Anne Marie Scanlon
Journalist & Writer.
Welcome to my webpage!
I am a journalist and writer.
My work has been published in the UK, Ireland and the USA.
In the past two decades I've contributed to some of the following newspapers and magazines - The Sunday Independent, Woman & Home, Essentials, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Sunday World, The Belfast Telegraph, Image, Prudence, Woman's Way, Primary Times (UK & Ireland) The Evening Herald, The Irish Post (UK), The Irish Echo (USA), The New York Dog (USA) and The Irish Examiner USA.
I've been featured in a number of anthologies (both fiction and non-fiction) and wrote a whole book (gasp!) called It's Not Me, It's You! A Girls Guide to Dating in Ireland. I've also appeared on TV and radio (as myself, mostly) on the BBC, RTE, Radio France, CNN, CBS and Good Morning Britain.
Things I Wish I'd Known: Women Tell The Truth About Motherhood (Icon Books) an anthology edited by Victoria Young came out on 5 March 2015, other contributors include Adele Parks, Kathy Lette, Cathy Kelly, Bryony Gordon, Emma Freud and Shobna Gulati.
I've appeared twice at the Henley Literary Festival twice and am a regular guest on BBC Radio Berkshire.
Follow me on Twitter @amscanlon, Instagram annemarie.scanlon
& Linked In Anne Marie Scanlon
Remembering 9/11
The Sunday Independent
05/09/2021
On Monday, September 10, 2001, I flew from Dublin to New York. I’d been in Ireland for my friend Fiona’s wedding. It was quite a swish do at a castle in Wicklow.
Fiona and I had been classmates in secondary school and then at university, so myself and the rest of the ‘Loreto Girls’ – Deborah, Kyla, Nicola, Keelin (and her husband Conor) – were all shacked up in the same guesthouse.
Being together again for a few days meant we all reverted back to our teen selves. Old nicknames were dusted off. There was plenty of slagging and much laughter. Breakfast was a noisy affair.
I got back to New York in high spirits. Being around women who have known me most of my life was fantastic – there’s no front, or need for front, around people who know you well.
Tuesday, September 11, it was back to reality. Briefly.
I awoke at 5am, which is normal after a transatlantic flight. By 7am I was at my desk going through the stacks of mail and emails that had arrived while I was away. I’d started freelancing as a journalist two years earlier and had joined the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre charity (EIIC) on a part-time basis so I could pursue writing for a living. However, they kept promoting me – and by the time of September 11 I was its deputy executive director.
When I had arrived in New York seven years before, I’d been working in finance in the City of London. The work was fine. The people were great (one of them is still a close friend) but I was bored and disinterested. I’d been working in finance since I left university.
In New York I joined a temp agency and told them ABF – Anything But Finance. I was gainfully and happily employed for two months until I spent two very grim days at the headquarters of a clothing brand. They wanted me to return the following week.
I rang the agency and begged them to find me something else.
“All we got is Dean Witter but they’re finance.”
I was so desperate I agreed. And so without a thought I changed course.
Dean Witter Reynolds was a brokerage firm that traded stocks, shares and commodities. I used to have to suppress a giggle every time I heard someone talking about “pork bellies” as I’d only ever heard the expression in the 1980s movie Trading Places. They asked me to become permanent which coincided with me suddenly needing health insurance so I agreed. (I was also still enjoying the novelty but of course that wouldn’t last.)
I had to pass a couple of exams so I could get a licence to trade. I aced both. The other assistant in my area was a young guy called Tai, not long out of university. He was endlessly good humoured.
When a position opened up assisting the Big Broker who had one client and 10 assistants it was a chance to make some serious money.
Tai got the job. I was disgusted. I blamed sexism, I blamed anti-Irishness. In the end I took the huff and quit.
Again, without actually thinking about it, I had changed course. Shortly after I left Dean Witter, the mid-town office where I had worked was shut – and all the staff moved downtown to the offices in World Trade Center.
Taimour Khan, the consistently cheerful young man, died there on September 11. He wasn’t even 30 years old. Two other colleagues, John and Sylvia Resta, who had started dating when I worked with them, also lost their lives. Sylvia was seven months pregnant. It’s impossible to think that Baby Resta would be 20 now.
All that loss. All that devastation.
And for what?
One of the iconic images to emerge from that day was of firemen carrying the body of Fr Mychal Judge, the first recorded victim, from the ruins of the towers.
I knew Fr Judge from my work with Emerald Isle Immigration Centre (EIIC) and indeed I’d had the privilege of walking alongside him in the first gay St Patrick’s Day parade.
Fr Judge was a genuinely special person. In those days my life was hyperactive but just being in his presence was enough to bring calmness and peace.
We all know what happened that day. There’s no need for me to recall the planes, the towers falling.
Everyone over the age of 40 can tell you where they were. My overriding memory is of the clear blue sky and the silence. The trains stopped; the planes stopped.
On the morning of Wednesday, September 12, I was up at 5am furiously cleaning my apartment. Exerting control over my immediate environment, to offset the feelings of utter helplessness. It was another beautiful day.
Mid-morning I took a call from my father. This was a shocking event of itself. My parent’s marriage broke down when I was a baby and my father had deliberately absented himself from my life.
The prospect that I might be dead shook my father. The call shook me. We talked about the weather.
New York is often referred to as a “melting pot” where all cultures, colours, faiths are welcome. That is of course true – but in New York there is little “melting” or “blending”. Communities exist in tandem. Many have their own enclaves, their own rules.
In the days after 9/11 all that changed. We were no longer Irish, or Jewish, Puerto Rican, black, white, brown. We were all the same. We were all New Yorkers – united in shock and sadness. For a short time, the Big Apple was the largest small town on the planet. We saw each other. We acknowledged each other. We were kind to each other.
It didn’t last. It couldn’t last. But everything had changed.
New York had always been, according to popular belief, a notoriously unfriendly place. In all the years I’ve lived there I never found that to be true. It is the same as any other busy metropolis where people are focused on getting to their job on time and with the contents of their handbag intact.
But after 9/11 anger was inevitable. I heard previously reasonable people shout about “bombing the bastards back to the Stone Age”. While I didn’t share those sentiments I understood them.
When the US went into Afghanistan I thought it was wrong. I thought the US should stop interfering in foreign conflicts. However I am not and have never been an expert on geo-politics.
One of the board of directors at EIIC, Frank Carvill, was an army reservist and went to Afghanistan to “do his duty”. It would not have occurred to him not to go; he was the essence of decency. He was blown to bits by a landmine.
As a woman I’d always been careful when out alone – but for the first time in my life I grew very scared. I was hyper-vigilant whenever I went out.
For six months after the attacks I did not set foot in the subway. Every night I had nightmares about being stuck in a building and trying – without success – to find the exit.
The city changed. Barriers – both material and figurative – went up everywhere. New York City became less people-friendly as security increased everywhere. And not just New York. London became a target, so did Paris.
And for what?
Four months after the attacks I met the man who would become the father of my child. Early in our relationship we shared our 9/11 experiences. To this day if I meet someone who was there I feel an instant kinship.
Five of us Loreto Girls were pregnant at the same time, and our babies were born at short intervals between 2006 and the start of 2007. (We finally ended up with 13 children between us.)
I left New York when I was pregnant with my son as I fell extremely ill and needed my mother. I arrived back in a wheelchair with just an overnight bag. It wasn’t my intention to leave New York for good but this turned out to be another time when my life changed direction. Even though I didn’t yet know it I was no longer a New Yorker.
On that bright morning on September 11, brave men marched into a burning building and did not come out again. Ordinary people went to work and did not come home. Men, women and children departed in airplanes that would never arrive. And seeds of distrust, mayhem, and doubt were planted.
In the last five years the world has become increasingly polarised. Brexit, Trump and Covid have all had starring roles, and people are divided in ways I have never seen before.
It worries me. We are tearing ourselves apart in ways that Osama Bin Laden could only have dreamed of.
Even Covid is yet another hot button topic that turns otherwise reasonable people into fanatics.
Like everyone else I spent most of 2020 confined to my home, washing my hands. It was a terrible year. Nine people I knew died.
Early that year my darling friend Keelin passed away. I still can’t really accept it. She was far too young and a genuinely fantastic woman. Certain songs from bands we liked back in the day still reduce me to tears.
My father who first reconnected with me as a result of 9/11 died from Covid. Thankfully we had made some peace with the past.
Usually I write light-hearted pieces. I like to make people laugh or at least smile. But I can’t do it this time. Death is so final. I can’t and never could comprehend the scale of the loss on 9/11. Thousands of people murdered.
But when I think of the individuals I knew it’s different.
When I think about the senseless loss of Tai, John and Sylvia and their unborn baby, Fr Judge and Frank I do wonder what was it all for? Their futures brutally ripped away. The massive hole their respective losses left behind for their family and friends. That grief cannot be assuaged.
“Lessons will be learned” is one of the favourite phrases of the modern world. It’s trotted out with tedious predictability after every scandal in public life. After every preventable disaster.
The events that happened on that beautiful September morning in 2001 took us all by surprise.
Two decades on, what lessons have we learned? Basic stuff – kiss your kids, call your mother, take a chance. Do what you can, while you can – because when it’s over, it’s over.
People Are Talking
Brexit Baby for Boris
The Sunday Independent
08/03/2020
The news that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was expecting another child was greeted, inexplicably, by some UK commentators as “good news for the country”.
Of course everyone loves a baby and no doubt Carrie Symonds, the expectant mother, is delighted but the vast majority of the British public aren’t in a celebratory mood. Britain is plagued by, er, Plague and, considering the increasingly empty supermarket shelves, famine. Even the most ardent Tories are reluctant to break out the bunting (still available in supermarkets) as BoJo’s personal life has never borne much scrutiny. He’s a man with an undisclosed number of progeny who got engaged to his pregnant, much younger girlfriend, while still married to wife number two. Looks like The Jeremy Kyle Show is still running inside No. 10 -only with posher accents.
People Are Talking
Asylum for the Royal Rebels
The Sunday Independent
19/01/2020
Oh Leo, why didn’t you show our new friends in the North how modern we are by offering asylum to the Royal Rebels?
Ireland would be ideal for Harry to pop back and forth to visit Granny (she’s very old and there's a will to think about).
No doubt the tax man would be able to ensure a smooth Megxit for their ‘progressive’ new venture (whatever it is).
Most importantly, in Ireland we very deliberately ignore the very famous - Megs could pop down to the local EuroSpar for a tin of mineral and a lottery ticket in her trackie bottoms and nobody would say a word. And, we’re still in the EU!
People Will Be Talking
Hot Air. And Gas
The Sunday Independent
05/01/2020
Our plastic straws have gone. Our bags for life are going. And yet, the clamour grows ever louder that we are extremely close to the ‘point of no return’, the planet is burning and we’re all going to die. So will 2020 be the year that the human race cops on and stops a massive global catastrophe?
Unfortunately not.
What we can expect is to see a lot of Greta Thunberg – on boats, in parliaments, and large multi-national gatherings. Greta will make impassioned speeches, bang the table and shout, and men in suits will say she is great and then carry on getting on with the ‘important stuff’ (Brexit, the Kurds, Novichok, who knows).
We can assume that Extinction Rebellion will be everywhere gluing themselves to things and stopping traffic – even though impeding public transport and letting cars idle will only exacerbate climate change. As ever, the protesters and the politicians combined will produce too much hot air and gas. We are all doomed.
People Were Talking
Boris Johnston fulfils his destiny, according to himself.
The Sunday Independent
22/11/2019
This year saw a political ‘coronation’ when the Conservative Party faithful anointed Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson as their new leader and UK Prime Minister in July.
This was BoJo’s destiny (according to himself) and you have to hand it to him, he was jolly busy for the rest of the year.
Women have always been a source of difficulty for Boris – the wives and affairs (if not all of the children) have been well documented, as was the disagreement between Bozza and his Bidey-in Carrie Symonds, when the police had to intervene.
Even the Queen herself isn't immune from Mr Bungle. He got her to prorogue Parliament for five weeks (coming up to the Brexit deadline). The Supreme Court found this action 'unlawful.' And then came Jenifer Arcuri the scandal that would not go away. By his own words he should be 'dead in a ditch' by now. He isn't. Enough said.
People Are Talking
Unexploded Blond Bombshell
The Sunday Independent
22/11/2019
Bojo's premiership has been marked by scandals but he never seems to sweat the big stuff.
With the international spotlight firmly on Prince Andrew (a man who doesn’t sweat either, apparently) Bozza finally caught a break. Unfortunately for him, an unexploded (Blond) bombshell detonated loudly. When news that Johnston was being investigated for grants he awarded pal Jenifer Arcuri, while he was Mayor of London, first broke, Arcuri dutifully defended the PM and kept his secrets. As thanks, Bojo apparently ghosted her. Arcuri was cross, they'd had a 'very special relationship' and he needed to 'man up'. Bumbling Boris is fond of spouting classical allusions. Shame he's not familiar with Restoration Comedies or he'd be familiar with the old adage “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”.
People Are Talking
Crown Vs The Crown
The Sunday Independent
01/12/2019
The Crown Series 3, a highly anticipated TV ‘event’ was finally released by Netflix and fans are disappointed.
The cast has changed but the acting is as stellar as ever (Jason Watkins as Harold Wilson deserves all the awards) but the plots.... Inaccuracy could be forgiven if it wasn’t so dreary - one episode revolves around a quite unbelievable midlife crisis experienced by Prince Philip, while the real life attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne in 1974 is completely ignored.
