck me most about this loveable rogue was that he didn’t actually ever dream about being a top class cricketer.

Stretched out in his seat, Warne explains, "Being a Victorian it’s all about Aussie Rules Football and I wanted to play Aussie Rules when I was growing up, but I wasn’t good enough."

Astonishingly confessing, "I just played cricket in the summer because most of my buddies did, but I was a batsman not a bowler."

With his blond hair, sparkling blue eyes and general Aussie beach-bum appearance he explains, "The bowling didn’t really interest me because I was being whacked around and I wasn't very good. It's tough being a spinner when you’re not that good and it's quite embarrassing as a youngster when you're bowling double bouncers or the ball goes over the fence and they can’t find it."

He explains, "My success has been down to hours and hours of practise. I could always spin the ball, but the accuracy came a lot later."

So were those rumours true that Warne, the man who had been at the forefront of England's downfall on so many occasions, was really going to come and coach the three lions? With a wry smile and a brief chuckle Shane says teasingly, "I wouldn’t rule anything out."

Although Warne's life has been plagued by scandal and controversy both on and off the field, that is all part of the legend, and he will forever be remembered for torturing batsmen with his flight, guile, spin and mystery, all factors which mean England can breathe a sigh of relief that they do not have to face him in this summer's Ashes.

An Interview with Lord Sebastian Coe

2009-03-21T12:13:00.025Z

Lord Coe with James

Seb Coe interview by jamesdaviesmedia

Lord Sebastian Coe will forever be remembered as one of the finest athletes to represent Great Britain, after winning four Olympic medals and setting an astounding eight world records, in middle-distance running.

Coe who studied economics and social history at Loughborough University, began his running career at the tender age of 12 after joining Sheffield's Hallamshire Harriers, and it was here, between studies, a teenage Coe trained and began to win county and school championships at 3,000m, 1,500m and cross country.

His father Peter, who was also his coach, cleverly built on his son’s potential with a lot of technical and weights work. It paid off, with Coe winning his first race in 1977, during an 800 metre event at the European Indoor Championships, in the aptly named, San Sebastian, Spain, setting the pace for the rest of his career.

Now, as chairman of the 2012 organising committee, Lord Coe is once again the man at the centre of the world's greatest sporting event.

As the press began to tuck into the vast array of biscuits, and cakes on offer, as part of the mini buffet put on for the launch of John Keddie's book Running the Race, Lord Coe took his opportunity to swiftly slip into the press conference before the hoards of reporters, who had gathered, had time to notice his arrival. Dressed in a smart blue suit, with his hair neatly arranged, there was a certain film star quality about the two times Olympic gold medallist. It is not just the way he presents himself that projects this image, but the way he assertively holds his lean 5'9" frame too.

On entering the room he quietly made his way to the front, scanning the several rows of seats, as he anxiously looked for somewhere to sit. After spotting his designated place, he hurriedly sat down, picked up a copy of the book he was promoting from the pile that he and the author were to sign later, and began to read the foreword he had written.

The buffet had proved a fine and welcome distraction for Coe who for, some reason, seemed to want to keep a low profile, enabling him to sit alone. Although this was the first time I had been in Lord Coe's presence, it was immediately clear what type of man this celebrated Olympian was. Despite his willingness to keep himself to himself, there was a certain air of authority and unquestionable confidence that only the most successful athletes possess.

After introducing myself, Lord Coe rather charmingly moved his belongings that were stacked up on the seat next to him, and invited me to sit down. Before I could begin the interview, Lord Coe, or Seb as he wished to be called, insisted on getting us both a cup of tea. As he went to fetch the drinks, I wondered where I should start the interview. Not only has he had a fascinating career, but he has had an enthralling life too.

Back in his running days he was one of athletics' greatest middle distance runners. Not only has he won two Olympic gold's but, in 1979, he was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year after breaking three world records, in just forty-one days. With an engaging enthusiasm, he said, "I trained and raced for 12 years before I made an Olympic Games, so for me winning an Olympic gold was the culmination of hundreds of thousands of miles of running, weight sessions and coaching paying off. But I suppose the first thing you feel finishing an event with a great result is relief, because you don’t feel you’ve let down all the people who’ve been helping you along the way. You’re also glad it’s over for the moment, although you soon get back into the mindset of wanting to be a better runner next time round."

But it is not just on the track that Lord Coe has excelled. In 1992 he became a Conservative MP, working alongside William Hague, and now holds the prestigious position of Chairman of the 2012 organising committee, where, arguably, he won his greatest ever race by bringing the Olympic games to London.

The London bid was initially way off the pace and when the five candidate cities were shortlisted, London was rated third behind Madrid and favourites Paris. But with the timing that he showed so often in his illustrious running career, Coe helped London produce the late charge that was required to pip their French rivals. His combination of world record-holding pedigree, political experience, and his general affability played an undeniable part in the bid’s success, giving it an air of authority that was hard to ignore.

It seemed somewhat fitting that he played such a pivotal role in persuading the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to award London the 2012 Games as he has a wonderful history with them. "The Olympics are the greatest sporting event there is."

Eliciting each question with a short speech, he continued, "They transcend sport. There is no other non political gathering that brings people together in such profusion and with such a wonderful vision. It’s not the panacea for all human ills, but it sure goes a long way to driving all sorts of values. Just look at the values of both the Olympics and Paralympics. The values of respect, friendship, courage, determination and sheer will to overcome adversity. This is something only sport can manage."

