31.7.13

One To Watch - Adam Chicksen



The most unpredictable league in the world is back in a matter of days as the new Championship season will kick off on the 1st of August. All 24 teams will have a say in who will be win automatic promotion to the Premiership, who will make the playoffs and who will be threatened by relegation. Amongst those teams are many young and talented players who will be looking to make a big impact in the new season. These players will be the ‘ones to watch’ during the course of the 2013/14 season. One of those players is 22 year old Brighton and Hove Albion full-back, Adam Chicksen.

The young defender signed a three deal after moving from MK Dons for an undisclosed compensation fee. Chicksen made 93 appearances for his former club after making his debut back in 2008 at the age of just 16.

The Englishmen will offer Brighton a wide variety of options as he can also play at right back and in midfield. He was offered a new deal by the Dons but turned it down in favour of a move to the Amex Stadium.

The only other left back in the Brighton squad at the moment is Vitajils Maksimenko which means he and new signing Chicksen will be fighting for that left back position.
Fans have described Chicksen as a naturally gifted left sided player who has massive potential. For this upcoming season the young left back will be expected to finally fulfil that massive potential and become a regular star performer in the Championship.


A spokesperson from The MK Dons Supporters Association said:
Adam was born in Milton Keynes and is a product of the Dons academy. He is a versatile player who can operate on the left wing or left back. He had the best strength to weight ratio of any player at the Dons last season, he has good pace and has proved himself at League One level.”

The spokesperson thought Chicksen could have left the club on better terms though.
Some fans feel let down that Adam left the club in the way that he did, feeling he could have shown more loyalty to the club although the MKDSA wishes Adam the best of luck in the future,” they continued.

Brighton's head of football operations, David Burke, addressed the clubs official website after the arrival of Adam Chicksen.
"We are delighted that Adam has joined us. Our scouting department have been aware of him and impressed with his progress at MK Dons. He has all the attributes that we are looking for and already has a good knowledge of our playing style, having come through the ranks at MK Dons. He has great potential to establish himself in the Championship, and we are delighted that he has chosen Brighton & Hove Albion,” he said.

A big season is ahead of Brighton as they will try to further their achievements of last season and attempt to gain promotion to the Premier League. New signing Adam Chicksen could play a pivotal role in those attempts. The young left back will be looking to build upon his glowing reputation as a top League 1 player for MK Dons by becoming a great Championship player for Brighton and Hove Albion. 

30.7.13

Outside The Box - Meet The Team



NameKatie Whittemore
Twitter - @ItsBizNews
ClubNottingham Forest
Fact – I can tie a cherry stalk into a knot with my tongue. Serious skill.
Pet Hate – Players who have over inflated ego’s and biased FA decisions.
I’ve supported Forest ever since my Uncle took me along to a match V Charlton when I was younger, the passion of the fans, the atmosphere in the stadium, they were my team. Being a Forest fan is never boring and never easy, last season alone had every up and down a club could possibly go through. A pre-season take over by the Al Hasawi family left little time for transfers, however the came thick and fast and we began the season with almost a new squad, a new manager, all with very little preparation. Things were going ok, nothing to shout about (apart from THAT Leeds result) then over Christmas our fortunes changed, we were cursed with Alex Mcleish. Thankfully he saw sense and resigned, cue the return of King Billy, a fantastic run saw us competing on the last day of the season for a play-off place. Seated next to the away Leicester fans it certainly wasn’t a let down (apart from the result). Now as the new season approaches we have a more stable foundation, a pre-season where our team have had a chance to gel and some fantastic signing rumoured. Bring it on!