Of course the fictional Crown has some serious competition from the actual House of Windsor. Andrew’s now infamous ‘unbecoming’ interview aired the previous day. Meghan Markle’s family are determined to keep dissing her publicly while William and Harry are apparently at odds. Come on Netflix, this stuff writes itself.
People Are Talking
Brexit Britain sick of Posh People Problems
The Sunday Independent
03/11/2019
When Meghan Markle first arrived in the UK the British public adored her but since then the love affair has ended.
Having squandered all the good will they had, Megs and Hazza recently toured South Africa, whipped out the baby and appeared to be on the verge of rebuilding Brand Sussex.
But, in a classic example of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, they gave interviews bemoaning their lot in life.
Brexit has left the British public exhausted and demoralised, a feeling compounded by the upcoming Brexmas General Election, - they don't have the patience for Posh Self-Pity.
Apparently Kate counselled Meghan that everybody "goes through a bad patch." Meghan is almost 40, been married twice and has a baby. Does she really need to be told this? Things are obviously worse than we thought.
People Are Talking
Royal House of Whinger
The Sunday Independent
07/09/2019
Outside of academic circles, King Ethelred (978 -1013) is largely remembered as "The Unready." If Prince Harry is remembered a thousand years from now, which is unlikely, it will probably be as "The Hapless".
He and his missus, Meg, do like a good woke cause and have been banging on about the environment for some time. Unfortunately, like many in our celeb-driven culture, the Duke expects the plebs to practice what he preaches, while he and Meghan don't.
Hazza has defended his copious private jet usage on the grounds of keeping his family 'safe'. Last month, big bro Wills took his wife and three kids on a budget flight without incident. In the Windsor PR war Wills is winning.
So too is Uncle Airmiles Andy, the more hypocrisy Harry spouts, the less people think about him and his dead pal who also liked private jets.
People Are Talking
Royal Vacuous Virtue Signallers
The Sunday Independent
04/08/2019
Americans, despite booting the Brits out in 1776, are obsessed with the monarchy.
Few have been as dynastic as the Trumps, with heir Ivanka included in every damn thing. In an odd reversal of protocol, Megs and Hazza’s royalling has taken on a distinctly Hollywood tinge.
As guest editor of the famed ‘September Issue’ of Vogue the Duchess has showcased her ‘Woke’ credentials featuring, with a few honourable exceptions, young women as glossy and affluent as herself. There’s talk of a Brand Meghan clothing line a la Princess Ivanka.
Harry, once the most beloved Royal after Granny, told Vogue, without any apparent recognition of the inherent hypocrisy, that he and Megs would only have two kids – for environmental reasons. What would Granny say? Nothing. She knows when to keep schtum.
People Are Talking
Is Trump Gonna Comb Over Here?
The Sunday Independent
05/05/2019
If rumours that Donald Trump is going to honour us with his great orange presence (after his State Visit to Britain) are true, then PAT advises readers to invest in a pair of good protective sunglasses. Especially those in the Doonbeg area.
In the wake of the Not-So-Secret Service poking about in the dunes Lovely Leo has confirmed that the luminous leader of the free world may be coming. But unlike his visit to England if Trump comes it will be in a personal capacity.
What does that mean in Trump-speak? Let's face it, he's not known for keeping things on the down low.
Whatever the status of any visit we can be sure that our politicians will be queuing up to shake the President's self-declared 'yuge' hand. No doubt hoping that some of the magic that allows him to do and say what he wants is catching. Face it lads, the only thing likely to rub off is fake tan.
People Are Talking
Into Africa?
The Sunday Independent
28/04/2019
As Game of Thrones is now in it’s final series, fans are worried about how they will replace it.
PAT suggests Britain’s longest running Soap – House of Windsor, which is no longer Corrie with tiaras but has taken a dark Gothic turn with the alleged feud between Cambridge and Sussex.
At PAT we’ve been loath to believe it but the latest development – the notion of giving Megs and H their own little kingdom in Africa, sounds like the Princes and their wives may well be as Lannisters are to Starks.
Are the self-styled ‘Royal Rock Stars’ too big for a small island? Are they the ones wishing to flee the ancestral homeland, where Megs is now being called Meghan Antoinette for her conspicuous consumption? Or, is future King William feeling threatened? Who is Daenerys? And even more importantly, who is Cersei?
People Are Talking
Property Porn
Down Under
The Sunday Independent
21/04/2019
Here at People Are Talking we’re not ashamed to admit we adore a nice bit of Property Porn. Gorgeous Georgians, Victorian Villas, Marvellous Mansions and Bijoux Bedsits – there’s nothing we like more than a good virtual poke around someone else’s interiors.
One Aussie Estate Agent seems to have forgotten that the 'porn' bit is the also the property bit and their video of a luxury dwelling in Sydney has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Instead of a standard virtual tour the Estate Agents, living up to all the stereotypes about their profession, decided to jazz it up with the inclusion of two mismatched dancers. (Are they burglars or home owners?)
The toe-curling result is like one of the worst music videos the 80s ever produced (and that’s a large pool). There are too many moments of sheer awfulness to list as Mr and Mrs Raunchy prowl and jig around the house in what is, essentially, a crime against eyes.
Also, we seriously wonder who would be induced to buy a house by watching a fella marching over the marble work surfaces in his shoes? That's pure filth and has no place in proper property porn.
People Are Talking
Oh (Royal) Baby!
The Sunday Independent
14/04/2019
Oh dear, Meghan has ‘snubbed’ the Queen’s doctors and the entire future of the UK is under threat because of it.
The British Press are aghast, amazed and apoplectic that a 37-year-old woman would want to have a female physician attend her birth rather than a bunch of ‘men in suits’. The cheek of the woman!
The royal correspondents are also getting riled up because the Duchess has apparently said she wants a home birth. OK, let’s all take a breath. Meghan’s home birth, if she does indeed have one, will not be the usual Mrs Middle Class with the inflatable pool, scented candles and soothing sounds in the living room.
There can be little doubt that Meghan will have a full cadre of medical professionals on hand to assist the delivery of the latest little royal. Given that Meghan only moved to the UK last year the British press should really be celebrating the fact that at least one immigrant isn’t taking advantage of the cash-strapped NHS
People Are Talking
Royals Reunited!
The Sunday Independent
07/04/2019
Rumours that Fergie and Airmiles Andy have reunited prove two things. One, Meghan is now officially The Bad One™ and two, that Brits are so fed up with the Endlessexit (formerly known as Brexit) that they will jump at any chance of diversion.
When Sarah married Prince Andrew in 1986 she was the fun modern one who would shake up the House of Windsor, (sound familiar?). The couple divorced ten years later by which time Fergie was The Bad One™.
While the rest of the royals shunned Sarah she and Andrew remained best of friends. Although they have now been divorced for over two decades for much of that time they’ve shared a home. They have been so close that Fergie felt confident enough to offer an undercover reporter a meet with His Royal Highness for £500,000.
Whatever their respective romantic status there is no scoop in Fergie and Andy getting back together because they’ve never really been apart.
People Are Talking
The Bad Royal
The Sunday Independent
24/03/2019
Once upon a time there were two English princes and they each had a wife. One wife was good and the other was not.
While this might sound current PAT has gone back in time to the 80s when Diana was the darling of the British Press and her sister-in-law Sarah, Duchess of York was routinely vilified by them and nicknamed ‘Duchess of Pork’ when she gained weight.
Diana died and was elevated to sainthood and Prince Charles assumed the role of royal villain for decades. But now that both his sons have wives the British Press is on repeat mode with the women.
With Meghan firmly cast as the ‘bad one’ Charles has been rehabilitated and only last week the press was lauding him as ‘buff on the beach’.
Harry and Meghan apparently intend to employ a former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton, as their PR guru. They should save themselves the money and buy an extra Silver Cross pram for the baba as the British media will only let them live happily ever after when they decide to.
People Are Talking
Kate Vs Charlo
The Sunday Independent
17/03/2019
Ever wondered what happens when senior Royals have rival events? Given the guests when Princes Charles went head to head with daughter-in-law Kate we think we know.
At the 2019 Portrait Gala, Kate went solo and stole the show not only promoting British fashion (McQueen) but recycling a dress from a previous occasion. Meanwhile back at Buck Hise, Prince Charles hosted dinner for his charity the Princes Trust.
Judging by the company the respective royals kept the protocol seems to be ‘age before beauty’. While Charlo was rubbing shoulders with George and Amal Kate got to make small talk with Posh and Becks. Charles enjoyed the company of everyone’s favourite redhead Benedict Cumberbatch while Kate was left with her cousin-in-law Princess Beatrice.
Still though for all that Kate looked like she was having a whale of a time and genuinely enjoying herself. Maybe that was because husband William had elected to stay home and mind the three kids.
People Are Talking
The Death of the 90s
The Sunday Independent
10/03/2019
This week, in an unwanted flashback to the Starmaggedon of 2016 when celeb deaths were an almost daily occurrence, we lost three famous faces from the 90s.
Luke Perry (52) was in many ways the face of the decade. Perry shot to fame in the iconic TV show Beverly Hills 90210 (a cross between the soaps that preceded it and the reality TV that came after). The actor was often compared to James Dean for his looks and his bad boy 90210 character Dylan McKay.
On the flipside from 90210 the distinctive-looking Prodigy frontman Keith Flint (49) who died on the same day as Perry, was the personification of the rave scene.
Perry and Flint's deaths were closely followed by that of TV presenter and chronicler of all things Gen X, Magenta Devine. Devine maintained her signature 90s look of black bob, black sunglasses and red lipstick throughout her career. People from the 80s going was bad enough, but the 90s? It’s too soon.
People Are Talking
A Man in a Disastrous Dress
The Sunday Independent
02/03/2019
At the Oscars Billy Porter proved that women are still held to a higher standard than men. The actor owned the red carpet by simply wearing a dress, something women have been doing forever. Porter was almost drowned in the subsequent tsunami of gush – brave, stunning, revolutionary etc.
Oh puh-leeze, can we just say togas, kilts and Bowie on the cover of The Man Who Sold the World in 1970! Needless to say Porter’s inclusion in the best dressed lists was a given with Vogue, no less, calling the look “unapologetically fabulous”. Really? A man in a dress isn’t that shocking but the actual dress was.
If any woman had the audacity to rock up to the red carpet in that atrocity – a tuxedo top and hoop skirt, she’d be on every worst dressed list going. What would have been really revolutionary would have been Porter wearing a proper gala gown like Emma Stone’s bronze Louis Vuitton number or Brie Larson’s silver sheath from Celine – that would truly be unapologetic and fabulous.
People Are Talking
Meghan's Critics on FROW
The Sunday Independent
24/02/2019
New York was the place to be this week. Fashion Week attracted the usual suspects to the FROWs (front rows) many determined, it seems, to look like they’d raided the nearest Oxfam en route. (We’re looking at you Olivia Wilde and Emma Roberts.)
Meghan Markle was in town for her baby shower which launched a deluge of nastiness in the British Press. Why did she go to New York? Why didn’t she invite Kate?
Has it escaped their collective notice that Meghan is, in fact, American. That the majority of her friends are Yanks and in fact, the Baby Shower is an American tradition.
The astonishing thing about Meghan’s trip to New York is that she actually came back. The poor woman can’t turn around without someone sticking a long lens into her baby bump and speculating that her marriage is in trouble.
The problem is, this constant scrutiny is nothing compared to what will happen once the baby has arrived. Meghan will have her own dedicated FROW nudging ever closer.
People Are Talking
Mummy Shame in Vogue
The Sunday Independent
17/02/2019
Model Vogue Williams has announced that she and husband, Made in Chelsea star and royal in-law Spencer Matthews are hoping to have a second child, a sibling for 5-month old baby Theodore.
Vogue is very honest about pregnancy, birth and motherhood and stating her intention to stop breastfeeding said, “After nine months of pregnancy and six months of breastfeeding I want to feel like myself again for a while before I get pregnant again.” Vogue has already discovered, the hard way, that breastfeeding is a contentious issue explaining that she’d been subject to much criticism – a lot of it contradictory.
“As a mum, the last thing you need is to be parent-shamed. Negative comments do affect you.” Poor Vogue. She probably thinks that things will be different with baby number two. And she would be wrong. Random strangers hectoring women about their ‘mistakes’ in childrearing, Mummy Shaming, has been in vogue for as long as women have been giving birth.
People Are Talking
Celebs Vs Paps Redux
The Sunday Independent
10/02/2019
In the olden days (before Trump, Brexit and the death of Bowie) the relationship between the paparazzi and celebrity was clearly defined. The Paps were the bad guys, stalking celebs with long view lens and exposing their private moments to the world; they were blamed for everything from trampling Begonias to the death of Princess Diana.
Now that’s changed and the poor Paps are all aggrieved about being victimised by social media stars who thought it was fine and well to post their own image on their feeds. Imagine the celebs shock when they discovered that while the photo is of them that they don’t own their own image. The snapper owns the pic until they sell it to a media outlet, a situation that Khloe Kardashian described as “mind-blowing” when sued for copyright infringement for posting a picture of herself on social media.
Model Gigi Hadid recently found herself facing a similar lawsuit. Bet Slebs secretly long for the olden days when the odd punch was thrown.
People Are Talking
Royal Handbags
The Sunday Independent
02/02/2019
Kensington Palace revealed just how far behind the times they are this week when they appealed to social media companies to help them police their “Kensington Royal” account, which is being “bombarded” with sexist and racist abuse aimed primarily at Meghan and Kate.
The account launched four years ago has over 7 million followers. Anyone who has spent any time at all browsing on social media can tell you that it’s a basic sewer and uncivil discourse is par for the course. Four years ago when Kensington Palace set the account up it was just the same. And yet they’re shocked?