Despite Beijing's meteoric success Lord Coe, who once ran an astonishing seventeen miles one Christmas morning, assures me he is not suffering sleepless nights over the awesome responsibility. "I’ve broken 13 world records in my time. I don’t intend to break a fourteenth and be the first organiser of an Olympics to bring them in late. Of course we will have a fantastic Games. We have a wonderful propensity in this country to doubt our ability. We have fantastic examples of excellence at every level, whether it’s in the arts, sciences, in the quality of our policing or armed services. And yet we sometimes enter a tunnel of despair about it, which few other countries actually do."

The newspaper headlines were inevitable after Britain’s Olympic success. 'It’s great to be British!'; 'Britannia rules the Games!' And who can blame them? It was, after all, a terrific summer full of success for Team G.B, with Great Britain firmly sat in fourth place in the medals table.

Lord Coe proudly boasts, "We’ve got a very good funding programme at elite level now with more money going into elite level sport than ever before. Although money is important it’s not the sole part of the story. You need athletes with hunger and commitment, as well as world class coaching and great administration to win gold medals. Excellence costs."

Despite his obvious confidence about success both in the medals table and in the running of the 2012 games, Lord Coe certainly has a lot of work to do over the next three years as Chairman of the organizing committee. However considering the achievements of his career to date, he seems like the perfect man for the job.

The National Student March 2009

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Don't Stop He's Not Had Enough!

2009-03-21T11:54:00.025Z

Michael Jackson is back and set to perform his famous moonwalk and back catalogue of hits once again. Hold on to your Fedora hats, it's set to be one hell of a tour!

After a 12-year wait, pop legend, Michael Jackson, has announced he will be performing a series of comeback concerts, at the 20,000 seater, O2 arena, in London, this summer, declaring, "I will be performing the songs my fans want to hear."

This Is It, is the latest in a long line of tours the pop icon has performed in during the past 40-years and, according to Mike, it will be the last time he will showcase his incredible talents in the UK.

In an official statement from his website, the singer of classics such as Billie Jean, Thriller and Bad said, "The time has come. It is now I see and feel that calling once again, to be part of music."

Although the former child star and one time lead singer of the Jackson 5, has not toured since 1997 he made a rare appearance at a scheduled press conference, in South London, to make, what was billed, on his official website, a 'special announcement'.
With that 'Jacko-mania' began, creating an immediate media frenzy with the world's press descending on the capital, and thousands more fans congregating on North Greenwich to get a glimpse of their hero, with some even camping out for as along two nights, in the arctic conditions.

Adam Foot, a 20-year old, student at Liverpool University said, "I have been here, at the front of the queue, in my sleeping bag for two nights. It’s been cold but it’s definitely worth it to be at the front and to see him for real. I can’t wait."

Jackson, who celebrated his 50th birthday, last August, announced, in the freezing auditorium, that he is returning to the stage to perform a historic 10 shows in the UK this summer defiantly declaring, "These will be my final show performances in London. This will be it."

He added, with what seemed a hint of sadness, but no regret, "when I say this is it, this really will be it. I mean it. This is the final curtain call."

Unsurprisingly, the multi award winning superstar's statement was met with a chorus of cries from his legions of fans who had trekked to the arena from all corners of the globe, pleading with the style-setting singer to reconsider. The announcement follows months of speculation about a string of shows, which included a proposed return in Las Vegas, but nothing ever materialised, which I'm sure many of his British fans are only too pleased about.

The tour, which is scheduled to open on July 8th, is certainly one of the most eagerly awaited show returns of all time, particularly as Jackson, winner of 13 Grammy Awards, has not played a series of concerts since 1997, when he last toured, with his last live performance coming in 2006, at the World Music Awards, also in London, where he performed Heal the World. Before Michael left the stage through an elaborate red satin curtain, the megastar, declared to his legions of fans, "I love you. I really do. From the bottom of my heart."

Rob Hallett, AEG's President of International Touring said, "We are delighted to facilitate the return of The King of Pop, long may he reign!"

He added, "Michael at The O2 this summer will be the highlight of the musical year. When Michael Jackson performs, the eyes of the World will be watching. This will be his only concerts in the WORLD this year!"

Since Michael's 'special announcement', a further 40 shows have been booked, running from July - February 2010, due to the high demand. Randy Phillips, President of AEG Live, commented, "The last week has been the most astonishing. I have seen in my career in the entertainment business. I, for one, am counting the days, minutes and seconds until that first show. I just cannot wait."

The news of Michael Jackson's return caused tickets to sell at an average rate of 40,000 an hour, which works out at an astonishing 11 per second! Fans from as far a field as Japan, Belgium and Dubai queued to purchase their tickets but, first in line was Ayesha Obi from Lewisham, in South East London. Holding her front row tickets, Ayesha, 19, started crying with emotion and excitement and said, "I queued for two whole days, it was well worth the wait. I am ecstatic!"

So there we have it. 'The King of Pop' is set to perform his greatest hits for the event of the summer and the concerts of the decade. This really is 'It'! Michael Jackson is once again set to 'THRILL YA!'

An interview with Father Christmas

2009-01-28T15:00:00.024Z

Santa with James

First of all Mr Claus, I wanted to thank you for inviting me to your home, here in Lapland. It’s incredible!

Yes, it's not bad is it? We're looking to extend the work room but, both myself and Mrs Claus, are pretty pleased. I just hope you'll excuse the mess. Living with the Elves is like having teenagers again. They really are frightfully untidy.