NameWill Moorcroft
Twitter - @willtm10
ClubStoke City
Fact - I was on picked out in the crowd by the TV cameras during the 2011 FA Cup Final, standing up and still cheering despite the fact Stoke were 1-0 down to Man City and it was the 91st minute, so we had no chance!
Pet Hate - people who support a team without decent reason or logic - in other words ‘Glory Hunters’
MY local team is Stoke City - I am a lifelong fan - and over the past 5 seasons I have enjoyed watching us become established in the Premier League. What hasn’t been so enjoyable at times though is the dull nature of ‘Survival Football’ utilised by Tony Pulis, so with all respect to him for what he’s done at Stoke (promotion, FA Cup final, Europa League run), it was perhaps the right decision to bring in a manager to take the club further forward. Step forward Mark Hughes.
Two years ago, how many Stokies would have thought that we would be signing a Dutch international or a Spanish U-21? Well we have now, and while both Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa are defenders, for me it shows how Hughes wants to add flare and movement to our usual 6” brick wall we called a defence, and how he is looking to improve the team’s style so that we are no longer a hoof-ball, rugby team, but a more tika-taka style team that can hold the ball and play more fluently - reports from the team’s pre-season tour of the USA have been positive in this manner...
With the imminent arrival of a new striker, reported to be either Benfica’s Nelson Oliveira or Hannover’s former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf, Hughes also looks set to try and combat our long-standing problem of not scoring enough goals, and if he can do that, I should hope that a top-half finish is achievable, which would certainly change the mind of the sceptics who called for his sacking the day after he was appointed!

Name Lee Gormley
Twitter - @LeeGormley
ClubManchester United
Fact - in 2009 I was at Manchester United’s Carling Cup fixture at Derby and while I was walking through the car park I randomly bumped into a certain Mr Teddy Sheringham whom I had a quick chat with and got a photo!
Pet Hate - ! My biggest pet hate in the football world is the constant playacting by world class players when they get the slightest of knocks. Compared to other sports like Rugby or GAA games, football really isn’t that physical.
Manchester United’s summer transfer activity has been almost obsolete with the fans still waiting on the arrival of a ‘big name’ and especially a player who can play in that key midfield position. Big names such as Thiago Alacantra and Kevin Strootman have been linked with the club over the past few months only for these players to eventually join Bayern Munich and AS Roma respectively. The most recent player to be linked with a move to Old Trafford has been former Arsenal midfielder and current Barcelona playmaker Cesc Fabregas. A move seems to be highly unlikely at the moment meaning the Red Devils are still in possession of that familiar gap in their midfield.
Without a new signing to bolster the midfield position United are still a formidable team of course, having won their 20th league title last season under the now retired Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson’s fellow countryman David Moyes has since taken over the biggest job in world football and he will begin the title defence against Swansea on Premier League opening day which is the 17th of August.
The title winning squad which includes Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever signing as manager, Wilfred Zaha, will be fully expected to be in the hunt for the title next season no matter how much money is spent on new players in this transfer window. Personally I believe the winning mentality is still at the club and always will be there no matter who is in charge. United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all had recent big changes regarding managers and players meaning the upcoming season will be harder to predict than ever. Although I still think Manchester United will go on and regain the Premier League trophy possibly in one of the closest ever finishes to a Premier League season. 

Name Andrew Dalton
Twitter@lufcstats
ClubLeeds United
Fact – I was on Live and Kicking back in 2001, doing a football quiz, called Have you got the balls, finished 3 out of 18!
Pet Hate - The way the broadcast Media run football! Gone are the days of 9 games kicking off at 3pm on Saturday! As a Leeds fan I wander why we bring out a fixture list, as by the time the season kicks off at least 5 or 6 games will have been moved!
My first game was when we beat Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road in April 1992, when a certain Frenchman scored what proved to be the goal of the season! I have experienced many ups and down following Leeds, in my lifetime we have reached both the semi finals of the UEFA Cup and the Champions League, suffered 2 relegations in 2004 from the Prem and in 2007 from the Championship, had 3 seasons in League 1, one promotion and 2 play off final defeats! My all time highlight supporting Leeds would be the 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna in the Champions League quarter-final 1st leg at Elland Road. My all time low light, would be the play off final defeat to Doncaster in 2008, I really did think we would beat them. I don't think I have ever felt so low after Leeds game! After the season we had had with the -15 points, it felt like the script would have the perfect ending! Also in my time I reckon I have seen over 300 players in 20 years pull on the White Shirt!