Some of the worst posts are apparently written by the opposing ‘Team Kate’ and ‘Team Meghan’ factions who have bought into the idea that Meg and Katie are engaged in an epic feud of Bette and Joan proportions.
Meghan, despite the endless comparisons, is not Mrs Simpson and Kate is no Queen Mother. Both are too busy to be a-fighting and a-feuding. Meghan is pregnant and has avocados to smash while Kate has three young children.
People Are Talking
Calm Down Dear
The Sunday Independent
20/01/2019
Nobody listens to women. The ‘fairer sex’ are frequently hysterical, are shrews, nags, nitwits, bimbos and a seething mass of hormonal mess. That’s the message that Madison Avenue and the advertising industry have been delivering since before Don Draper was a boy.
If people did listen to women then they’d know that the male ego is as fragile as any Fabergé egg and a thing more delicate than a 5c plastic carrier bag. This, Gillette, the men’s razor company, now know in the aftermath of their new their advert – ‘the best a man can do’ addressing toxic masculinity. (Basically it’s a plea to men to stop being idiots in their professional and personal lives.)
Ironically many men responded idiotically any by throwing their razors in the bin (or toilet). Trump-licker and professional contrarian Piers Morgan called the advert a “pathetic global assault on masculinity.” Gosh. Who’s hysterical now? Calm down dear boys, it’s only an advert.
People Are Talking
Everyone Loves Liv
The Sunday Independent
13/01/2019
Given the controversy about who is or isn’t presenting the Oscars this year maybe they should just cancel the whole thing along with every other award ceremony coming down the pipe.
We’ve seen the Golden Globes and the template won’t change much. After a couple of years of anxiety about 'privilege' Hollywood has returned to it’s default setting and is no longer that fussed about #MeToo or #OscarSoWhite.
Nobody will sully their acceptance speech by mentioning Washington unless they’re Christian Bale (who has a sense of humour, who knew?). Some slebs will post ‘ironic’ selfies like Daniel and Idris but won’t better them.
Male actors will be allowed wear whatever they managed to iron while female actors will be scrutinised and judged ‘best’ or ‘worst’ dressed. (And nobody will better Saoirse Ronan’s vintage couture).
Olivia Coleman will deservedly win everything. Fine! Everyone genuinely loves Olivia Coleman. So much so, she’s allowed wear what she likes.
People Are Talking
Royal Handbags
The Sunday Independent
02/12/2018
Royal news now. The bit between “the wedding” and “the royal birth” has traditionally been filled with tales of The Real Housewives of Windsor at handbags. And as tradition demands, the tabloids are full of the ‘Feud’ between Meghan and Kate and the wedge they’ve apparently driven between Wills and Harry.
Whether or not there is any truth to the rumours it would be surprising if Kate & Megs were best buds. They are two very different women with little in common. Kate has spent her entire adult life as a Royal WAG. Meghan meanwhile was very much the star of her own show. To suddenly become part of a ‘pecking order’ and not at the top either, must be difficult.
And then there’s the families. The much maligned middle-class Middletons have held their respective tongues and (apart from Uncle Gary) kept the side up. The Markles, on the other hand, cannot shut up and could lower the tone on The Jerry Springer Show.
Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire
Tuesday 27th November from 20 mins
Tales of Terror!
And Traffic Cones!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06qx0xb
People Are Talking
Another Does of Paris
The Sunday Independent
25/11/2018
It would be a lie to say Oughties ‘It Girl’ and Grand Dame of Reality TV Paris Hilton is back. Paris is the gift that keeps on giving and never really goes away. What we’re experiencing right now is another Paris flare.
The Great Granddaughter of famous hotelier Conrad Hilton, and one of the original ‘famous for being famous’ celebutantes, never strays far from the public eye and like her Great Aunt Elizabeth Taylor is now mainly known for two things – schilling perfume (between them they have the top sales for celeb-endorsed scent) and men.
Taylor began her serial marriage career with Nicky Hilton, Conrad’s heir and went on to have several more husbands. While Paris has never married she has never lacked for company or engagement rings.
The latest rock, from the latest ex-fiancé, actor Chris Zylka, is valued at an alleged $2 million. You'd forgive Chris wanting the rock back until you hear he apparently didn’t buy it in the first place. Oof, that’s not so hot Chris.
People Are Talking
I'm a Celeb Sex Change!
The Sunday Independent
18/11/2018
It’s back! The official ‘bit between Halloween and Christmas,’ I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, returns for the 18th time tonight.
But while we will all be tuning in tonight to gawp at the latest group of masochistic (or very ill-informed by their agent) group of Slebs including John Barrowman, Harry Rednapp and Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegarty, the question is, will we continue to tune in tomorrow?
The success of I’m A Celeb doesn’t rely on contestants being ritually humiliated by having to eat the reproductive parts of kangaroos and being encased in a variety of nightmare insects. The real draw has always been Ant and Dec commenting from the side lines.
This year, for the first time ever, there will be no Ant. Instead his role is being played by Holly Willoughby. While Jody Whittaker as the first woman Dr Who has been a raging success, we’re not sure that Holly Willoughby as the first woman Ant will be quite so amusing.
People Are Talking
Spice up your life!
The Sunday Independent
11/11/2018
Ah nostalgia, the opium of the masses. Over in the Food Bank Britain, where Brexit, to paraphrase Prince Charles, “whatever that is,” is coming at them fast, the public want to bury their collective heads in the glory days of ‘Cool Britannia’.
And so, The Spice Girls are reforming! Ginger in her Union Jack dress will certainly show those Eurocrats what Brexit means. Not only have the Spice Girls announced their imminent return but ‘Cheryl’ (Tweedy-Cole-Fernandez-Versini) has released a new single.
We have to hand it to Cheryl for her persistence, a full twelve years after she peaked at the 2006 World Cup, when she and Victoria Beckham were the undisputed Queen WAGs.
VB aka Posh is not joining the upcoming Spice Girls reunion – we can only surmise that Brand Beckham has enough money. Maybe Baby, Sporty, Scary and Ginger can find it in their hearts to give Cheryl a musical home and a name that sticks - Alphabet Spice to celebrate her many initials perhaps.
People Are Talking
In Fairness, Duchess!
The Sunday Independent
04/11/2018
Oh Meghan. All she had to do to make a ‘huge success’ of her tour of Down Under was to show up in a fancy frock, smile and occasionally pat her non-existent bump.
But no, Meghan was determined to be a modern Royal and make a speech. Has nobody explained to the former actress that Princesses are meant to be seen (in an array of fashionable clothes) but not heard? The last woman who got to shoot her mouth off in the ancient feudal system of the Royal Family was Elizabeth I.
Maybe in private, meek Meghan is as ferocious as old Queen Bess, because apparently nobody had the nerve to tell her that having given up her job to live off her husband, (who in turn lives off the State – leaving aside the good teeth and expensive clobber, the Windsors are basically Jeremy Kyle fodder,) that perhaps, "feminism" wasn't the best topic.
Not content with that, this latest representative of Britain's ruling dynasty announced Feminism was about fairness. Fairness? In pure fairness....
Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire
Halloween
Wednesday 31st October from 20 mins
Away With the Fairies!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06nwqx7
The Menopause & Michelle
From light entertainer to hard-hitting health advocate, Michelle Heaton talks to Anne Marie Scanlon about life after a double mastectomy and hysterectomy.
The Sunday Independent
28/10/2018
Michelle Heaton jumps up out of her seat to hug me. “Oh it’s lovely to see you again,” she says in her distinctive Geordie accent. I’m shocked. First, I can’t believe she remembers me – we ran into each other with our respective families in Disneyland Paris a few years ago.
Secondly her warmth has put me on the back foot. I’d had a great craic with Heaton’s Dubliner husband Hugh Hanley, while the former Liberty X singer seemed more than a bit standoffish.
As Heaton and I chat, I realise that keeping it at ‘standoffish’ must have been a huge challenge for her as she was battling menopausal symptoms – in the Magic Kingdom, with two small children. Standoffish, was a triumph of will power.
Heaton is meeting me to discuss her unlikely role as an advocate for Menopause Awareness. I say unlikely because the singer is still in her 30s. Heaton has a family history of cancer and specifically breast cancer. She famously had a pre-emptive double mastectomy and hysterectomy when she tested positive for BRAC1. She was widely hailed for her bravery but when the hoopla died down she found herself in the unusual position of being a menopausal woman with a small child and a baby.
Heaton is tiny, even in heels. She has to reach up to kiss me on the cheek and I feel like a lumbering giant beside her. To compound the awkwardness, I manage to cop a feel of her boob as we come out of the embrace. When I apologise she laughs and tells me she’s got no feeling in her boobs anyway - another side effect of the double mastectomy.
We’re in the Ivy Tower Hill for brunch and Heaton tells that she’s quite happy to kick back and have a Mimosa without someone calling for their bottom to be wiped. Under the makeup she looks exhausted and she says that she’s been suffering from insomnia which has exacerbated her already severe menopausal mood swings. Like many women Heaton was unprepared for the physical, mental and emotional impact of menopause. “Mr Sheridan (her surgeon), he did tell me... but the only thing that stuck in my head was putting on weight and that’s the least of my worries now,” she says, half laughing.
The singer and I spend a lot of time empathising with each other over night sweats, mood swings and many of the other frightening and uncomfortable things that happen to a woman’s body during menopause. As a result of her own experience Heaton thinks that women need to start speaking up and speaking out. “We’re not told about it; we don’t talk about it. It took me going though it… before this I was as ignorant as everybody else.” I agree with Heaton completely and ask her why she think’s this important period in a woman’s life, and one which ultimately affects almost all women, is such a taboo?
“It’s like a shameful word or admittance,” Heaton replies. “We are taught to feel (shame). Men don’t want to talk about it but will use it to blame us – “oh she’s going through menopause, that’s why she’s a bitch.”” Heaton firmly believes that it’s not just women who need to be educated about this time of their life but men too.
The entertainer goes on to say she thinks “the change” has a detrimental effect on marriages and relationships. “I saw the deterioration of my Mum and Dad’s marriage and now I look back and think surely that had to be part of it.
Heaton met her husband Hugh, a decade ago, when she lived in Ireland for three years. While here she worked with the Sunday Independent’s Brendan O’Connor on You’re a Star. “Brendan was hard work,” she says with a cheeky smile. “I’d say that to his face too. But I love him and I miss him. Tell him I miss him!” Heaton’s grin becomes bigger as she recalls meeting “my Hughie” in Dublin. “Tara Sinnott introduced him to me as her future husband and I was like NO!” she laughs.
These days she feels guilty that her husband suffers fall out from her menopausal symptoms telling me she gets ‘Super Rage’. She goes on to say that only the day before, while at home in London, the ‘switch’ from ‘normal’ to ‘super rage’ occurred. “It was because I had nothing to wear,” she says, “which is really fucking stupid because I have three wardrobes but in that moment I had nothing to wear and I took it out on my husband who didn’t know what to do.” She goes on to say that Hanley calmly told her “I don’t know what to do with you, I don’t know what to do any more because whatever I say is wrong.”
“And that was wrong!” she continues, laughing in retrospect. She does an impression of her own high-pitch screeching, “What do you mean you don’t know what to say? I want a reaction! He said “if I give you a reaction then it’s going to get worse and then the kids will ask is Mummy OK Daddy?” And that killed me,” she finishes looking as if she may cry.
Anyone unused to the menopause might read that paragraph and dismiss Heaton as a spoiled Diva reacting over nothing. But that’s the point. The hormonal surges of adolescence are tiny ripples compared to the tsunami that middle-aged women have to cope with. Of course that’s Heaton’s other problem – she’s still a young woman. Most of her friends are, like herself, women with young kids, who are a decade or two away from their own menopause. Heaton admits to feeling lonely and, as a result of this, feeling that she can’t really talk about it “because I don’t want my friends to feel awkward,” and says she self-censors continually as she feels like she’s constantly “moaning.”
Heaton goes on to say that speaking out publicly, writing her book, Hot Flush: Motherhood, the Menopause and Me, and talking to her husband has helped. She urges women to smash the taboo and speak out.
Heaton has also recently become spokesperson for Femarelle® – a new supplement designed specifically as an alternative for women unable to take HRT. While Femarelle® is primarily a replacement therapy for HRT Heaton is taking it, under medical supervision, along with using a HRT patch. She says that since starting the supplement she thinks her mood swings have become less severe and she’s hoping that she will stop struggling with insomnia too.
As I leave, to another long squeezy hug, she says that she loves Dublin. “I could live there again in the future, I’d love my kids to grow up there,” but she goes on to say “financially it wouldn’t work out which is a shame as Dublin is just so amazing.” I look at this tiny little woman, slogging away, raising her children, working on her marriage despite her body being a battleground and I think she herself is “just so amazing”.
For more information, www.femarelle.com
https://www.independent.ie/life/we-dont-talk-about-it-its-like-a-shameful-word-michelle-heaton-on-the-frightening-change-every-woman-endures-37462552.html
People Are Talking:
A Right Royal Upstaging
The Sunday Independent
21/10/2018
It may be sexist and old-fashioned but everyone knows a wedding is the Bride’s Big Day. The rule about not wearing white is shorthand for ‘do not upstage the Bride’.
Poor Princess Eugenie, a sentence we thought we’d never say here at People Are Talking. Her big day was fraught with difficulties. No telly company wanted to broadcast her vows and the British public moaned about their taxes going towards the young York’s nuptials.
Even the weather conspired against the princess who wanted to emulate Harry and Megs triumphal ride around Windsor in an open coach - high winds dictated a covered coach and curtailed route.