That's surprising. They always look so smart.

That's because they know what will happen if I catch them!!!

If you don't mind me asking, what will happen if you catch them?

Well if I find any elf with either their shirt un-tucked or their top button undone, it'll be extra sprouts at dinner time!

I'm curious to know, how long have you been doing this job, and what persuaded you to become Father Christmas in the first place?

That'll give away my age dear boy, so I'm not going to reveal that I'm afraid (hohoho). Being Santa Claus is not something you choose to do, although I have seen it advertised in the window of the Job Centre (laughs). It's just something that chooses you.

So when you were growing up, what did you want to be?

I always wanted to be a pop star. I fancied myself as the next David Bowie.

Have you ever found a house you can't get into?

To be honest with you James, it does get progressively more difficult to squeeze down some of the chimneys throughout the night. It just depends how many mice pies I've eaten on route. But some of the chimneys I’m expected to fit down are ridiculous. They really are.

As someone who has brought joy to millions, you must be delighted with the way things have gone?

Yes that's right, I am delighted. It really has taken off. Saying that, neither I nor my bank manager expected it to cost this much!

What's the hardest thing about your job, and what do you enjoy the most?

I'm constantly worrying about the speed cameras. They're everywhere! So the hardest thing for me is getting everything delivered on time. The thing I enjoy the most has to be getting in my hot tub afterwards. That really is something special.

How do you feel when people say they don't believe in you?

I'm not surprised. Who would? My Mum and Dad are still waiting for me to get a proper job!

With the economic crisis, has this year been more difficult than most?

Yes, it hasn't been easy, but there have been lots of sales I've been able to go to. Got a few bargains.

What’s it like being you, and doing the job you do? It can't be easy?

It's great being me. I only really work one or two days a year! It’s the elves who have it the hardest really. When I'm here in Lapland, I hold all my meetings in the hot tub. Doesn’t feel like work then.

Other than Lapland, do you have a second home where you like to relax?

Yes I've got a little beach hut in Trinidad and Tobago. Both Mrs Claus and I like to go there for six months of the year. Then I return to Liverpool for a month or two, before heading back to Lapland.

Liverpool or Everton?

Neither actually. I support Accrington Stanley. They are a fantastic team. Such spirit.

When you were a little boy, what sorts of presents did you like to receive?

All sorts of things really. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a favourite at one stage. But I used to enjoy the Christmas meal more. I have always been into food.

May I ask, how did Rudolf get that very red shiney nose?

It’s shiney because he's constantly applying Vaseline to it. Apparently it stops it drying up in this bitterly cold weather. The redness. That’s another story. To be truthful, it’s caused by the amount he drinks. He’s a big drinker. Loves a glass of Sherry does Rudolph.

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Merry Christmas

jamesdaviesmedia.com

Saint Nicholas

2008-12-24T17:36:00.024Z

This years Christmas list was a little different to my usual one, as all I wanted was an interview with Santa. To be honest, I was not hopeful I would be successful in my quest to question the world's busiest man, but it was worth a try.

On the 12th December, twelve days before his sleigh would frantically dart from chimney to chimney, my request was posted, alongside my two sisters Christmas list. All I could do now was sit and wait for a bit of Christmas magic.

Days past, and my dream of speaking to Saint Nicholas looked as likely as snow on Christmas Day. Nevertheless I remained upbeat. Although I had received no post, I thought I should check my emails, just in case. Still nothing. To my surprise, however, I had been left a voicemail from a mysterious caller. It was him. I knew it.

After listening to the message Santa explained, "Dear James, I'm sorry I have not been in touch sooner but, as I am sure you are aware, I have been rather busy. Nevertheless, I would like to invite you to my home, in Lapland, on Tuesday, 23rd December, for a quick chat and a mince pie. Please arrive at 4pm. Yours, Santa Claus."

It felt as though all my Christmases had come at once, after offering me the chance to do a world exclusive, a full and frank sit down interview at his home in Lapland.

But would he, Rudolf, and his Elves live up to my expectation?

jamesdaviesmedia.com

An interview with Ricky Hatton

2008-12-11T12:02:00.018Z

When Ricky Hatton was beaten on points by Floyd Mayweather Jnr, in Las Vegas, last December, many critics said it was time to throw in the towel and retire. Hatton said no. When he scraped a win on points over Juan Lazcano in May of this year, many said he was past his best. Hatton, unsurprisingly disagreed.

Then, having hired Floyd Mayweather Snr as his trainer, 'The Hitman' returned to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and wowed spectators and pundits alike with a thrilling eleventh round victory over Paul Malignaggi. This win proved the doubters wrong and has led many to state that Hatton is back to his best.

As I peered over the hoards of people who had assembled, to get a glimpse of Ricky Hatton, at the launch of his autobiography, I wondered what the man at the centre of all the fuss thought of the attention.

After all this isn’t something your average lad from the Hattersley council estate, in Hyde, or any other lad, from any other place, for that matter, is likely to experience. The signing was only supposed to last an hour, but Ricky was adamant he would sign for every fan that had come to see him.

People of all ages, races, backgrounds and sexes had congregated from all around the country for a squiggle that apparently read Ricky Hatton ‘Hitman’. Two long hours past and the crowds of people who had come to see their hero were finally ushered out of the busy book store on London’s Oxford Street, by the burly security men.