Name - Conor Willis
Twitter - @CWillis7
Club - Southampton
Fact: I stuck a toy car wheel up my nose when I was little.
Pet hate - Being out sung at a football match. There's nothing worse than the opposition crowd being louder than you.
Southampton have made a steady start to pre season and have spent two weeks in Spain and Austria for another 6 days. We've signed Dejan Lovren, a towering central defender from Lyon believed to have cost around £8million. He will certainly provide competition between the defenders we already have and should ideally walk straight into the starting eleven. We have also bought in Victor Wanyama, a strong holding midfielder from Celtic. He has put in noticeable performances against the likes of Xavi and Iniesta against Barcelona in the Champions League last year and will fit in nicely next to Schneiderlin who won many plaudits himself last year. 
I believe with another signing or two we can really push on from last seasons 14th place finish and get into the top 10. That has to be the aim this year. We've got the squad to do it, we have the right approach to games to do it and we have to correct attitude and belief to do it so I don't see why we can't!

Name - Joe Williamson
Twitter - @jmwilliamson23
Club -  Leeds united
Fact -  I used to live across the road from Luke Varney
Pet hate - Diving and Football pundits
Leeds United, have had a fairly unspectacular off season in the form of transfers and on the pitch performance, but off the pitch is where the drama has and continues to unfold, where there has been heavy speculation linking Leeds United to a big money link up with energy giants, red bull. In my opinion, the investment from red bull could help make Leeds a force to be reckoned with in the championship, this extra investment could provide the funds for transfers which will make the club a realistic challenger for promotion. If the added funds allow McDermott to bring in the players he wants like his rumoured interest in Adam le Fondre, then Leeds United will obviously benefit from a link up with red bull. If this deal will be of the best interest of the club, and it’s all to do with the level of involvement with red bull and what changes they want for their money, it needs to be looked at seriously.  If it’s just shirt sponsorship, then it’s definitely a positive move for Leeds United.  If they want more like the rumoured stadium name change, then it should be seriously considered if this is the right move, as Leeds United, by changing their name of Elland Road will be selling part of their history and heritage and I think many fans would agree with me that this would not benefit the club.
There has been 3 transfers which are Noel Hunt and Matt Smith on free transfers and Luke Murphy for £1 million. Noel Hunt has been in a promotion winning team with McDermott before at Reading and has experience of scoring goals at this level and on a free transfer it is a worthwhile transfer. Matt Smith is best known for his FA cup exploits of last season with Oldham, but is unproven at championship level.  He is a strong target man and could be seen as a replacement for the departed Luciano Becchio to Norwich last January. Personally, I think Matt Smith will have a good season and surprise a lot of people. The last signing raised a few eyebrows purely because for the first time in a long time the club spent a million pounds on a player. Luke Murphy has a lot of potential and impressed a lot of people at Crewe last year with his performances and it will be interesting to see how he performs at a higher level. My predictions for Leeds this year is 6th place, just scraping a playoff place. I believe Brian McDermott is a good manager and with a full summer behind him with the squad will get the team playing like he wants them too and similar to the way Reading played when they gained promotion. Keeping hold of players such as Ross McCormack and Sam Byram will be crucial to the clubs promotion challenge.  Leeds need to break their current mould of selling their best players if they are to return to the top flight.

NameFinn Vijayakar
Twitter@FinnVijayakar
ClubQPR
Fact – I went to the iconic city V Qpr game, I left a 2-2!
Pet Hate - Football players spitting everywhere. Diving and the lack of teams that play with two out and out strikers.
I have had a season ticket with my dad at QPR since I can remember. The past couple of seasons have been more than frustrating for me, what with QPR signing a load of mercenaries and being relegated from the premier league. QPR are currently favourites to gain promotion to the premier league next season and even though I support QPR, I honestly don't see why, we've sold one of our only players who actually plays for the shirt in Jamie Mackie, to fellow promotion candidates Nottingham Forest and we are likely to have only two fit strikers for our opening game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday. With Remy having a rape charge hanging over his head and Zamora with his dodgy hip, Andy Johnson looks our best bet this season. It is clear Redknapp wants to bring in more players but he has found it difficult so far having lost out on Gary Hooper to Norwich. QPR have made three signings so far this summer in Danny Simpson, Richard Dunne and Karl Henry. Simpson and Henry seem to be solid signings but I am not so sure about Dunne who has looked unfit in pre-season. I hope Harry Redknapp can get in a few more signings and get QPR back to where they belong this season. It's going to be tough but as an Rs fan you have to be prepared for anything! 