But all of that was as nothing compared to the Right Royal Upstaging by Harry and Meghan who stole all the limelight by announcing they are having a baby. At the do!
Talk about wearing white - Meghan probably would have turned up in her own wedding dress if it still fit around the waist. You can take the girl out of Hollywood...
Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire
Tuesday 23rd October from 36 mins
Bowie & Scooby Doo!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06nbqph
Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire
Monday 8th October from 21 mins
Vertigo & the bloated corpse of Alfred Hitchcock.
Potato Peelers & Ferrets.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/play/p06m34f7
People Are Talking:
Clonmel Cian for President
The Sunday Independent
07/10/2018
With six people, including, the incumbent, vying for the Presidency on 26th October, we're all at each other's throats. Again.
Meanwhile the ideal candidate for the job and the answer to our country’s prayers is incarcerated in the Big Brother House. (Look, just hold the snark about “is that still on?” and “are you one of the nine people that watches it?” thanks.)
Big Brother contestant Cian Carrigan, a 23-year old from Clonmel, would be the perfect Uachtarán na hÉireann. First he looks the part, in a way that few of us actually do, being tiny with a bright red beard and hair.
Cian arrived on BB like a cut-price Conor McGregor (something that takes hard work) and since then has been consistently hilarious, calm, kind, honest, diplomatic and great craic. In a place designed to bring out the very worst in people Cian is the very best of us. Besides, the shine has really gone off having a Gay Taoiseach, a Gay President is far more now.
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Tuesday 25th September from 19 mins
Driving
Bedsit Rescue
Andy Bell's Belt (allegedly) and the Bay City Rollers Sofa
Bodyguard
https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/play/p06krv80
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Tuesday 18th September f
Driving (that's me in the Codpiece)
Peppers & Public Proposals
https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/play/p06jqj5t
People Are Talking:
Money Don't Buy You Class
The Sunday Independent
16/09/2018
Parenting advice from Kirstie “Let Them Eat Cake” Allsopp? Hands up who remembers last years edict from the Professional Posh Person that having a washing machine in the kitchen, where food is prepared, (she kindly reminded us proles), is "disgusting"?
Kirstie didn’t elaborate on where her own laundry arrangements take place – the Billiards Room perhaps? Or possibly in the Nanny’s wing.
Back to the child rearing tips. This week in yet another extravagant gesture of pure privilege Kirstie told how earlier in the summer, she had disciplined her sons’ going over their allotted time on Fortnite, by smashing their iPads.
Now while most parents of tweenage children will recognise her frustration with Fortnite, God knows we've all wanted to take a hammer to the device that delivers the accursed game, few can can afford to splash out on new tech.
A valuable lesson for the posh one’s progeny - if you break it, well, you can always buy another. Valuable advice Kirstie, thanks.
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Monday 10th September from 15:00 to 48:00 approximately.
Driving.
Secondary School.
Public Outbursts!!!!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/play/p06jbv5m
People Are Talking:
Bake Off Back. Sweet!
The Sunday Independent
02/09/2018
The kettles are on as viewers in the British Isles rejoice at the return of Bake Off. And they said it would never survive the move to Channel 4, the departures of the Blessed Mary Berry and double entendre duo Mel and Sue.
Instead fans are not just looking forward to Sexy Scouse Silver Fox Paul’s trademark eye twinkles but and a series that promises Prue's no-nonsense Mammy, Sandi's wit and Noel Fielding.
Noel was GBBO’s most controversial replacement but with his surrealist humour, signature shirts and a newly minted Goth Elvis look, Noel is arguably every nation’s favourite. That Bake Off Mark 2 has succeeded is a reflection of the show itself which is about the striving and ultimate triumph of the human spirit. That and cake.
GBBO has been called Food Porn but its actually Foodie Football. Armchair pundits swoon in awe at the magnificent marvels they could never pull off and scoff at the disasters that they couldn’t even aspire to. Eat up!
People Are Talking:
Meghan & the Ugly Siblings
The Sunday Independent
26/08/2018
For the love of God can someone please silence the family of the Royal formerly known as Meghan Markle.
Apart from Meghan’s Mum, who is the epitome of discretion, her father Thomas and her step-siblings Thomas Jr and Samantha seem determined to start the Panto season early.
Thomas Jr, not content with embarrassing Meghan and Harry has dragged Kate’s notorious Uncle “Maison de Bang Bang” Gary into the mix. Thomas Sr compared the House of Windsor to Scientology, (no we don’t get that comparison either).
Worst of all, in our opinion, is that Paul ‘I Was Diana’s Rock’ Burrell has been unleashed on an innocent public yet again. Paul is doing what he’s done for over two decades - getting paid for saying what, in his opinion, Diana would have thought about people she never knew existed.
This week it has also emerged that due to an ancient law the Queen will have legal custody of any future kids Harry may have. Oh boy, more fuel for the Ugly Siblings.
https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/sunday-independent-ireland-living/20180826/281500752111298
People Are Talking:
Same-Sex Strictly Uncursed
The Sunday Independent
12/08/2018
The annual speculation about this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants has begun. (It’s a pointless pursuit as the line-up is similar every year – soap actor, “National Treasure”, sportsperson, youthful pop star, and neverheardofthem.)
One certainty about SCD 2018 is, despite last year’s controversy surrounding the need for same-sex dance partners for gay contestants, that the traditional mixed sex couples format remains. This should come as good news to the partners of prospective gay contestants. Since Strictly started it has become synonymous with broken hearts and homes, so many over the past 14 years (those of Rachel Riley and Ben Cohen to name but two) that as soon as the contestant's names are revealed speculation will begin about who will fall victim to 'The Curse of Strictly' this year.
Given the amount of straight contestants and dancers who’ve waltzed off together the real shocker is that same-sex partners didn’t become mandatory years ago.
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Monday 6th August from 20:30 to 48:15 approx.
Lost rings, lost shoes, sick days.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06f8vp8
People Are Talking:
Ivanka's Fake Facts
The Sunday Independent
29/07/2018
The news that senior White House adviser, First Daughter and Favourite Child Ivanka Trump is closing down her clothing line hasn’t come as a huge shock to the shopping public.
Despite her role in Dad’s administration Ivanka likes to position herself as a female entrepreneur, feminist and fashion forward. In other words, not the average person who voted for the Tangerine Tyrant. (Most of the MAGA crowd couldn’t afford Ivanka’s accessories.)
After Trump’s election in 2016 Ivanka’s target market started boycotting her then two-year old clothing line. Citing slow sales, shops including Nordstrom, and this week Hudson Bay Canada’s largest department store, ditched the brand entirely.
In typically Trumpian style Ivanka has stated that her decision has nothing to do with sales figures (which she handily hasn’t published) but because she’s so busy, busy, busy, being all senior and important in Daddy’s White House. Meanwhile Trump-brand "Alternative Facts" thrive.
People Are Talking:
You Can Choose Your Friends...
The Sunday Independent
22/07/2018
It’s a tale as old as time. Boy meets Girl. Boy marries Girl. Boy discovers his in-laws are as mad as a bag of cats.
The Windsor-Wales family are no strangers to Jeremy Kyle levels of dysfunction but, unfortunately for Hazza, Meghan’s fam are deep into Gerry Springer territory.
While Meghan’s Mom has been an unimpeachable example of how to be a Royal in-law, dear old Dad has lumbered from crisis to catastrophe and back again. Not having learned his lesson he’s been back on TV this week making public statements about his daughter and the royals.
While Thomas Markle's serial shambles could be dismissed as eejitry Markle’s older half-sister, Samantha Grant, seems to be taking her cues straight out of the Cinderella playbook. Grant, who went from frumpy blond to raven-haired 'Madeover Meghan,' proclaimed little sis is “killing” Dad. Paging Dr Phil!
Meanwhile, trotters up in Maison de Bang Bang, Kate’s Uncle Gary, the former ‘embarrassing relative’, is probably feeling just a bit smug.
People Are Talking:
Harry & Meghan Head to Dublin
The Sunday Independent
15/07/2018
Who, we might ask, was responsible for the itinerary for Meghan and Harry’s first visit abroad as a married couple?
First the Duke and Duchess of Sussex pitched up on the hallowed ground of Croke Park, where, we were given to understand, the very earth would scorch under the feet of non-Fenians, let alone a Sassenach Princes (and wife).
A visit to a Famine Memorial? “To recap, your Royal Highnesses, your four times great Granny, a woman who loved her grub by the way, let an entire nation starve.”
Given our current obsession with ‘balance’ that might seem like a fair and even distribution of awkwardness but really Harry came off the worst. Instead of tip-toeing around our Hallowed Ground he’d probably rather have been at home, in Bouji’s, or at the very least a Jordanian Prince’s Man Cave to watch England’s best chance at a World Cup victory in over fifty years. England lost. Meghan worse a succession of dull fungus colours. Final Score: No winners. None.
People Are Talking:
Hard Border for Cheryl
The Sunday Independent
08/07/2018
Poor Cheryl. Poor Liam. After months of endless Brexit-like speculation that a hard border had been erected between them, and their romantic union was at an end, the sad truth was revealed. A Lexit or Cherexit had occurred (hard to know as they issued almost identical tweets saying it was over).
The strongest reaction anyone could muster to their official statements was a shoulder shrug and a ‘meh’! Timing, kids, timing.
Cynics may have thought their relationship was a way to stay current. The problem is that Cheryl of the Many Second Names and Liam, parents to toddler Bear, are not current in 2018. Especially not this month with Love Island and the World Cup capturing hearts and minds.
In the former, Dani Dyer, (daughter of Eastenders actor and unlikely political commentator Danny Dyer), has become the nation's sweetheart. While Harry Kane, captain of the England Squad has given a weary and battered country hope.
As for Cheryl and Liam, maybe the jungle will call.
On the Andrew Peach Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Friday 29th June from the start.
Psychic Otters! Football! Brexit! Psychic Otters!
(The Otters pictured are not the Psychic Otters)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p069v0vd
People Are Talking:
Royal Business As Usual
The Sunday Independent
01/07/2018
The ‘Big Day’ being over the British Royal Family, aka ‘The Firm’, have returned to business as usual.
In an effort to make Prince William look useful he was sent on a tour of the Middle East, including Palestine and Jerusalem. Highlights included a snap of Wills and Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein Bin Abdullah II chilling in the latter’s ‘Man Cave’ and watching the footie. A timely reminder to anyone with mad notions about hereditary elites unfairly ruling that they’re just a pair of Dudebros.
In Israel William met Supermodel Bar “Should Have Gone to Specsavers” Refaeli who described him as ‘the best-looking Prince in the world’.
Back home, arguably better-looking Prince Harry, and his new missus, have been glued to Grannie’s side. All the better for the Monarch to watch the continuing ‘Marvellous Meghan Makeover’ where she gets duller by the day.
For all the talk of their late mother, the Princelings seem to share Dad’s view that wives should blandly blend in.
People Are Talking:
Melania seen and heard
The Sunday Independent
24/06/2018
One of the joys, if you could even call it that, of the Trump Presidency has been the endless theories about the elusive third Mrs Trump with #WheresMelania regularly trending on social media. There's been endless speculation about Melania lookalikes, and stand ins posing as First Lady.
Yet when FLOTUS did emerge this week, to take tea with Letizia, Queen of Spain at the White House, few noticed or cared as all eyes were on the newly minted Childsnatcher in Chief. The Tangerine Tyrant’s policy of removing children from undocumented immigrants at the border and then putting them in cages has outraged the entire world.
Melania went from being seen to being heard as she released a statement saying she hated to see children separated from their families. Melania may not have said much but, given the Trump family's strict adherence to Omerta, which makes the Mob look loose-lipped, it's very telling that she spoke at all.
People Are Talking:
Class.
Never Out of Vogue
The Sunday Independent
10/06/2018
How did the world cope without social media and Keyboard Warriors? You know, those brave souls, who have a ‘hilarious’ online handle accompanied by a photo of an anime character/famous rock star/national flag.
This week’s vital social justice crusade? The cut of Vogue Williams appaz. The model who is expecting her first child with fiancé Spencer Matthews, had to remind online critics who were ‘Fat Shaming’ her, that she is in fact a whopping seven months gone. “Myself and my larger body are very happy and look forward to getting even bigger."
Vogue was decent enough not to remind her critics that if they occasionally removed themselves from the glow of their computer screens and went outside for a few minutes, they’d realise that at seven months pregnant, carrying an almost-term baby, Vogue still looks a hell of a lot better than most of her non-pregnant contemporaries.
Looks and class, that Spencer is a lucky lad.
People AreTalking:
Live & Let Sigh
The Sunday Independent
03/06/2018
News that Daniel Craig is hanging up his tuxedo after his fifth outing as James Bond has set hearts a-flutter and Bookie’s tills a-ringing. Speculation is rife about his replacement. Idris Elba has been in the frame for years and the shortest odds are now on James Norton.
Currently there’s not just one, but two Irish men, Aidan Turner and Cillian Murphy, being named as possible successors to Pierce Brosnan (007 mark 6). Turner has said that he could see himself as the famous spy, “but it’s more important if other people see me in that role.”
Oh we see you, Aidan, we want you. And isn’t it time for an 007 reboot? Turner could hand in the keys to the Aston Martin and bring his Poldark co-star Seamus the Horse with him. As for the Tux… hello, the 70s called and want their fashion back. A Tricorn hat however… Hell, that’s a weapon in itself, Q can finally take a holiday.