But instead of going home, many opted to stay, singing a catalogue of songs, including ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Hatton Wonderland’ that are synonymous with the pint-sized boxer, on fight night, outside the front of the building, on the busy shopping street. This was something ‘The Hitman’ clearly enjoyed, and took enormous pride from. With his baseball cap pulled over his thick eyebrows, covering much of his face, he began to jump around, firing jabs into the air. He evidently worships his fans, as much as they worship him.

As I made my way over to the man who is as well known for his hard-drinking lifestyle out of the ring, as his boxing in it, he put out his cut and bruised drinking hand saying, “Your hands are soft. Can’t be a boxer.” To which we shared a mutual grin. Despite his publicist wanting the interview to be conducted in one of the many back rooms, Rick, as he wanted to be called, decided he would rather wonder around the cd section as we chatted. As soon as the shop floor was cleared we made our way passed the menacing security, towards the music section. “Can you see any Oasis?”, he asked.

Reflecting on what he had seen, and heard, during the course of the afternoon, the people’s champion looked up and smiled. The steely glare that is so prominent during his weigh-ins was replaced by a look of almost childlike excitement, that made his face come alive. He explains, “I feel no different to the man in the crowd, but it’s nice to reward them. I don’t think there’s ever been a British boxer with a fan-base like mine.”

There is no question, he is a talented fighter, but it is his character as much as his skill that has made him one of the most loved of all the British boxers, followed by Hollywood stars and adored by the likes of David Beckham and the Gallagher brothers. “A lot of fighters shut themselves away. I’m not like that,” he said. “As long as they’re not getting in the way of my training, anybody, who wants, can come to the gym, especially those from my local area. I like to think I’ve done the area proud, and people shouldn’t be excluded, especially kids.”

Despite his fame, wealth, and superstar status he still likes to drink a pint, or two, of Guinness and play darts at the New Inn, the pub his parents once owned, on a Thursday night, with his legion of fans, who he now refers to as “my friends”.

This part of his lifestyle, however, is often criticised. In between fights, Ricky has seen his weight balloon to an astonishing 180lb, 40 over what it should be. Often only making the weight he needs to weeks before the fight. This has resulted in his fans jokingly renaming him ‘Ricky Fatton’, which the affable boxer likes to play along to, opting to wear a fat suit into the ring. “I’ll still go down the pub with the lads, and eat my fry ups. That will never, ever change. That’s me, and that’s what makes me who I am. I like to let my hair down. I know I do it a bit more and a bit heavier than most, but if I only had to lose 3lb before a fight I’d probably go out drinking the week before anyway.”

Still wondering through the music section, Ricks attention is drawn to a C.D called ‘Footie Anthems’, which immediately brings us on to his love of Manchester City, the club for which his father and grandfather both played, and the team he supported as boy. He, too, might have been a footballer, as he was on City’s books as a teenager, but he was a better boxer. “A lot of people like watching football, but I’m a die-hard. When City get beat on a Saturday, that’s my weekend ruined,” he said. “When we play United, I’m just as much up for that as for my fights.”

‘The Hitman’, who has come from the heart of working-class England and represented his community with intelligence, humour and decency continued, “I go to as many away games as possible. It’s nice at away games because I stand in the queue, buy a ticket and then sit with the rest of the City fans. People find it strange, you know. I will be in the queue for a pie and Bovril at half-time and fellows will ask, ‘What are you doing here, Ricky?’ But if they knew me personally, they would know I don’t see myself as any different to them.”

This said it all. Success, fame and wealth have not turned his head, nor have they diluted the straightforwardness that has always been his way. It is this sort of attitude which has undoubtedly assisted Hatton in his comeback after the Mayweather defeat and has now, after beating Malignaggi, helped him to restore his reputation as one of the greatest British boxers of all time.

The Natioal Student - December 2008

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James Davies welcomes Jeremy Irons to Southampton

2008-11-08T01:50:00.012Z

Click here for BBC Article

James Davies' first televised appearance, interviewing Oscar winning actor, Jeremy Irons, on receiving his Honorary Doctorate, from Southampton Solent University, for Solent Productions, shown on BBC South Today.

From one interviewer, to another

2008-10-30T18:20:00.020Z

An interview with Sir Michael Parkinson, ‘The King of Chat’

When James met Sir Michael Parkinson. An interview with 'The King of Chat'. by jamesdaviesmedia

Interviewing Sir Michael Parkinson, as a humble trainee journalist, I imagine feels incredibly similar to the feelings felt by a school teacher waiting for an inspector during the first day of Ofsted.

As my stomach churned at the prospect of speaking to the ‘crème de la crème’ of journalism, there was a firm knock at the door. After a brief pause the door swiftly swung open. It was ‘Parky’. Well Sir Michael minus that theme tune, ‘Dat-diddly-da-da-da!’, his big-band intro and jaunty descent down the stairs that were synonymous with his long running hit television chat show, aptly named, ‘Parkinson’.

Entering the room with a certain air of authority, Sir Michael settled any early nerves I'd had with a simple smile and a firm handshake, saying jokily in true ‘Parkinson’ fashion, “It makes a change doesn’t it, to sit here and just wait for the other poor bugger to ask the questions.” At which I nodded and shared a mutual grin.

As we sat down to start the interview, with both seats facing each other as he always so famously did, I felt compelled to ask what had happened to those black swivel chairs that he, and pretty much everyone who was anyone, had sat on while he conducted his interviews.

“I actually bought two of the chairs that we used on the set, for £2,000, after we had finished the last show”, he said, shuffling in his seat as he tried to get comfortable. “I bought the interviewing chair, which I sat in, and the one I call David Beckham’s chair”, explaining, “His bum was on there.”