NameNathan Spafford
Twitter - @Nathanspafford
ClubManchester United
Fact – I once walked right into Micah Richards with a crate of WKD’s on the concourse at Manchester Arena.
Pet Hate – When fans are so hypocritical about everything for example when their own player dives its acceptable.
Hi guys, my name is Nathan Spafford, 21 years of age and I live in the glorious football loaded Manchester and am a United fan through and through. I haven't always been a football fan though, my Grandad got me into it when I was pretty young (against the will of my parents) and I am now a die-hard football fan. My love for this beautiful game grows larger by the year and hopefully this year, joining this fantastic project, will be the first step into a career in football. I do have interest in other sports however, formula one being my other love. So yeah, that's about it for now. Hopefully I can bring you some of my rather interesting insight and point of views of the world football, and maybe a bit of humour too. Cheers guys!

Name - Chris
Twitter - @chrish5244
Club - Sheffield Wednesday
Fact - I once served H from Steps some trainers when I used to work in a menswear shop. I know, I could have saved the world from Steps there and then.
Pet hate - The disconnection between players/clubs and the supporters. This may be inevitable as the game has become more of a "product" with all it's riches but I feel the fans are often disregarded especially by some of the top clubs.    
Virtually impossible to try and second guess the Championship. It's often said it's the tightest and toughest league and
I wouldn't argue with that. Owls fans will be hoping for a play-off place again this season but so will most other championship sides! As we saw from last season, relegation contenders can become promotion contenders with 2 or 3 wins. This season is a big one for Dave Jones at Wednesday, make or break. The style of football will continue to be scrutinised and with the signing of 6ft 6 striker Atdhe Nuhiu from Rapid Vienna it would seem there will be a few more long ball's this season. How much the fans will like this will obviously depend on whether we are winning games or not! With yet another take over rumour now being reported things are far from certain at Hillsborough but as owls fans know this is the norm!

Name - Daniel Feliciano
Twitter - @dmf180593
Club - Manchester United
Fact - I know the squad number of every Premier League first team player off the top of my head, happy to be tested on it too! (Based on 12/13 season, prior to new signings)
Pet Hate - When fans use the logic "he scored more goals, he's better!"
Brought up in London, I've supported Manchester United my entire life thanks to my dad.  He took me to watch matches all the time, and I remember going to Highbury with him and having to sit in the Arsenal stand and watch United get beaten 3-0, while I sat in the stand and cried (aged about 7). I remember being allowed to stay up late in 1999 to watch *that* final, watching my dad cry with joy when the final whistle blew. I love Manchester United.

This season is a big year for us. With Sir Alex going and us winning the league by 11pts  last year it does makes you wonder what Moyes will do with the squad. He's need to be seen to be trying to make his own stamp on the squad, however do you meddle with a squad that won the league so comfortably? The answer should be yes. Despite winning the league, there were obvious weaknesses in the side. Central midfield is an issue, regardless of recent success. We need a midfielder alongside Carrick who can help to control the game but is used to the physicality of the Premier League. Fabregas/Fellaini would be my choice, as they both fit the bill. If Rooney goes, we don't necessarily need a striker, but another winger certainly wouldn't go amiss.
I still expect Manchester United to win the league this season, although it will be a much more tightly contested affair. I also think Moyes will bring the FA Cup back to Old Trafford, but I do think we'll struggle in Europe this year.