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Wednesday 28th May (from 17 mins to 44 mins approximately)
Rekindling old flames, odd eats and nuisance calls.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p065j64m
People AreTalking:
Meghan's Tights Twist
The Sunday Independent
27/05/2018
The honeymoon is officially over. The confetti hasn’t cleared and the couple have yet to go on an actual honeymoon but after weeks of love-bombing American actress Meghan Markle, the Brits are already sharpening their knives for the newly-minted Duchess of Sussex.
In the run up to the wedding it was Marvellous Meghan 24/7 – her style, her hair, her significance as a person of mixed race marrying into the limited gene pool that is the Windsors.
The ceremony and the gown were rightly praised but mere days later, in her first official appearance as Harry’s missus, at her father-in-law’s Big 7-0 birthday celebrations, the latest HRH’s nude tights got many knickers in a twist.
From never having put a foot wrong the Duchess’s nylon-clad legs are symptomatic of many offences. Apparently.
The ghost of Meghan’s late mother-in-law, Diana, has never been far from this latest Royal romance; the critics should remember how that fairytale ended before casting Meghan as the witch.
People AreTalking:
Reality TV Eats Itself
The Sunday Independent
20/05/2018
In the increasingly desperate world of Reality TV the BBC can always be relied on for quality, with Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity MasterChef bringing proper Slebs into our living rooms.
Producers have just released the "eclectic" line-up of this year's Celebrity MasterChef contestants - which, oddly, seems to be almost devoid of any proper Slebs. (Eclectic must be the new word for ‘barrel-scraping’.)
Taking the lead from it's more low-rent competitors (naming no names) the Beeb has decided to feature people whose family are famous. Enter Dolly Parton’s sister Stella, Lily Allen’s dad Keith and Spencer Matthews who is engaged to Vogue Williams and, double-whammy, is P-Middy’s brother-in-law.
Then there’s the pre-Perestroika singers Carol Decker and Anita Harris. The rest… who knows. Except for TOWIE ‘star’ Gemma Collins. When ‘The GC’, as she calls herself, is the biggest celebrity on screen, you know the show is half-baked.
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Wednesday 16th May (from 37 mins to 57 mins approximately)
Wardrobe malfunctions, Royal Weddings and Extra-Fancy Hotels.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p065j64m
People AreTalking:
Katy Branches Out
The Sunday Independent
13/05/2018
The mutual loathing between movie greats Bette Davis and Joan Crawford was so notorious that it was turned into Feud, an eight-part TV series.
Will the same fate befall Taylor Swift and Katy Perry whose friendship turned sour has provided us with series of spats for the past five years? Well it’s doubtful. Much as we love Taylor here at People Are Talking she’s no Bette Davis and KP is certainly no Joanie.
Katy tries very hard to be cutting edge – “I kissed a girl”, her ludicrous Met Gala costume (6’ angel wings, how quaintly 90s), marrying Russell Brand and falling out with people – Rihanna is the latest.
However, kudos to the girl for trying to build bridges with Taylor by sending a written apology. Let's just gloss over the literal Olive branch that accompanied it. TS made the apology, and her gratitude for it, public by posting a video of the OTT branch and the opening lines of Katy's letter on Instagram.
Reports suggest that Katy is fuming. Yawn.
People AreTalking:
Immortal Spice Defies Years
The Sunday Independent
22/04/2018
Victoria ‘Posh Spice’ Beckham has just celebrated her forty-fourth birthday with the obligatory ‘Happy Family’ picture of herself, Becks and the four youngsters on Instagram.
Our first response here at People Are Talking was 'she's only forty-four?' as we can’t remember a time when Posh wasn’t pouting for the Paps.
And, oddly, while hairstyles and fashions have come and gone Mrs Beckham’s looks have essentially remained the same. Sure, cakes made entirely of fruit with no actual cake in them probably help her maintain her youth but the smart money says she’s immortal and has walked among us since the dawn of time.
Being a supernatural entity is the only thing than can explain her extraordinary achievement of turning a limited talent for pointing and pouting in a girl band into being the Wag’s Wag before becoming a successful fashion designer, all-round icon and guest at royal weddings. Appropriate as she once sat on a throne and now wears the crown. Viva Vicky!
On the Andrew Peach Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Friday 20th April talking about plenty including the Windrush Scandal, proposed amendments to the GRA and the Royal Family
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p062qnyd
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Tuesday 17th April (from 20 mins to 47 mins approximately)
Job perks, the Museum of Sex and Renting.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p062qp6b
People AreTalking:
Don't Trump the Bride
The Sunday Independent
15/04/2018
Even in the age of (supposed) equality it's a foolish man that doesn't know the wedding day is all about the bride.This rule applies regardless of whether the groom is a prince or a pauper.
Unfortunately, if he’s the former neither he nor his beloved get much of a say about who’s invited. And what couple would want professional Thunder Stealer Trump at their 'Big Day'. Imagine being the poor eejit in the Royal Protocol and Etiquette Office (or whatever it is actually called) whose job it was to advise Harry and Meghan that they were obliged to invite POTUS?
Obviously the pair were having none of it (and who could blame them) as the Palace officially confirmed that it had “been decided that an official list of political leaders - both UK and international - is not required for Prince Harry and Ms. Markle’s wedding.” So the Tangerine Tyrant and Theresa will just have to watch it on the telly like the rest of us. We cannot wait for the inevitable treasonous tweets.
People AreTalking:
Who Bit Beyoncé?
The Sunday Independent
25/03/2018
The greatest mystery of 2018 which has armchair detectives worldwide exercising their ‘little grey cells’ is the shocker ‘Who Bit Beyoncé?’.
In an interview with GQ magazine Girls Trip star Tiffany Haddish revealed she’d witnessed another actor bite Beyoncé. And not only biting her but on her beautiful Beyoncé face!
‘Bite-gate’ allegedly took place at a party in LA last December and prompted the Beyhive into a frenzy of speculation as to the identity of the ‘bitch on drugs’. As #WhoBitBeyonce trended Paddy Power offered odds on the ‘doer’, with professional dose Lena Dunham as ‘favourite’. (Probably the only time in recent years that Dunham has been anyone’s favourite.)
Dunham denied it as did several others, yet speculation about the culprit continues. The inevitable next step in this mystery is for the producers of The People Vs OJ Simpson and The Assassination of Gianni Versace to bring Who Bit Beyoncé? to the small screen. We cannot wait.
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Easter Monday 2nd April (from 20 mins to 45 mins approximately)
Meeting Celebrities in mundane places & teenage jobs.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p061pt8k
People AreTalking:
A Right Royal Laugh
The Sunday Independent
25/03/2018
Lord be with the days when the news that several British Royals were planning a visit to Ireland would have sparked mass protests.
But even back in the day those of us who identified as Fenians still had a secret grá for Betty Windsor and her kin.
Sure why wouldn’t we, they’re the best of entertainment. Mrs Windsor’s four kids would not look out of place on Jeremy Kyle, (they’ve even got the teeth), with their marital shenanigans and wayward ways.
Charlo and Camilla are coming back again. Probably because Charlo, (constantly outshone by his indestructible mother, the late People’s Princess and Camilla, who, I think we all agree, looks like great craic), gets props here he doesn't get at home.
We will cheer for newly-minted Princess Meghan, if she and Harry do come on their rumoured ‘Mini Moon’. Because the absolute best part of being an Irish Royal-watcher is that they're free. We get all the benefits without paying a penny for them.
How’s that for an Irish joke, John Bull?
On the Sarah Walker Show on BBC Radio Berkshire on Thursday 8th March (from 18 mins to 47 mins approximately)
Boomeranging Home, Midnight Callers and Comedy Births.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05yrv6l
People AreTalking:
Oscar Double Dresses
The Sunday Independent
11/03/2018
Here at People Are Talking we love Salma Hayek – she’s beautiful, brave, talented and speaks out for women.
So imagine our shock when Selma went along with the latest ‘thing’ to hit the red carpet at the Oscars. Or rather not hit the red carpet.
The Oscars used to be all about the walk along the rug and what stars wore on it. Now one dress is no longer enough. Selma along with Emily Blunt, Gal Gadot and Allison Janney all changed their rigouts to go to the Oscar after-parties.
With Selma and Emily, we can why. Although their dresses were probably stunning in real life they were not photogenic and both women looked like they were auditioning to play the late Queen Mother - a huge fan of chiffon and frills.
What would have been a truly revolutionary #TimesUp act was if any these actresses had changed into trainers and jogging bottoms, determined to enjoy the party, rather than stand around posing like Petrified Princesses.
People AreTalking:
Cheryl & Liam Show Goes On
The Sunday Independent
04/03/2018
One of the consequences of recent world politics is that the less substantial non-political slebs are gasping for airtime.
Take Cheryl (no official surname) and Liam (Payne). Once, if Cheryl chopped off a single hair follicle, or Liam moved his parting, gallons of ink would be splashed in analysing the impact of this latest style statement. These days we’re too busy scrutinising the Boris Bouffant and the Trump Beehive to care. And let’s face it, those guys are comedy gold too.
What are former reality show artistes to do? Luckily there is a standard playbook for this scenario - hook up with another artiste, have a baby and launch a charity. Once those options are exhausted try spinning rumours about your relationship being in trouble, followed by a 'public display' of togetherness.
Unfortunately for Cheryl and Liam the world has moved on. They could always try politics, which used to be “showbiz for ugly people”. Now it's all Showbiz!
People AreTalking:
Kim's Shrinking Relevance
The Sunday Independent
18/02/2018
For the love of God, of mercy, of all that’s good and holy; for the sake of Christ, heaven, pity and Pete could someone who cares about Kim Kardashian please, please, take her to one side and tell her to quit posting the nearly-naked selfies.
It may only be less than four years since Kim K ‘broke the internet’ with her glistening posterior, but the world is a very very different place than it was in 2014. To be fair to Kim her rear gets no play in her latest selfie which is all about her incredible shrinking 24-inch (so she tells us) waist.
Has Kimmie totally missed the whole post-Weinstein #MeToo and #TimesUp movements? Has she not copped that most women don’t want to break anything with their actual arses? That they don’t want their bodies to define them?
Maybe she has and is just sticking her fingers in her ears and going la-la-la praying that it will all go away.
That's pretty much how many of us now feel about Kim herself. The irony.
The Sarah Waters Show
BBC Radio Berkshire
On BBC Radio Berkshire with Sarah Waters and retired policeman Malcolm Gladwell on Monday 19th January. Glasgow, Soft Play, Celebrity Scrapbooks, Hurling and Missing Kids.
From 20:25 mins to approx.
Link below
People AreTalking:
Time's Up for Grammys
The Sunday Independent
04/02/2018
Poor Beyoncé, even fame and lots of moo can’t guarantee getting a babysitter for a big night out. No wonder she looked miserable at the Grammys, wearing black head to foot and sunnies indoors (a sure sign of inner strife).
Despite being up past her bedtime, six-year-old Blue Ivy seemed possessed of serenity well beyond her years. Expect rumours that this child is the reincarnation of Buddha – that or a serious Calpol dose.
Most attendees and performers wore white roses to signify #TimesUp and lots of pretty speeches were made. Kesha's performance was introduced as “a powerful moment that speaks to our times.”
Our times? The era where Kesha is still legally bound to onetime 'mentor' Dr Luke. The singer went to court in 2014 in an attempt to void their contract claiming that the music producer had subjected her to sexual abuse and intimidation among other things. The court found against her.
That smell? It's not white roses, that's for sure.
Sarah Walter Show on BBC Radio Berkshire
Discussing marriage proposals and sporting achievements from 19 minutes to 47 minutes approximately.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05t2yfg
People AreTalking:
Queen Meghan Rules
The Sunday Independent
14/01/2018
When Princess Charlotte aka Little Lottie started nursery this week you’d imagine that she’d be the only Royal show in town. Who can compete with a sweet adorable baba in a backpack? Meghan Markle - that's who!
On her second official royal gig, in Brixton, Meghan, with scraped back hair and an M&S jumper, exuded glam. Meanwhile, in a more Chi-Chi part of town, poor wee Lottie failed to give us the expected cuteness overload.
It’s often remarked that the child is the double of Great Granny Queenie. Is that why her parents saw fit to send her to nursery dressed the way Liz would have been at the same age (almost 90 years ago)?
Remember those days when Brits were calling for William to get the throne when Gran passed away, because Charlie was such a dud? Given the wholly understandable Meghan Mania, it wouldn't be a surprise if the public wanted to bypass William, his dated wife and their dated kids for the couple of the present. And, possibly the future.
People Will Be Talking:
Meghan's Big Day
The Sunday Independent
31/12/2017
Get ready. For the first five months of the year, (and that’s just for starters), at any given moment of the day someone, somewhere, will be saying the words ‘Meghan Markle’.
Since the American actress became engaged to Prince Harry she has been already been hailed the saviour of both the Royal Family and UK whilst at the same time being vilified for posing a threat to the monarchy and bringing about the end of the British way of life (as if that would be a bad thing)
She better get used to it, as the latest member of 'The Firm' and unarguably the best looking, she will be the focus of unending attention. (Nobody say the words 'Princess Diana')
In the coming months, as the countdown to the Royal Wedding continues, we the public will learn everything there is to know about MM, and, er weddings in general.
Expect endless speculation on the sort of dress MM will wear, who will design it, how her hair will look, the shade of her lipstick and even what canapés will be served on the Big Day. No doubt lots of air will be given to asking if Trump will be invited. (We guess no.)
Speaking of invites, yet more dodgy relations will be unearthed - she shouldn’t worry the groom has his fair share of them. And because Meghan is in her late 30s, once the knot is tied, she won’t even have arrived at the Royal Reception before the baby speculation starts.