The thing that is so refreshing and charming about Sir Michael, the son of a Barnsley miner born in 1935, is that he is so perfectly human. As we begin to talk about his childhood, the room comes alive. He has a fascinating story to tell, and one that is just as enthralling as any of the celebrity guests he has questioned during his 36 years as ‘The King of Chat’.

But for all the names, anecdotes and unrivalled insights into the world of celebrity, he humbly attributes his success to the efforts of his parents, who made him promise he would never go down the pit for a living.

Despite his Headmaster telling him he would ‘never amount to much’, he defied those who said he wouldn’t be anything other than a miner, by listening to his mother, and not only reaching for the stars, but talking to them too. His mother was, according to Sir Michael, “the engine” of his ambition. As he said, “She channelled all that ambition into me.”
Sitting back in his chair, he explains, “When you educate the working classes, stand back. Things will change."

Adding, “It was our generation that produced the 60’s, that wonderful explosion of working-class talent that overtook the arts and changed things. I couldn't have got a job at the BBC as a doorman, with my accent, for God's sake. But because of what happened, after a while you had to have an accent like mine to become a journalist at the BBC. That was transformation.”

Sir Michael, however, wasn’t the only one of his childhood friends to make a name for himself. It is no secret Sir Michael is a huge cricket fan and spent most of his youth playing in the same team as Geoffrey Boycott and Dickie Bird. “We were all at Barnsley together. It’s extraordinary now to look back on those days and to think we all had all the same ambition of playing cricket for Yorkshire and England, and to see how those two achieved their ambition and I didn’t.”

Flicking through his autobiography, the most eagerly awaited showbiz memoir of the year, it is difficult to ignore the beautiful photographs, featuring those he has interviewed over the years. It gets me thinking whether there are ever situations where, for all the research he’s done, he’s met a guest and they’re completely different from the person he expected to meet.

After a short pause, Sir Michael leans back, shuffling around in his chair once again, and says, “I thought I'd fancy Meg Ryan more than I did. And vice versa (laughs). There was just a total lack of sympathy between the two of us.”
So what is it, I wondered, that separates those in the limelight from the rest of us, mere mortals in the background of life, rather than the forefront? “They have an indefinable quality that I describe as will power. If you look at Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Billy Connolly, there’s something that separates them from the rest of the human race. Although they are, of course, human, like the rest of us, they are special people, with an overwhelming drive to achieve something. I never had that drive. I just always wanted to be a good writer, a good journalist. That has been my motivation throughout my life.”
Despite being known as ‘the man who has met everyone’, there are a few, believe it or not, who escaped his charm. “I would have loved to have interviewed Sinatra. And, of course, the Queen! Just imagine what an interview she is. Think about all the people she has met and the circumstances she has met them in.”

So now that the ‘Parkinson’ set has been put away for the last time, never to return, I was curious as to how he feels looking back on his time in front of the camera, laughing with Billy Connolly, grappling with ‘that bird’ Emu and sparring with Muhammad Ali, as well as all the other captivating moments that were created by the man who turned the practice of two people sitting in chairs, chatting, into something quite magical?

“My father, being a miner and a Yorkshire man, once said to me he didn’t really understand what I was doing. He was waiting for the time I had a proper job. He always wanted me to play cricket for Yorkshire and because I didn’t, he thought I was a failure.
Just before he died, he said to me, ‘you've had a good life haven't you? You've interviewed some beautiful women and you've made a bit of money. Well done. But think on, it’s not like playing Yorkshire cricket is it?’
And what he was defining was the difference between fame and immortality. I mean if you play cricket for Yorkshire you’re immortal. But if you're merely famous it doesn't matter.”

‘Parky’ My Autobiography, by Michael Parkinson, Published by Hodder & Stoughton.

jamesdaviesmedia.com

An interview with Justin Langer

2008-10-03T21:19:00.021+01:00

Justin with James

Looking out over the County ground, from the Sir Ian Botham stand, in Somerset, I start to lose count of the number of times Justin Langer has run around the edge of the boundary.

The domestic match, in which he had been playing against Lancashire finished over an hour ago, but instead of packing his kit bag and leaving like the rest of the team, the Somerset skipper was out on the pitch, as he always is after a day’s play, circling the lush playing field in the beautiful surroundings of Somerset’s idyllic ground, in Taunton.

“I like to finish a game with twenty laps” he panted. “I believe if you have a healthy body you’ll have a healthy mind.”

Adding with some gusto, “When I finish cricket, I’m defiantly going to run a marathon.”

This, perhaps, is one of the reasons why the man once called ‘the best batsman in the world’, by Mark Waugh, has frustrated many of those on the opposing team. His focus, determination, passion and desire is paramount, and clear from the minute you look into his steel blue eyes. This man means business.

First to practice every morning and the last to leave, Langer who has a black belt in Taekwondo, explains, “The pain of discipline is nothing like the pain of disappointment. I don’t see enough of it really. If you really want to be the best at something, you’ve got to be disciplined in your choices for what you want to achieve.”

He continues, “I’ve always been fascinated by boxers. They train so hard and get so switched on, you can actually see the focus and all the hard work they’ve put in. I’ve always found that interesting because that’s how you’ve got to be when you walk out to bat. It’s not rainbows and butterflies. You’re going out to fight. Unless you’re aggressive as an opening batsman you’re going to get injured or even worse, out.”