NameHaydn Gleed
Twitter@haydngleed
ClubCardiff City
Fact – When I was living in Glasgow, for a time I worked in the ticket office at Ibrox, home of Glasgow Rangers. I met many of the players as they would come in and get their complimentary tickets, and I’ll be honest, the majority of them weren’t particularly pleasant.
Pet Hate – Diving or trying to con the referee to gain an advantage. In my mind, and I’m not sure if I used to watch football through innocent kids blinkers, but it seems this is only something that has come into the game since the Premier League has started in 1992.
On the 24th June I went to Forest Green to watch our first pre-season game, and I have to say I came away both excited and concerned. Excited because I think our midfield, although not top 4 quality, will stack up to the majority of the Premier League. Peter Whittingham and Kimbo could be surprise packages as the men to pull the strings in midfield. Jordan Mutch and Don Cowie will be our battering rams in the middle, and on the wings we have pace and trickery in Craig Noone and Craig Conway also experience and no how from Craig Bellamy and Tommy Smith. I’m also excited by the potential, and the key word is potential of Nicky Maynard or Frazer Campbell playing with our new HUGE striker Andreas Cornelius.
My only concern is our defence. I love Mark Hudson and Ben Turner, but they are not the fastest defenders you’ll ever see, and in the Premiership they will be found out. We need a younger, stable defender, who will be able to mask the lack of pace of our central defenders. As I write this, there is well over a month before the end of the transfer window, so I’m not panicking at the moment, but if the 1st September comes around and all we have bought is midfielders and strikers, I will be very concerned! The fact the final score against Forest Green was a 4-3 win says it all. Magnificent on attack, unstable in defence.

28.7.13

Song Of The Week - Shane Filan 'Everything To Me'


As HUGE Westlife fans (we're not ashamed) we've been waiting a while to have Shane Filan and his fantastic voice playing new material on our iPod again. Well the wait is over! Shane's debut solo single 'Everything To Me' delivers his unmistakable perfect pop voice and a catchy summer track. Check it out here...





You can Pre-order the single here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/everything-to-me-ep/id676343554

Emmerdale - A Spectacular Week.


It's all been going on in the dales this week, proving its not all sleepy in the Yorkshire Dales. Tension has been building throughout the village following the affair between Cameron (Dominic Power) and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) after Gennie Sharma (Sian Reese - Williams) was caught recording a murderous confession between the lovers, fleeing the village in an attempt to reveal the sordid details of Cameron's murder of Carl and confession of love to Debbie to family member Chaz (Lucy Pargeter) In hot pursuit of Gennie the couple run her off the road in a dramatic climax of events that lead to her untimely death at the hands of Cameron...literally.


Emmerdale sadly doesn't often receive praise or recognition when it comes to the Soap Awards. Scenes such as this one, do leave a lasting impression, it may not be the wallop over the head with the Queen Vic Statue or a Canal Crash thanks to the hands of Richard Hillman however Emmerdale certainly has provided us a new villain. The way in which Gennie came to a grizzly end did leave viewers feeling rather uncomfortable as it was so sinister in its delivery. Which makes us question just who will be next?

Leaving so much evidence behind, including the recorded confession, Gennie may even in death receive the outcome she had hoped sending Cameron to the depths of a cell where he belongs. We as a viewer have to question is Debbie at risk? Does she know too much and if so what untimely demise may she come too.


Thursday nights episodes epitomised British soap. With such intense and dramatic scenes dominating the episode, viewers were on the edge of their seats, enthralled. Only minutes later to find themselves laughing out loud to Val’s (Charlie Hardwick) superbly delivered one liners. Writers got the balance of the two polar opposites perfectly.

We have to commend Dominic, Sian and Charley for their fantastic acting, not only throughout this week but also in the build up, they shone beyond anything we expected and made an already harrowing exit all the more memorable. Sian could not have asked for a more iconic exit for her character Gennie, her final whispers will stick in the minds of soap fans for a long time to come. 


With Dominic Power still penned into the show up until Christmas will we be seeing a dramatic Christmas storyline where his plotting could finally be revealed to the unsuspecting villagers of Emmerdale? We already know he’s got a huge storyline coming up between now on then so expect plenty of screen time for Dominic between now and Christmas. Will his murderous tally surpass three?

25.7.13

Interview - Emily Garner

We Spoke to Britain and Irelands Next Top Model's latest contestant to leave the show, Emily Garner. We spoke to Emily about life since the show and whats next for her. Read what she had to say here...



Hi Emily, how's life changed for you since the show has hit our screens?

It’s been crazy. I've been getting recognised in the streets. I've even had a fan page made. Didn't expect it at all. 

What made you want to take part into the show, besides the modeling contract?

I wanted to see if I was good enough. And I wanted a new challenge. 

Has it changed your opinion on the modeling world?

No I think it's confirmed for me what the industry is really like. Although the show is a very unreal situation. 

What was your personal highlight of your time on the show? And what was your lowlight?