People Were Talking:
The Bum's Rush for Pippa
The Sunday Independent
25/12/2017
Forget Coronation Street, The Windsors (previously known as The House of Saxe-Coburg Gotha) is arguably Britain’s longest running soap.
And as with all soaps, when long-standing favourites go stale, a new character emerges. And so as William and Kate turned dreary into a (very dull) art form, P-Middy got bigger billing.
Posh Pippa’s character arc has now done a complete 360. She, or rather her posh posterior, royally upstaged big sis's wedding in 2011 and the audience has been stuck with her ever since.
In May she once again took her arse up the aisle, and we do mean her wannabe royal rear, not her new husband James Matthews. But even as Pippa returns to the supporting cast the Soap Gods are still working their magic. James is brother to Made in Chelsea star, Spencer, who goes out with Vogue Williams.
Oh the plot twists to come!
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/harvey-weinsteins-hall-of-shame-36430680.html
People Are Talking:
About Time
The Sunday Independent
10/12/2017
A month ago Trump tweeted that he was in the running for Time Magazine Person of the Year, a claim that was quickly rubbished by the publication.
The real winners, The Silence Breakers, are the polar opposites of the Groper-in-Chief, women of the #MeToo movement who have come out and publicly accused powerful men of sexual harassment and abuse.
In the few short months since the Harvey Weinstein exposé, a tsunami of #MeToo revelations has been unleashed. Ashley Judd and Taylor Swift share the Time cover with three others and there was immediate controversy at the absence of Rose McGowan – one of the very first people to speak out against Weinstein. The actress does have a full interview in the magazine so she has not been dissed or overlooked.
#MeToo has seen Hollywood, US TV and even Westminster being purged of alleged abusers. Sadly though, in our 'Through The Looking Glass' world, as the self-proclaimed P-grabber still sits in the Oval Office.
People Are Talking:
Cowboys & Indians
The Sunday Independent
03/12/2017
In India, the Global Entrepreneurship Summit took on the guise of this year’s I’m a Celebrity, featuring family of the famous - Princess Ivanka and political WAG Cherie Blair.
Ivanka, billed as a senior White House advisor was there to advocate for women’s empowerment. Surely it isn’t just us at People Are Talking who see the massive irony here? If Ivanka is such a fan of empowering women she could have saved herself the time and jetlag and just had a wee word or two with Dad.
Trump hasn’t exactly covered himself in (old) glory when dealing with the disempowered. When he was supposed to be honouring Native American Navaho veterans from World War II he used the occasion for political score settling by referencing Pocahontas, the derisive name he uses for Sen Elizabeth Warren.
What’s next for POTUS, dropping the N-word at a Civil Rights memorial? Given his infamous Britain First retweets this week, would it be that much of a surprise?
People Are Talking:
Kim K & Bey Behave
The Sunday Independent
26/11/201
How mad has the modern world become when two women behaving themselves at a wedding is actual news?
Kim ‘n’ Kanye were once pals with Bey ‘n’ Jay. Relations cooled when Kanye (who else) loudly dissed the First Couple of Showbiz in an epic 17-minute rant.
Kim K and Beyoncé were both guests at Serena Williams lavish 1-million-dollar wedding held in New Orleans last week.
The fact that both women behaved with decorum at their mutual friend’s wedding was widely reported.
What on earth did they expect?
That there would be torn dresses and mussed hair before the bride and groom exchanged their vows? That Bey and K would slug it out Krystle and Alexis Carrington-style in the dining room? That they’d go full-on Jerry Springer during the speeches?
Yes, the lives of both couples seem like soaps to the rest of us - but they are actually real people. Well, three of them, the jury verdict on the fourth is still pending.
Ant’s addiction is an illness and shame is the symptom
Society’s attitude to alcohol and addiction has not moved with the times, writes Anne Marie Scanlon
The Sunday Independent
25/06/2017
Ant McPartlin? Of Ant and Dec? He can’t be an alcoholic – he presents Saturday Night television for God’s sake. He’s so nice! This was the shocked reaction of many people on hearing that McPartlin was going to a long-term rehab for treatment for alcohol and drugs. McPartlin doesn’t fit into any of the alcoholic/drug addict/rehab stereotypes – he’s not a raddled rock star and nor is he a celebutant. The 41-year old is happily married, has a very successful career and has maintained what is probably the most successful double-act in history with Declan Donnelly since the pair appeared as teenagers in the TV show Byker Grove.
As a society both Britain and Ireland have a troubled relationship with alcohol. On the one hand we mock those that ‘can’t hold their drink’; we scorn the sloppy drinker (especially if they are female) and we denigrate habitual drunks. At the same time our social lives are marinated in booze and the person who doesn’t drink is viewed at best with suspicion, and at worst, with hostility.
When I came out as an alcoholic, almost twenty years ago, I was as welcome at parties as botulism. Mind you in those days it was because I was sober and would remember everything the next day. These days with social media everything is up on the web before the fridge at the party is empty. Given how society has moved on in the last two decades it’s disappointing, to say the least, that our attitude to alcohol, alcoholism and addiction haven’t changed one little bit.
We are still mired in a Victorian mind-set that being an alcoholic or drug addict is a moral failing rather than a physical one. Even McPartlin himself has bought into this saying “I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry.” If McPartlin had to go to hospital for two months to get treatment for cancer – would he feel the need to apologise? Addiction is possibly the only condition where the person who suffers feels intense shame at their situation. The shame then feeds into the addiction and the behaviour of addiction and the ensuing cycle becomes, in the mind of the addict/alcoholic, inescapable.
McPartlin is typical of many people who have ‘issues’ (what a lovely cop out of a word that is) with alcohol and drugs. When I put down my glass for the last time I had a job, a flat, a relationship. I wasn’t in debt; I didn’t have drug dealers breaking down my door – or the cops. I was living in New York at the time and I wasn’t sleeping on the streets and rummaging through trash cans on the Lower East Side. I was clean, I rarely let my roots grow out and I wore fashionable nail polish.
On the surface there was nothing wrong with my life but on the inside I was miserable and I hated myself. I don’t really know when my drinking became alcoholic – I’d gone to university in Ireland with women who drank far more than I did but in their late 20s they weren’t still partying like it was 1999. After university I moved to London and worked for AIB Capital Markets for three years. We thought nothing about going to the pub and having a drink or two at lunchtime. (And we smoked at our desks). Somewhere along the way when all my contemporaries were slowing down I was speeding up. Because I wasn’t dirty and eating out of bins it was all still acceptable.
I didn’t go to rehab. I was lucky because in New York you can find a 12 Step Program for just about anything and pretty much at any time. On a miserable Tuesday in February 1998 I went to a lunch time meeting and I haven’t touched a drink since. The reaction of people around me was interesting to say the least. They thought I was over-reacting, being a drama queen. Couldn’t I just cut down a wee bit they said, like I had never thought of that. The bottom line though was if I was an alcoholic, what did that say about them? Worse, was I going to police their drinking? (For the record I don’t.)
People make a lot of assumptions about alcoholics and the reasons why we drink. We drink because we have no control over it. In recent years some scientific studies have shown that addicts and alcoholics have different brains from those who are not troubled by addiction. For us, one drink sets off an overpowering craving. It’s not about will power, it’s about brain chemistry. And yet, plenty of people refuse to accept that alcoholism and addiction are a disease. That, they say, is a cop out.
If we are dealing in stereotypes Ant McPartlin doesn’t ‘fit’ the brief of an alcoholic or drug addict and yet, a high proportion of addicts are creative and successful people. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that addicts are very driven people. For a lot of us our brains are like washing machines with stuff swirling around all the time and we self-medicate to turn the noise off. Nay sayers would say we lack will power but we don’t. The will power needed to keep going when alcoholism has you in it’s grip is huge. Imagine the determination needed to get out of bed with a hangover that is as mentally crippling as it is physically, to show up for work, for your family. Many of us manage it for years.
McPartlin said he had “spoken out because I think it’s important that people ask for help if they’re going through a rough time and get proper treatment to help their recovery.” Perhaps now attitudes will move on and we can stop stigmatising sick people for their illness.
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/ants-addiction-is-an-illness-and-shame-is-the-symptom-35862712.html
People Are Talking:
Am I a Celebrity?
The Sunday Independent
19/11/201
Tonight marks the return of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. After 16 previous trips to the ‘Jungle’ and the rise of the 'Reality' format, the producers are having to stretch the word “celebrity” for most of the campmates heading to Australia to chow down on Kangaroo anus.
The show could just as easily be called “I’m Vaguely Related to a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.” Step up Stanley Johnston, father of gaffe-prone British Foreign Secretary Boris. The only shock is, given his recent series of clangers, that Boris himself isn’t the one out of a job and sucking crow’s eyes.
There’s always next year when, given how shaky most global power structures are, the gleeful producers may have to change the name to 'I’m a Politician Get Me Out of Here'.
Despite saying she’s not interested in politics Ivanka Trump would be an obvious candidate. Both her parents have been Reality TV ‘stars', Donald fronted 'The Apprentice' while Mum Ivana did a stint in 'Celebrity Big Brother.' She lost to Alex Reid. Sad.
People Are Talking: Avoid, Don't Evade!
The Sunday Independent
12/11/2017
If further proof were needed that the world has indeed gone mad, then consider the fact that this week the Queen, Mrs Brown’s Boys and Harvey Weinstein can all be referenced in the same sentence.
According to the now infamous Paradise Papers it transpires that all of the above (among others) have been eluding taxation by shipping their dosh offshore.
As every media outlet has been at pains to stress tax evasion is not the same as tax avoidance. Not paying your taxes by avoiding them is legal and proves you are smart. Not paying your taxes by evading them is illegal — you dumb schmuck.
In everyday life if you avoid a collision on the road you are clever. If you evade one, it’s probably because the other driver was actively avoiding — ain’t you the lucky one.
And, given the mounting evidence, if you are a woman and have avoided inappropriate sexual behaviour you are shrewd. If you have only evaded it, you work in a convent and are a nun. Count yourself lucky sister.
The Sunday World
15th October 2017
Connor McIntyre talks to
Anne Marie Scanlon
about playing a character that fans love to hate
THE prospect of speaking to Connor McIntyre, the actor who plays villain’s villain Pat Phelan in Coronation Street, is a pretty terrifying one. Fans of the show will know that ‘Really Evil Phelan’, as he’s known in our house, is one very scary man.
Connor looks like Phelan, sounds like Phelan and, rather unsettlingly, laughs just like Phelan. Both the actor and the character hail from Liverpool and have Irish names (at one point I accidentally call him Pat). And there’s little point in telling you that Connor is charming, because so is Really Evil Phelan!
I ask Connor how much he and the character have in common. “It’s a big question, that,” the actor
replies in his distinctive Scouse accent. “Who would ever admit to such degrees of narcissistic tendency?”
The world of soaps is so littered with bad guys that every year the British Soap Awards hand out a
gong for Villain of the Year. Unsurprisingly, Connor won in 2016 for his portrayal of scheming Phelan (like Madonna and Bowie, known by one name).
In one of Corrie’s most talked about Phelan moments, Pat leaves his enemy Michael Rodwell (Les Dennis) to die alone in a builder’s yard, but before he turns away from poor Michael, Phelan blesses himself.
I ask Connor if he came up with the idea of making the sign of the cross before leaving a man to die,
but he tells me the gesture was in the script. “I have to be honest,” he says, “I had a tussle about that. It felt like a bum note, but the director was right;
Phelan has that dimension, the Catholic guilt, the false sanctimoniousness. I’m not one of those actors that say, ‘My character wouldn’t do that.’ I’m a great believer in
the writers.”
If there’s one thing Phelan isn’t short of, it’s dimensions. During his first ‘turn’ in Corrie, (October 2013 to June 2014), Phelan was a classic soap
villain – someone the audiences loved to hate. The character’s latest stint began in January last year, and Phelan has now evolved into a far more complex character.
"The question I get asked most is... ‘Do you love Eileen or not?"
One of the Coronation Street staff described him to me as “Marmite, people either love him or hate him”.
Surprisingly for a man who has kidnapping, near-murder, fraud and swindling his nearest and dearest on his CV, Phelan has become a much-loved character. Does Connor find it disturbing that fans are rooting for such a despicable character? The actor laughs and says, “It’s a lovely reminder about us as humans, that we actually do want to see the best in people.”
When I reply that those of us on #TeamPhelan are like indulgent parents always trying to explain or excuse the character’s outrageous behaviour, McIntyre laughs out loud. “That’s a good analogy,” he replies.
While many actors have suffered in real life from playing baddies on the small screen, Connor has generally encountered encouragement from fans. “The question I get asked most,” he tells me, “is, ‘Look, never mind all your misdemeanours, your crimes... Do you love Eileen [his screen wife played by Sue Cleaver] or not?’ It’s lovely that people think like that.”
Well, does Phelan love Eileen? “That’s not a question I can answer,” Connor replies. “I don’t play any love scenes with a wink in my eye or a twist of my moustache. With someone like Pat Phelan, who is a dangerous narcissist, all of those moments are real for him.”
A recent storyline in Corrie saw Phelan being reunited with his long- lost daughter, but Connor has no children himself. “With a family you need to feed everybody and educate them and that’s no small thing,” he reflects. “I think I’m too selfish to have been a good parent really.”
Connor’s older brother, his only sibling, lives in New York, is married to an Irish-American woman and has seven children. “I think I’m a better uncle than I would have been a parent, I’ll put it that way,” the star adds.
The actor’s late parents were both Irish, his mother from Kilkenny and his Dad from Coleraine, and he grew up watching Corrie. “My Mam, God rest her, would be absolutely delighted, she’d be over the moon!” he says.