But walking around the edge of the pitch with the man himself, as he warms down, I fail to understand what it is about this gritty player that has enraged England’s cricketers over the years. Far from being an ominous figure and someone Nasser Hussain, openly, said he could have strangled, the Aussie legend is rather genteel and softly spoken.

When we’re not discussing his illustrious cricketing career the pocket sized philosopher chats longingly about his family, his garden, which he calls his “sanctuary”, and his love of writing. “In my rose garden”, he explains. “I’ve got an apple tree, a peach tree, a nectarine tree, a big olive tree and my herb garden.”
Like a philosopher, the man who is small in stature but tall in enthusiasm asks me, “Do you know how good it is to pick your own herbs, from your own garden, for your own cooking?"

He continues, “We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle and the business and the stress of everyday life, that we don’t make time for the things that really matter. It’s a cliché, ‘wake up and smell the roses’, but it’s true.”
He assures me, “When you smell a rose it really gets you back living in the mould.”

Although the proud father of four is always in his garden, back home in Perth, he assures me it isn’t always to inspect the roses, or pick herbs for his tea, as it is here, at the bottom of his backyard that he has his own, custom-built gymnasium, that he claims won back the Ashes. “I use it for training”, he says with a huge smile. “It’s a great place to meditate and just escape from everything. It’s like my own little world.”

Although his wife, Sue, was aware he intended to build a place to train, she visualised something small. A place that could house a treadmill, a couple of weights and perhaps a stretching mat. He failed to mention the punch bag, the custom-built boxing ring and how a former SAS soldier, covered in tattoos, would arrive every morning to supervise his work-outs. It is here that he prepared meticulously for the last series in which England were white-washed.

Langer, who is a huge boxing fan, explains, “The fight is won before you get in the ring, so I trained like a heavyweight fighter. Losing the Ashes was a big kick up the backside and the catalyst behind us regaining that little urn. It gave us determination and a new lease of life.”

The gym is a shrine to his all-time sporting hero, Muhammad Ali.
“I love him”, Langer says with a smile. “He was such a brilliant, beautiful athlete.”
With a certain amount of vigour he says, “The walls are covered in scribbles from a black felt marker.”

“I’ve got quotes everywhere. Quotes about courage and discipline. When I walk in there and look up they keep me going in the right direction. Sometimes I’ll read something and think to myself, ‘I’ve got to have that on my wall’.”

Although the left handed batsman recognises his hard work has helped him achieve what he set out to accomplish, he also regards his close bond with, fellow opening batsman, Matthew Hayden as a key factor that helped him turn from yesteryear’s ugly duckling into a stroke-playing swan.

The duo who “missed each other” when they were apart would openly exchange bear hugs in the middle, and always gave the impression of two boys living out a dream. “Matthew Hayden’s my best mate, and I think that’s why we formed such a successful partnership at the top order for so long. How many people can say they go to work with their best friend? It’s always going to motivate you.”

As we get towards the end of our second lap around the boundary, Justin, ever the philosopher, turns leaving me with this, “Remember James, twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.”

The National Student February 09

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From Scotland With Love

2008-09-25T14:34:00.022+01:00

Sir Sean and James
Picture taken by Ivon Bartholomew

James Davies, was left ‘Shaken but not stirred’ after spending the morning with Sir Sean Connery, on his (00)78^th Birthday.

Getting up at 4am to go to Bristol International Airport is not the start most people would choose on a Bank Holiday Monday, particularly when you have been on a booze cruise the night before and outside it is dark, cold and pouring with rain. I, however, have not jumped out of bed faster.

Although it is often said you should never meet your heroes, I took the risk when I hopped on a plane and met James Bond. Well, the finest actor to play Ian Fleming’s ‘00’ agent, anyway.

Ever since I saw the film, Dr No, at the tender age of six, one Christmas, and heard Sir Sean Connery utter the words “Bond, James Bond”, during that famous casino scene, the Hollywood legend has always been someone I have greatly admired and a star I have always wanted to interview.

I wondered whether a character such as Bond existed, and was even more curious to find out whether Sir Sean Connery was anything like the cool and charismatic hero that made him a sex symbol, a multi-millionaire, a worldwide superstar and a cultural phenomenon.

The one time coffin polisher is a notoriously private individual who, at times, likes to shy away from the glitz, glamour and relentless fuss that goes with his job. In fact Sir Sean’s craving for privacy was one of the reasons he decided to hang up his Walther PPK. Therefore, arranging ten minutes with this highly sort after star would not be easy.

After contacting both his publicist and agent in Los Angeles, with the request to do an interview with the great Scot, I was met with a firm no, explaining, “Sir Sean does not do interviews”. To my dismay I really thought it was, ‘Goodbye Mr Bond’.

But, like any good secret agent, I had a Plan B. After scrawling through the internet and reading, ‘double 0, several’ articles, I came across a name- Murray Grigor.

Murray, a lifelong friend of Sir Sean, and co-writer of his long awaited book, simply entitled Being A Scot, seemed the perfect person to lend a hand. Immediately I set to work and emailed the film maker in the hope he could help arrange something.

At first, it would seem even this attempt had failed as the first lines of his reply read, “James, your timing couldn’t have been any worse”.

By this, Murray was referring to the recent press Sir Sean had received and been unfairly subjected to, during the last couple of weeks.

Nevertheless I remained upbeat. Although, it seemed a full blown interview was unlikely, a meeting was not, after Murray kindly invited me to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, and the place of Sir Sean’s birth, where he was making a special appearance at the city’s International Book Festival to give a talk on his (00)78th Birthday.