My highlight was working with the judges. And meeting Laura of course. No matter what happens with my modeling career i'll always have her. And my lowlight would definitely be the nude shoot episode. 

Would you do anything differently? Any regrets?

I wouldn't do anything differently. Because if I did I may have ended up leaving even sooner for a different reason. 

We saw you take part in a variety of photo shoots, which did you enjoy most?

The underwater shoot. I thought it was so much fun. 


From all your final shots, do you have a favourite?

I think either my Louis smith or my fairy tale shoot. 

Elle, Dannii and Tyson offer lots of advice on the show, who do you feel helped you most?

I think Elle helped us the most in terms of technical ability. However the support and comfort from the other two was great. 

During the show there's lots of special guests, did you ever get star struck?

I think I did a little bit. Especially with Louis Smith because I follow the gymnastics. But you get to a point where the show is so crazy that you almost don't realise what's going on! 


We only get to see a glimpse of life in the model house, what's it really like living with all those other girls 24/7?

To be honest it's fairly normal. We weren't in the house a lot and when we were we were tired and had to film. Me and Laura would be off in our own little world acting like idiots. 

We saw you and fellow contestant Laura form a great bond, why do you think that was? Are you still in contact?

We just knew how to pick each other up. And we used each other to calm ourselves when we got stressed. It made the whole process more enjoyable. Yes we are and I want to keep it that way! 

From the remaining girls who would you love to see win the top prize?

I'd love to see either Sophie or Emma win. 

Bit of a toughy, but who do you thinks time is coming to an end?

Erm based on the bottom 4s that have been in each episode potentially saffron. 

What will you take away from your time on the show?

Besides a great friendship, the whole experience was incredible and ill never forget it. I learnt so much and met so many amazing people. And the advice and guidance I got was priceless. 

Any advice for the aspiring models out there?

Be thick skinned and don't change who you are. Never give up. Never give in. Never back down. It's a tough industry. 

And finally, what's next for you?

I’ll be setting off for a two week military camp. Then who knows. Hopefully this won't be the last of me in the modeling world!! 


BINTM - Episode 6


Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model held host to the oddest fashion show to date this week as the girls took part in the Awkward Accessories Challenge. Rollerskates, babies and even a pig were sent to challenge the girls and provided much amusement to viewers and guest judges, Louis Mariette, Angela Dunn and Terry Hart. 


Sarah conquered another mountain as she managed to skate down the runway having never worn a pair of skates before, and although it wasn’t exactly a piece of bacon for Saffron, she still managed to work the runway, pig and all. However, it was Lauren who truly spread her wings (literally, she has to wear a massive pair of Victoria Secret-esq Angel Wings!) and won the challenge, choosing new besties Sarah and Angel to join her on night out in London.


Sad that they were stuck in the house whilst three of the girls were out hitting the town, many of the girls moped around and even turned to the Chinese food for comfort, naming no names.. (cough, Emily, cough)! What a better time to announce a nude challenge, right? It’s almost as the BINTM lot planned it! Yes, moments after Chinese-gate the girls received an Elle-mail telling them to prepare for their first ever nude assignment. Eek!


Regrets over the night before (nights out, Chinese and being too lazy to shave) took hold and nerves were high as the girls went to meet Dannii. Photographer Kathy Palmer exclaimed that ‘the pressures on’ but unfortunately some of the girls couldn’t rise to the challenge. Emily struggled saying she wasn’t ‘quite ready to go nude’ and along with Saffron, Laura and Naomi, she found herself in the bottom four at panel.

Lauren continued the trend of ‘win the challenge, win the shoot’ that seems to be happening lately, and won photo of the week with a shot that would make most mouths drop to the floor in awe. It really was a stunning shot and proved how strong a contender Lauren is. Watch out girls! Sophie and Sarah also pulled out fantastic final shots which secured them praise and a place in the competition for another week.


Saffron and Naomi were let off the hook despite disappointing final shots, so this left best mates in the house, Emily and Laura to fight it out. SOB! We love the friendship these two have shared over the series so far and it was so sad to see them up against each other. Laura got the boot but there were tears all round as Emily was left distraught over losing her best model pal. We were sad too Emily, Laura provided some of the best one-liners in the competition, especially in the male model shoot.