Our conversation takes an ominous turn when I ask Connor what outrage Pat Phelan would need to commit to lose the support of his army of fans. “We may be coming to that point,” he replies.
As dedicated soap fans know, the soap gods always punish bad behaviour, and while Connor doesn’t confirm anything, it appears Phelan’s misdeeds may finally catch up with him. “You know what delights me,” Connor says, “no matter what happens now, I’m part of Corrie folklore.”
While the show has produced many iconic characters, they are mostly women. I ask how does he feel about being one of the few men in that position? “It’s very kind of you to say,” Connor replies. “I’m not sure I personally would go that far. We’ll see when he’s no longer there.” ✚
GOOD BADDIE: Connor’s role has earned him a string of awards
IS IT LOVE?: Eileen and Phelan
People Are Talking: Michael Married?
The Sunday Independent
22/10/2017
Confirmed bachelors, they just don’t make them like they used to.
First ‘the world’s most eligible’ George Clooney settled down with Amal and had twins.
Now Michael Fassbender has apparently made things official with Alicia Vikander. We think.
George and Amal like to present themselves as discreet celebrities, which they are, but compared with Michael and Alicia they’re like a pair of Reality TV wannabes screaming for headlines.
Since they first, allegedly, got together in 2014, the pair have kept things on the down low, so much so that we wonder if they’ve ever acknowledged to each other that they’re in a relationship.
Last weekend, according to People magazine the couple “exchanged vows at the luxurious La Granja farmstead resort surrounded by friends and family.”
We don’t expect an announcement anytime soon and in the meantime we will just wonder what exactly the gorgeous, talented, former ballet dancer and award winning Vikander has that we don’t.
Swedish citizenship, obviously. Oh and the last ‘most eligible’.
People Are Talking: Trump's Screwball Comedy
The Sunday Independent
08/10/2017
“I really think we should date because you’re America’s sweetheart and I’m American’s richest man and the people would love it.”
Had this line been delivered by a man to a much younger woman in a 1930s black and white ‘screwball’ comedy, even contemporary audiences would have shuddered.
But no folks, it took place in real life, in full living colour (if that colour is orange).
Earlier this week actress Brooke Shields revealed that the Tangerine Tyrant, finding himself between marriages, had hit on her.
For a one-liner it’s strangely prescient and revealing.
‘The people would love it’ even then Agent Orange was playing to an (imaginary) audience.
“I’m America’s richest man,” a precursor of the ‘alternative facts’ that his regime continues to promote.
And as to his form on pushing his attentions onto a woman who has shown zero interest in him… At least he contacted Brooke via the phone so she was in no danger of having her receiver grabbed.
People Are Talking: Javanka, What Happened?
The Sunday Independent
01/10/2017
Last year was the year of Celebrity overkill – literally, as famous people died in droves.
This year’s constant ‘thing’ is White House scandals. With almost daily frequency the scandals have come thick.
Just when we think we’ve hit Peak Scandal Il Presidente delivers yet another, even worse than the last.
We're all now so deep in Scandal-Fatigue the news that Javanka, (Jared Kushner and Presidential Princess Ivanka), used their private email for government business, (along with four other members of the Trump Administration), isn’t a shock to anyone. Except perhaps Hilary Clinton.
Trump’s campaign made much of ‘Crooked Hilary’ using private email for public business. The fact that his own team have committed the same faux pas tells you all you need to know about the Orange One’s ethics.
Meanwhile Javanka, increasingly looking like they belong in the chambers of Madame Tussaud’s rather than the corridors of power, might be relieved to have an excuse to leave DC.
People Are Talking: Lies! The New Black
The Sunday Independent
24/09/2017
In our brave new post-truth, alternative facts and “fake news” world, lies and liars are “in”.
Brexit triumphed largely on the basis of the mythical £350 million that would go to the NHS, a figure recently resurrected by Boris Johnston despite the facts. Trump, (like BoJo, famed for his blond coiffure), got the top job in the USA by fibbing. And then there’s his Mini Me, former Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who became infamous for defending the indefensible and insisting his boss’s fantasies were reality.
Once Spicer was off the payroll he carried on as usual - asserting he was "the most popular man in Ireland.” (Insert your own outrage here.) People Are Talking was shocked to see Spicer in an Emmy skit. What the organisers imagined as a ‘howl’ was a complete howler. In an award ceremony where The Handmaids Tale, (a story of a right-wing, post-truth, women-hating administration in the US) swept the board, the inclusion of Spicer was ironic certainly, but nobody is laughing.
People Are Talking: Meghan Marrying?
The Sunday Independent
17/09/2017
The current Vanity Fair cover story about Meghan Markle (“Mad About Harry”) and the news that K-Middy is expecting her third child, has sent the British media into an absolute frenzy of speculation. (You can’t blame them really, it’s a good distraction from the endless non-news Brexit news).
The arrival of Baby Cambridge number 3 will make Harry fifth in line to Granny’s throne. His days of being the ‘spare’ are behind him and according to the acres of newsprint that means he’s about to make an honest woman of Meghan.
Despite the fact that the couple have yet to make their first official appearance as a couple that hasn’t stopped features about what the bride will wear and whether or not she will continue to work as an actress when the knot is tied.
"We're in love," Meghan told Vanity Fair. God help her, the last time a dark-haired American divorcee set her sights on an English Prince it ended badly and Royal Fairy Tales tend to go very sour very quickly.
People Are Talking: Sweet Yeezus, it's Kim O!
The Sunday Independent
02/09/2017
Nature, famously abhors a vacuum, and as the present incumbents of the White House – the Yuge Orange one and his Fembot missus, provide neither style nor substance, the Yanks have been thrashing around trying to find both political and fashion inspo.
Enter Kim Kardashian “America’s New First Lady”, a title accorded her by her Interview magazine cover. Of course this anointment hasn’t been received well by everyone. First Kim has kept her clothes on (not her usual look).
However, the biggest complaint is that she’s channelling the late Jackie Kennedy, during her White House years. The only imitation that could have caused a bigger stir was if Kim had donned a blond wig, a pie-crust collar and had her picture taken in front of the Taj Mahal. (The irony is that both Diana and Jackie are far more powerful in death than they ever were in life.)
Then there’s Kim’s husband, Yeezus himself, Kanye West. The cover has sparked very real fears that Kanye is going to run for the highest office himself. And America is the land of opportunism
People Are Talking: Oh Boy, George!
The Sunday Independent
27/07/2017
For decades George Clooney was the world’s most handsome man and eligible bachelor. He was every Irish Mammy’s son for whom no woman would ever be good enough.
Until he met Amal, the brainy, beautiful and ultra chic lawyer. Together they made the most powerful of ‘Power Couple’s' (Brangelina who?).
Their perfect glossy life was complete when they welcomed twins, (one of each naturally), three months ago. Amal has fulfilled her Sleb brief by ‘bouncing back’ from birth and looking as slim and gorgeous as ever. George – not so much.
During a recent child-free break at Lake Como the role of George appears to be being played by Old Father Time. The previously perma-youthful 56-year-old, has aged almost beyond recognition. Tabloids yelled that the ‘loved-up couple’ couldn’t keep their hands off each other but to our eyes it looked as if Amal was was physically supporting her doddery-looking spouse.
Time for one of those coffees that you like so much Georgie Boy.
The Anne Diamond Show
BBC Radio Berkshire
Discussing Clarks 'Gender Neutral' Shoes with Sarah Walker (standing in for Anne Diamond). The Dolly Babe vs the Leader.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05b7zpb from 1:40:30 to 1:46:00 approximately.
People Are Talking: Arise Brothers
The Sunday Independent
30/07/2017
“Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman”. Sometimes? Tammy Wynette was obviously an optimist.
The BBC is under fire for paying their male staff significantly more than their female counterparts. (Did they change Dr. Who's gender to save money?)
The gender pay gap is unfortunately not peculiar to the Beeb. It’s already emerged that Sharon Ní Bheoláin earns substantially less than Bryan Dobson. With all due respect to Mr. Dobson, Sharon is the Queen of the airwaves and plenty of viewers tune in just for her.
But, explains Casualty star Tom Chambers, who was apparently placed in suspended animation between the Wars and recently resuscitated, men need to get paid more to support the little lady at home (presumably the one who is barefoot, pregnant and chained to the kitchen sink).
In this age of gender-fluidity and transsexuality, why would anyone choose to become a woman? But there’s the solution ladies, just ‘identify’ as male and ask for a pay rise. Arise brothers.
People Are Talking: Daddy's Little Princess
The Sunday Independent
16/07/2017
No doubt David Beckham expected oohs and aahs when he posted pictures of daughter Harper celebrating her sixth birthday with “a real princess at the Palace.” (Eugenie, a bit of a cut-price Princess - the poor child must have been gutted.)
The reaction was quick and caustic. Becks quickly went into spin mode saying that the Palace hadn’t opened “the gate for Harper’s birthday party.” It was, he explained, a private affair that he, his Mum, Harper and her friends had been invited to. In other words, a party.
Is Becks taking the lead in ‘Fake News’ from Daddy’s Little Princess – Ivanka. The First Daughter, described by historian Anne Applebaum as “an unelected, unqualified, unprepared New York socialite” was spotted taking Dad’s seat at a G20 summit meeting in Hamburg.
Despite being all up in the USA’s national business on a regular basis Ivanka says “I try to stay out of politics.” You don’t have to be a princess to live a Fairy Tale, but it helps. As does a stuffed wallet.
People Are Talking: Brienna, too good to be true?
The Sunday Independent
02/07/2017
Brienna! Brad and Sienna are rumoured to be an item.
It’s not the first time that the pair’s names have been linked. After appearing in The Lost City of Z, made by Brad’s production company there was gossip which Sienna dismissed as “predictable and silly.”
Let’s focus on the predictable part – if they’re not together they should be. They’re both film stars who have form with other film stars – apart from Angelina Brad’s exes include Gwyneth Paltrow, Thandie Newton and Jennifer Aniston. Sienna famously had an on-off relationship with heartthrob Jude Law and has been involved with several other high profile men.
The latest buzz comes from Glastonbury where they were allegedly spotted looking “intimate” at 3am in the VIP Rabbit Hole area. A “source” claims that because they’ve both been burned by highly public relationships in the past that they’re “determined to keep everything under wraps.”
Oh please don’t. A weary world needs you Brienna!
People Are Talking: Beyonce's Power of Two
The Sunday Independent
18/06/2017
Around 20 or so years ago the designer accessory of the day was a lovely little baby. Jerry Hall was well known for bringing a little baldy gurgler to social events. Plus ca change.
But these days you are nobody unless you have twins. Twins are the status symbol du jour. The Clooney’s have a set (yet to be revealed) and now Bey and Jay have a duo of their own –and in true Sleb Style they’re keeping the names and gender under wraps.
If the Carter Twins follow in older sister Ivy Blue’s (designer shod) footsteps we can say for sure that their nursery will be Bling-tastic. For her third birthday Blue Ivy allegedly got a $80,000 diamond-encrusted Barbie. (And you thought the boxed up versions in the shops were overpriced!)
No doubt their rattles will contain real gemstones and their mobiles will be gold plated. Sure, we may sneer at the vulgarity and excess and covet Ivy Blue’s designer duds but she can keep that nasty-sounding Barbie.
People Are Talking: Broadway Bette is the Boss
The Sunday Independent
18/06/2017
Until last Sunday, the world in general was in danger of a severe case of “you don’t know what you got till it’s gone” with Ms. Bette Midler.
Is there anybody alive who says, (screams) Broadway like Bathhouse Bette? And yet, it’s only now, at the mighty age of 71 that she’s finally won a Tony. (OK she did win a ‘Special’ Tony in 1974 but even undiscovered tribes in the Amazon know that those, like ‘Lifetime Achievement’ awards just don’t count.)
Having won for her role in Hello Dolly, once Broadway Bette had the spotlight she was unwilling to relinquish it. Rather than trotting out platitudes Midler gave heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the show and when the orchestra started playing ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ her cue to wrap it up, Midler kept talking.
They got louder and so did she before instructing them “shut that crap off” and finishing her speech in her own sweet time. We know what we got and we love her for it.
People Are Talking: Clooney Twins Arrive!
The Sunday Independent
11/06/2017
And lo! A star rose over the West. West London.
Within the £8000 a night Kensington Wing of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, unto the world’s most glamorous couple was born a child. And, in rapid succession, another.
Yes, the Clooney Twins have arrived.
There was a time when here at People Are Talking we would mock all the fuss and remind readers that little biddy babies are born every day and, despite not having Gorgeous George and even more gorgeous Amal as parents, most of them are perfect little miracles.
But given the times that are in it with Trump tweeting endless nonsense, Brexit looming, the Western World in a constant state of ‘alert’ for the next attack we can only celebrate the arrival of Ella and Alexander.
And for those who have suspicions that the Clooneys have plans to enter politics, those non-statement, non-slebby names say it all. Meanwhile hospital security are gearing themselves for the arrival of three agricultural workers and royalty.
People Are Talking: Ivanka, The Donald in a Dress
The Sunday Independent
28/05/2017
The apple, famously, never falls far from the tree yet the general public seem to think Ivanka Trump was delivered by stork – because she is absolutely nothing like her Dad.
Certainly Ivanka is the most attractive Trump and she has ah-mazing hair. But hair and looks aside Ivanka is her father’s ‘Mini Me’ - The Donald in a dress.