After arriving in Edinburgh, the city where life began for the proud Scot back in 1930 and where he rose from humble beginnings to become a Freeman of the City, early on Monday, 25th August, I excitedly made my way to the hotel, where both he and Murray were staying. After getting on one of the capitals luxury buses, which takes you from the airport to the city centre, an elderly lady I was sat next to gave me a firm and rather sharp nudge. “You look like you’re going somewhere special”, she said.

To which I smiled and replied, “You could say that. I’m going to have breakfast with James Bond. It’s his birthday you know?”

Judging by the strange look she gave me, I think she was pleased it was her stop. Two short minutes later, I had arrived in the centre of Edinburgh. With its stunning scenery and incredibly beautiful backdrop which sees Edinburgh Castle overlook the city streets, I could have quite easily been on a Bond location. The place really is a sumptuous visual spectacle, and no doubt would not be so captivating without its stunning back drop.

Walking through the revolving doors, of the hotel, I tried to run through what I would say to the Oscar-winning actor. Perhaps, ‘Ah, Mr Bond, I’ve been expecting you’. On second thoughts, maybe not.

After gathering a couple of realistic thoughts, I proceeded through to the elegant stairwell which looked into the dining room. There sat Sir Sean with his wife, the beautiful Micheline, whom he met playing his beloved golf.

To be honest, it seemed somewhat strange to see Sir Sean eating breakfast, and doing something we all do. But why should it, he, like everyone else, is human?

After being shaken, and stirred, I soon met Murray, who promptly introduced me to the imposing actor, who still stands at an impressive 6'2".

The aura that exudes the proud Scot is incredible and one I have never experienced before, with any other A-list star. His confidence and self assurance was clear to see as he roamed the hotel reception.

“Sean this is James. James, Sean”, Murray said.

Although I had worried about what I would say, I really did not need to. Sir Sean immediately put me at ease, making me feel welcome instantaneously. Far from saying “Do you expect me to talk?”, like he tells his nemesis, Goldfinger, in the 1964 epic, Sir Sean was a gentleman with an un-denying presence.

The last great movie star put out his hand and lifted that famous eyebrow, saying in his broad and unmistakable Scottish accent, “Ah, nice to meet you James.”

Adding, with a wry smile, “I was a James once”, to which we both laughed and shared a mutual grin.

Sir Sean, 78, dapperly dressed in a white sweater, navy blue jacket and smart tartan trousers with matching scarf, oozed all the sophistication and charm he showed during the 1960’s while playing the Martini drinking, British agent. Standing together chatting really was quite a surreal moment. Although Sir Sean had obviously aged it was, as strange as it sounds, like talking to James Bond.

After a short chat, Murray, Sir Sean and I made our way to the book launch. Surprisingly there was no driver waiting to take us. Sir Sean rather humbly opted to walk through the city streets where he once delivered milk.

On seeing Scotland’s most famous export, people just stopped and starred. After all it is not every day you see a Hollywood star. Sir Sean laughed and joked the whole way, putting out his hand for anyone who wished to say hello. As well as telling me about the wonderful dinner he had, had the night before, and how a street cleaning device had kept him awake most of the night, the Oscar winning actor confessed, to my amusement, “I keep all my awards in the bathroom. Including the Oscar.”

Once we arrived, we were all ushered in through the back entrance, where the world’s press were waiting. It was time for Sir Sean to disappear. But before he did, he turned to me and said, “Thanks for coming James”, raising that eyebrow once again, that often doubles as a smile.

Far from being the ‘overgrown stuntman’, Bond’s creator Fleming once allegedly called him, Sir Sean was a star who made my day. With my mission complete, in true Bond style I left and went to see my Bond girls (pictured below).

Keira Knightley, James Davies, Sienna Miller

James Davies interviews Film Director, Tarsem Singh

2008-08-05T12:47:00.010+01:00

Tarsem with James

Sports fans will associate the word ‘googly’ with cricket and, if asked what a ‘googly’ was, they would almost certainly say a type of cricket delivery. This, however, is due to change, as film director Tarsem Singh’s ‘Googly Films’ present his latest picture, ‘The Fall’, bringing a new meaning to the term.

The self-financed film, which I found to be stunning, is a sumptuous, visual spectacle, full of bright vibrant colours. It was shot in a number of countries covering almost every continent, with Tarsem leaving his best camera work to capture Northern India, the Taj Mahal, Udaipur, and several sweeping shots of Jodhpur, ‘the blue city’.

‘The Fall’, which is Tarsem’s second feature film, made its debut at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, and is essentially two stories in one.

Alexandria is a young Romanian girl who lives and works in the orange groves of 1920s Los Angeles with her family. After falling and breaking her collarbone, she is taken to hospital and, while convalescing, meets Roy, a paraplegic, suicidal man, who begins to tell her a fantastic story about five mythical heroes or, as he describes it, “an epic tale” of heroes, villains, action and adventure.

Thanks to his hallucinatory state of mind and her vivid imagination, the line between fiction and reality starts to blur as the tale advances, with Alexandria using people she interacts with at the hospital as characters in the story.

Tarsem who began his career directing music videos, including “Hold On” by En Vogue, “Sweet Lullaby” by Deep Forest and the music video for R.E.M.’s smash hit “Losing My Religion”, which won ‘Best Video of the Year’ at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards, was unable to get funding for the project because he wanted it to be written by a four-year-old.