Next week the girls are heading to the farm, which should be no challenge for Saffron after mastering pig runway walking this week. Can the girls stay on top of the game whilst ankle deep in mud and who knows what else? We can’t wait to find out!








22.7.13

Interview - Charlie King


We spoke to TOWIE's incredibly lovely (emphasis on the lovely) Charlie King about life on the show, his friendship with Bobby and those muscles! Read it here...



Hi Charlie, another dramatic series of TOWIE under your belt, how's life changed since you joined the show?

Life has changed in the sense that people recognise you and tend to have a lot of questions and opinion on your life or what's been happening in the show, it's really strange having people ask for photos but it's also very flattering.

We saw a little less of you this series compared to past ones, was it nice to sit back and enjoy the drama for a change? 

So much drama and situations occurred whilst Filming S9, that obviously had to be followed so that's why I was seen a little less. I have to say I'm all about avoiding as much drama as possible so it was better for me to sit back and watch from the side-lines.

We did however see you in your element at Danny O's MJ party, how much fun did you have filming those scenes?

Anything MJ is the perfect way to put a smile on my face or get me on the dance floor. I have to say they were some of my favourite scenes to film and it's great having someone on the cast who is fanatical about MJ too.

Do you sit and watch the show back on ITV2? What's that like?

I do watch the show and actually can still sit there like a regular viewer and get caught up in the drama, the emotion etc, which is great- it’s never lost its spark for me.

Have you ever said something an instantly regretted it knowing everyone will hear it? 

I think we all regret something we have said at one point - I guess that is real life. In the heat of the moment I have blurted out something to Gemma, which in hindsight I regretted. Everything is cool now.

Now we amongst others have developed a slight crush on you and on the show you talk a lot about finding love, how could some lucky person win you over? 

It's all about a connection with someone. I’m quite a deep, serious sometimes over thinking kind of person, so I like people who lift me, make me laugh and can also stimulate me in conversation and keep things exciting by being spontaneous.

You and Bobby started the business Leo, how's that going? Who would be your dream client? 

Bobby’s dream client is Chezza Cole and mine would have been MJ, however me and Bobby think organising Elton John’s Vanity Fair party would be incredible.

Speaking of Bobby you and him have developed into a great double act, why is it do you think you two get on so well?

Bobby and myself just clicked from the day we met. It goes back to an instant connection. He is funny and brings out the funny side in me. I think because we are actually very different we complement each other well.

Back to that crush we mentioned, it hasn't gone unnoticed how extra 'muscly' you're looking, was it a conscious decision to hit the gym?

Hitting the gym was a little bit of everything, I have always been health conscious and like to look after myself. It was intense to train 6 weeks eating a very strict diet but it paid off and now it's just about maintaining it. I feel when you look good and feel good you put a better energy out there.

It's been possibly one of the best series of TOWIE, what was your personal favourite moment?

My personal favourite moment of series 9 was the candid style ending to the series that Arg filmed. Oh and I rewound Lucy throwing the wine in Mario’s face a few times that was just hilarious.

If you could swap places with another cast member for a day, who would it be and why? 

I wouldn't really want to swap with anyone but I do love Joey Essex’s approach to life. He is fun and easy going and a genuinely lovely boy. I like it that he has a very supportive family and good friends - plus I'd like to experience how his brain functions and how he comes up with his randomness.

And finally, will we be seeing you in series 10?

Series 10 is a little way off, anything can happen but I'm sure if they have me back, you will be seeing more of me in the autumn.


20.7.13

We Want You - Vacancies.



After a busy first couple of months up and running it's all getting a little much for just me, so i'm looking to expand the ItsBizNews family. 

As much as we'd love to pay you (in fact we'd love to pay ourselves too) all roles will be voluntary (we understand this won't appeal to everyone).

What we're looking for...
Members of a mini blogging team for The X Factor
Members of a mini blogging team for Strictly Come Dancing
Other Content based writers (covering TV|News|Sport|Celebs|Anything

Feel you might have something else to offer? Let us know!

Interested? Send us and email to itsbiznews@gmail.com and include...
Name
Age
Position Interested In
Interests
Skills
Past Experience (this isn't a necessity)
Why we should pick you.