He explained “All the investors would ask, ‘When will the script be ready?’ and I’d say, ‘Actually the script is going to be written by a 4 year old, so there isn’t a script.’ They didn’t think it would work, so in the end I just said, ok it’s my money and we’ll go off and do it when we find the girl. At that stage I didn’t know if we would or not.”

Travelling from country to country over the next 17 years, provided cricket loving Tarsem with the opportunity to scout for locations that were perfect for, what he called, his “dream project”.

“I had been putting together photographs of locations because I wanted to shoot in a style of filming that I didn’t think had been exposed to too many people. I decided that it was not going to be a piece that was CGI’d (Computer Generated Image), so I had to find all the locations, which took a long time.”

With the suitable and incredibly beautiful back-drops ready to work with, the charming director’s next task was to find the child actress. For 8 years, Tarsem, who once made more money in one day shooting a commercial than his father did in 30 years as an aircraft engineer in India, searched for his ideal star. “I didn’t think there was anywhere on the globe I could find a child that hadn’t been exposed to cinema. Every year I was sending out the casting scout with a camera to pick out a few kids and film them. He would tell them a tale so I could see what their response was like.”

After what seemed an age, Tarsem received this tape from a girl in Romania which, he claims just: “blew me away”.

“I immediately flew to Romania and told my brother, Producer Ajit Singh, ‘We’ve found the girl’. She was six at the time and didn’t speak a word of English, which was perfect because her trying to understand the language made her more natural. The only problem was we now had to find a real location as I didn’t think we could shoot in the studio."

After more searching, Tarsem, a self confessed squash addict, found a lunatic asylum in South Africa, which he decided could double for the hospital. “We took one wing of it and dressed it exactly so I could always explain to her things visually. I would say, ‘you are here, he’s here, you’re bored, you throw this to him.’ In every scene I was telling her things in sequence. The first time she saw him is the first day she sees him in the movie. The second scene is the second time she sees him. So she did write the script.”

During the twelve week shoot, Catinca Untaru, who plays the part of the little girl, was led to believe actor Lee Pace, who portrays the paralysed stuntman, really was unable to walk in order to maintain this illusion to the junior actress. “Everything had to happen that way, because the little girl's magic was required. It wasn't the cliché of a method actor wanting to stay in a wheelchair the whole shoot but, when you're on a film set, no matter how dire a situation you're putting across, when you're on that set for long enough, it gets jokey. I didn't want it to get to a stage where people would walk on Lee's bed, or tell handicap jokes, as I knew it would filter down to the girl, even in body language.”

The director, whose films are renowned for their operatic colourful beauty, deserts, horses, exotic locations, lack of digital animation, extensive costume design and sets, found keeping the secret harder than the exquisite filming itself. “Once I came into it, my immediate thought was, ‘How long can we carry on this façade?’ It was such an audaciously big lie. Lee was caught almost everyday because he went to the gym most mornings. He'd go there and see a number of the crew and, think to himself, ‘Oh my God, I'm caught!’ But they'd walk right by him. They didn’t recognise him out of the wheelchair!”

The chemistry between Catinca and Pace is undeniable, with many of the hospital scenes yielding some poignant footage. “Magic happened between the two of them. I almost decided not to go and shoot any of the fantasy stuff after it happened. I thought it was a complete film.”

But a personal hardship changed the affable director’s mind, “My whole life fell apart after my girlfriend and I separated. I decided to go on a magical mystery tour. I called my brother and I just said, ‘Sell everything. I have no idea if this little light I’m seeing at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train or what but we’re going in it. If you have to sell the home, call me.’ Four and a half years and 24 countries later I called him and said, ‘I’m almost done.’ He said, ‘The house is almost up for sale,’ so I said, ‘I’m finished.

Tarsem, a graduate of the Art Centre College of Design, in Pasadena, California, says he owes everything to film school. He explained, “They had to use a shovel and an axe to get me out of school. I didn't want to leave, and I would go back in there in a heartbeat. I just absolutely adored and loved it. You have to understand, I'd never held a still camera in my hand before that! They taught me everything. How the damn thing works, where to put it, everything!”

So what’s next for the affable film maker?

“I’ll go where the road takes me: the long, the winding, and the yellow.”

jamesdaviesmedia.com

James Davies meeting Sir Sean Connery

2008-07-01T09:33:00.006+01:00

They say you should never meet your heroes, but I did when I met James Bond. Well one of the six actors to play Ian Flemings “00” agent.

Ever since I saw the film, ‘Dr No’, at the tender age of six, and heard Sir Sean Connery utter the words “Bond, James Bond” during that famous casino scene, the Hollywood legend has always been someone I have greatly admired, and someone I have always wanted to meet.

I’m not small, standing at six foot, but the Edinburgh born actor was huge. Not only was he tall but he was incredibly well built.

After telling the star he was my favourite actor he gave me a nice broad smile, shook my hand and said in his famous Scottish tone, “Thank you”.

Sir Sean, 77, who was dapperly dressed in a red sweater, navy blue jacket and smart grey trousers, oozed all the sophistication and charm he showed during the 60’s while playing the elegantly dressed, Martini drinking, British agent.

Sir Sean, who is a patron, along with Tilda Swinton, of the Edinburgh Film Festival, gave a lot of time to his fans, particularly the young ones, stopping to talk to anyone who had the confidence to approach the likeable actor.

Although our meeting was brief, it is something I will never forget. Thanks Sir Sean, you made my day. What a gentleman.

jamesdaviesmedia.com