Stand Out. Be Honest. Self Yourself.

19.7.13

Interview - Louis Smith


We spoke to Olympic Medalist and Strictly Champion Louis Smith about life since London 2012, his new book 'My Story So Far' and most importantly, what ice-cream flavour he'd be! Read it here...


Hi Louis, it's almost a year since London 2012, how's life changed for you? 

So much has changed! I started rehearsals for Strictly almost straight after the Olympics and went on to win which I never expected! Since then, I’ve been so busy working on various new projects like the book and a new summer gymnastics camp I’m planning for kids. I’m really enjoying life at the moment.

The moment you realised you'd won a silver medal what was the first thoughts that ran through your mind?

When I landed my routine I just felt a massive amount of relief. Everything I had worked for was worth it. I had got through my routine clean and that was what I had set out to do. Everything beyond that was out of my control and whether it was bronze, silver or gold I was so happy to come away with a medal in the individual competition and one in the team competition from the London Olympics.

After the Olympics you went into Strictly Come Dancing, what made you decide to choose this over other shows? 

I’ve always loved dancing so to be given the opportunity to do this show was perfect for me! It was so much hard work, but I had the best time. Working with Flavia was a lot of fun – she was the best teacher I could have hoped for. We’re still really good friends now.

Do you have a favourite personal moment from your winning time on the show?

I think it's got to be all the time I got to spend with all of the other celebrities on the show. Having gone from the intensity of the build up to the Olympics and the competition itself, it was so nice to be able to just have so much fun with a group of such good people. I loved the build up to the show each weekend as we got to see each other, catch up and have a great laugh before and after each show. It's something I'll never forget and still really miss.

Do more people ask to see your medals or your glitter ball? 

Haha, to be honest the medals probably win this one! I’ve just finished doing a tour of schools and took my medals along to those for the kids to see – they loved them! I am of course very proud of my glitter ball too though and people are always asking about my experience on Strictly!

Congrats on the MBE Louis, how proud were you to receive this honour? And we've always wondered, what did the Queen say to you? 

She was very nice! She asked me what I'd been up to and I told her I'd just finished the Strictly Tour (I didn't asked her if she'd been to see it), and then she gave me the MBE and said 'Here's another one for your collection'.

Do you keep your MBE amongst your DVD collection like your medals? 

That would be telling, although things have moved about it a bit now I've got my new house.

You've been extremely busy the past year with Strictly, Fashion, talking in schools... What's been your highlight? 

It’s all been an incredible experience, but to meet all the kids in the schools was a massive highlight. I received so many letters from kids last year who were inspired by me to take up gymnastics and asked me to come to their schools. Having been able to go back and visit all these places around the country has been inspiring to me. I’ve enjoyed meeting them face to face and being able to talk to them about my experiences.

Your book 'My Story So Far' was released on 4th July, what made you decide to do this now? And how long has it taken to write?  

It wasn't too bad to be fair - I worked with Sarah Shepard (also of Sport Magazine) who's an amazing writer and made the whole process quite quick and very laid back... it was a few sessions with her over 2 or 3 weeks and then various editing stages. The result was a good one I think!

Are you enjoying your book signings and meeting your enthusiastic fans face to face?

It’s the first time I’ve done something like this and it’s been amazing to be able to meet my fans properly and spend some time going to different places. 

Is there a specific chapter full of juicy secrets we should look forward to reading? 

Haha not sure about that - there were some stories that are better left untold! Hopefully all through the book you should get to know a different side of me, especially where it gives you an insight into growing up with ADHD and how that had an impact on my life

Did any of your friends get a little worried when you told them you were writing the book and they potentially could be in it? 

There were probably some worried faces about while it was being written but I think it's all relatively above board! When you write a book you have to get all the juicy bits which involve other people agreed by them so there was only so much I could get away with!


The books title is 'My Story So Far', what's the next chapter for you now? Will we see you competing again? 

I’m enjoying having time to explore other interests at the moment, but I’m still going to the gym and keeping in shape so I wouldn’t rule out competing again. There are a lot of very talented youngsters coming through in British gymnastics, so let’s see what happens!

And finally, if you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be? 

It would have to be Hazelnut - love it