Ivanka is a self-styled entrepreneur, who just like her Dad, forgets she was born into great wealth. She likes to preach about female empowerment and during her father’s State visit to Saudi Arabia this week spoke of the feminist advances made there which “inspire me to believe the possibility of global women’s empowerment.”
This - in a country where women can’t show off their hair, even if it is ah-mazing like Ivanka's, or drive a car or can only go out in public with a male relative.
But the Saudi’s and the UAE stepped up and thanked Ivanka by donating $100 million to the Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund.
That's quite a lot of headscarves.
People Are Talking: Taylor, Damned if she Does
The Sunday Independent
21/05/2017
Poor Taylor Swift. She’s young, gorgeous, talented and rich but no matter what the poor woman does there’s a bunch of haters waiting to pour scorn, judge and generally make pig’s muck out of her reputation.
Taylor has a new boyfriend.
This apparently is news in and of itself. She’s 27, heterosexual and seemingly in good health – so having a relationship with a (young good-looking) member of the opposite sex shouldn’t be a shock to anyone.
But, the cheeky mare only went and kept British actor Joe Alwyn on the DL, (Down Low). How very dare she? Just who the hell does girlfriend think she is?
Er, possibly the same lassie who has been castigated for having very public relationships (Tom Hiddleston, Calvin Harris, Harry Styles) to the point where her love life is accused of being a PR exercise.
Oh and the pearl-clutching about the many, many, men! Her ’number’ is approximately eight in roughly the same amount of years.
In the age of Tinder girl ain't no Jez-a-bel.
People Are Talking: Pippa's Big, eh, Day
The Sunday Independent
14/05/2017
The countdown continues for Pippa ‘The Arse’ Middleton as she prepares to take her famous bum cheeks down the aisle again - Pippa famously upstaged sister Kate when she married Prince William in 2011.
For the past six years Pippa has traded on her royal connections and styled herself as an entertainment guru and, God help us, a journalist.
For an entertainment guru her wedding plans seem pretty draconian. First there’s the ‘no ring, no bring’ rule meaning only married people get a 'plus one'. (Between this and the way Kate dresses the kids, those Middletons seem to think it's 1954.)
You could forgive Pippa and fiancé James Matthews for paring down the guest list if they were typical struggling Londoners trying to save a few sous but James is quite simply filthy rich. The chosen few might be cursing their golden ticket to the nuptials as Pip expects them to pack a second outfit for the Big Day.
Entertainment guru and arse, that’s Pippa.
People Are Talking: Bey, No Mouth, All Money.
The Sunday Independent
30/04/2017
Why do people so love taking a pop at Beyoncé?
In a world crammed with talentless reality TV “stars” and vloggers of dubious ability why are some so set on bad mouthing a woman whose star status has been earned the old fashioned way – talent and hard work.
When the singer recently announced her pregnancy with a photo shoot prominently displaying her bump the haters came out in force. But then again, these are probably the same people who perpetuate the rumour that she didn’t actually give birth to daughter Ivy Blue. No wonder the poor woman felt as if she had to provide evidence that she was carrying her own children.
If Bey and hubbie Jay, simply gave up and gave two fingers to the world in general you couldn’t blame them. Instead Beyoncé has celebrated the first year anniversary of her critically acclaimed and award winning album Lemonade by endowing four university scholarships for girls.
Looks, talent and pure class. Bore off haters.
People Are Talking: Meghan Won't Marry Harry!
The Sunday Independent
16/04/2017
Harry may well be mad about Meghan (even if she does have a totally redundant ‘h’ in her name) but Meghan, despite the way she spells her name, is most certainly not mad.
And because she appears to be in full possession of her faculties we at PAT confidently predict that she won’t marry Harry.
Modern Princessing is not for the faint hearted – both the late Lady Di and Princess Grace of Monaco can attest to that.
In fact, Meghan has pulled a ‘Reverse Grace Kelly’. Kelly was a huge star before she married into Royalty and career obscurity. Before she met Harry Meghan was a little known actress and now she’s a global phenomenon. Would any sensible girl blow all that to marry into The House of Windsor? (Excuse us while we suppress a shudder.)
This week we heard that she was shutting down her blog - a fact that lead to speculation that she was lining her bottom drawer and practicing tiara wearing. Far more likely is that Ms. Markle is busy making hay.
Anne Diamond Show
BBC Radio Berkshire
Monday 10 April.
Discussing potty training FROM BIRTH with Anne Diamond.
From 1.50 -1.55 approximately.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04y4zsh
People Are Talking: My Mammy is Well Minted, Pet.
The Sunday Independent
02/04/2017
Well God bless Cheryl (formerly Cheryl Versini-Fernandez nee Cole nee Tweedy). Having been delivered safely of a boy, after what seemed like history’s longest pregnancy, the Geordie lass has said that she and Baby Daddy Liam Payne will not be pimping out the baba for high paying magazine spreads.
Quite a noble gesture from someone who hasn’t had any visible means of support for the past two years - before romance and motherhood saved her from D-list status.
Mind you, it’s very easy to make noble fiscal gestures when your BF (and soon to be husband if rumours are true) is one of the richest pop star on the planet. However, Toy Boy Liam aside, and even if Mama Cheryl keeps baby in a corner, branding experts predict that the newly minted Mum could make £30 million in the next decade. Apparently any books she might ‘write’, or kids clothing lines she might ‘design’, will fly off the shelves.
Motherhood generally means constant shelling out so for Cheryl that's well mint. And minted Pet.
People Are Talking: Mel B Breaks it Off
The Sunday Independent
26/03/2017
Before the internet, access to the intimate world of slebs could be found in the glossy pages of Hello! Magazine. We could witness them from A to Z lister, posing in their ‘sumptuous abodes and sharing their intimate details, despite the threat of of invoking ‘The Curse of Hello.’
The ‘Curse’ was that almost as soon as a couple revealed undying love for each other in the shiny format the relationship hit the bricks – often before the issue even got to newsstands.
‘The Curse’ seems to have migrated to social media. Just over a month ago former Spice Girl, Mel B posted a syrupy tribute to her husband of ten years Stephen Belafonte. “My baby boo @stephenthinks 11 we have been through everything… and come out… stronger. You loved me before I even knew how to really love myself, you are my world honey.”
This week she announced she was divorcing him. Not consciously uncoupling or taking a respectful loving break, divorcing.
Welcome back Scary.
People Are Talking: Vogue's charitable love life
The Sunday Independent
19/03/2017
Although we are living in a world gone mad, depressingly some things never change.
Take Vogue Williams. That she is gorgeous nobody is going to deny but the model/reality star is also smart and funny.
Unfortunately, like a lot of stunning and seemingly shrewd women Vogue's uses her love life to perform acts of charity – come on, what other excuse does she have for her history of dating down.
In her twenties Vogue plighted her troth to Kerry Katona castoff Brian McFadden and now she’s admitted that there’s some substance to the rumours that she and Spencer Matthews are a thing. Oh Vogue, no.
Spencer for those lucky enough not to know him was one of the original Made in Chelsea ‘cast’ and, despite having a suet pudding for a face, is a serial womaniser and full time eejit. (For the latter check his extremely brief appearance in I’m A Celebrity 2015).
We are sure that deep down Bri and Spenny are nice lads but Vogue, you are fabulous, try to remember it.
People Are Talking: Topless Emma No Boob
The Sunday Independent
12/03/2017
“Why is Hermione not wearing a bra?” shrieked a small voice in the supermarket seeing the Vanity Fair cover of actress Emma Watson replicated time and again on the front pages of the papers.
It wasn’t just the smallies that were confused by the mostly naked Harry Potter star as more than one parent thought “that child will catch her death in that rigout.”
But that’s the problem, Watson is no longer a child, she’s 26! From Judy Garland through Macaulay Culkin right up to LiLo the words ‘child star’ have become synonymous with ‘car crash’ mainly because nobody ever wants the child star to grow up – not the studios’, their management, their fans and in some sad cases their own parents. Small wonder ‘child star is also synonymous with ‘rehab’.
Not so Miss Watson, who appears to have plenty in common with the no-nonsense, practical and brainy fictional character who made her famous. It says more about us than her that she had to get her baps out to remind us she’s no longer a kid.
People Are Talking: We Could Not Love Adele More
The Sunday Independent
19/02/2017
Remember last year when Adele invited two Irish fans to sing on stage with her? We didn’t think we could love her more but her various performances at the Grammys prove that she is she the ultimate Anti-Diva.
Yes, restarting her tribute to George Michael and dropping the F-Bomb, all on live TV, sounds like pure Diva but she didn’t want to “mess this up for him.”
Breaking her Grammy for best album in half, and saying “I cannot possibly accept this award”? On paper that could qualify as Uber-Diva antics, but after sweeping the board with five wins, the singer was shocked that Beyoncé’s album Lemonade hadn’t taken the gong.
On stage Adele paid tribute to the pregnant singer. (Backstage she questioned “What the f*** does she have to do to win?) The inevitable ‘race row’ has followed with comparisons to last year's #OscarSoWhite.
Forget race, this was really about feminism - one woman standing up for another woman. We could not love her more.
People Are Talking: Brand Beckham Besmirched
The Sunday Independent
12/02/2017
How to bend it like Beckham. First find a (perfectly legal) tax loophole and exploit it. Then use the money you’ve saved to make conspicuous donations to charity.
Be sure to position yourself as an ‘ordinary bloke’ and ‘happy family man’ by donating your precious time to charity (just keep the demands for travel expenses on the DL).
Where do we begin with the shocking contents of David's leaked emails that have besmirched Brand Becks? That nice millionaire couple avoiding their taxes! (Shocking). Then there’s the sweary language, sweet Golden Balls throwing the C-word around like snuff at a wake. (Pretty shocking.) Diva hissy fits demanding private jets (sorry but we need to go for a lie down now).
The overwhelming desire to be Sir David and Lady Posh? Actually, not that shocking – she’s been Posh for over two decades and don’t forget the got married on thrones in Luttrellstown Castle.
Karma is a bitch Becks, or perhaps you’d call her a c….
People Are Talking: Here's Johnny Debt
The Sunday Independent
05/02/2017
When Johnny Depp agreed to settle $7 million on ex-wife Amber Heard there were cynics that said it was a lot of money for a mere 15 months of marriage.
But what seems like a large fortune to the ordinary cynic in the street is apparently not that much to Mr. Depp.
According to his ex-management agency, The Management Group, the actor spends in excess of $2 million dollars a month.
The 53-year old has expensive tastes, $30,000 per month on ‘fine wines’ apparently, not to mention a seeming insatiable desire for property that extends to 14 homes.
Johnny is suing his former management for $25 million, blaming them for his money woes. They naturally are countersuing and say he owes $4.2 million to them.
All the mud accrued during his acrimonious divorce from Heard has washed away. Unfortunately, in Hollywood, forget ‘a woman scorned’ because hell hath no fury like a management agency spurned. Or sued.
People Will Be Talking: Plastic Paddies Green with Envy
The Sunday Independent
01/01/2017
Every 17th of March in America people who have only the vaguest notion of where Ireland is and couldn’t tell a shamrock from a shillelagh, drink green beer, eat green bagels with green cream cheese and wear green t-shirts bearing the immortal phrase “Kiss Me I’m Irish” before catching a dose of “Irish Flu” on March 18th and then forgetting all about the Emerald Isle for the next 12 months.
By St Patricks Day 2017 everyone and his dog will want to be Irish. From the dissidents fleeing from The Bigly and Yuge Empire of The Donald™ to Brexit-fearing Brit’s unearthing an Irish Granny will be a matter of urgency.
Forget the Louis Vuitton handbag, a 'green' passport will be the most sought after accessory in the world.
But will we make the most of it and finally shake off the Punch stereotype of thicko, dirty, priest-licking peasants? More importantly, will we put a premium on the price of being Irish and up the charges for new passports? We should, these Paddy Come Latelys ought to know that being Irish costs and you never stop paying.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/pippas-fella-gets-bum-deal-35330714.html
People Were Talking: 2016 #Starmaggedon
The Sunday Independent
25/12/2016
Ch-ch-changes, if ever anyone was good at ringing them it was the late David Bowie. The Starman was always ahead of the game and his unexpected death on 10th January proved to be no exception as it was the first departure in what soon became known as the #Starmaggedon.
Some had a good innings - Frank Kelly, Ali, astronaut John Glenn, Wogan, Ronnie Corbett, Manuel (Andrew Sachs), Hilda Ogden (Jean Alexander), Mrs Brady (Florence Henderson) and even Fidel Castro.
Yet, there were so many more like Bowie who went too soon – Pete Burns, Alan Rickman, Caroline Ahern, Victoria Wood and of course Prince.
David Gest was prematurely pronounced dead whilst in the Celebrity Big Brother House. A few months later Gest unexpectedly passed away. 2016 was a bumper year for the Grim Reaper.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/people-are-talking-brangelina-crashlands-35312365.html
People Are Talking: Theresa May Clobbered over Dress Sense
The Sunday Independent
11/12/2016
Oh the rage! The burny, burny rage. British Prime Minister Theresa May has been accused of being out of touch with ordinary people. That isn't what distresses us here at People Are Talking. Mrs May is a career politician and as such it’s pretty much a given that she hasn’t a clue about us common folk. No, it’s the reasons, the alleged evidence.
In a photo accompanying a newspaper interview Mrs May wore £995 Amanda Wakeley trackpants and a pair of Burberry trainers that came close to £300. Clobber far too expensive for the average ‘JAM’ (just about managing) British citizen, true. But do people honestly think that her male predecessor, not to mention all those muppets in our own Dail, get their suits off the peg from Top Man or Dunnes Stores?
But they’re blokes so who cares right?
May then cooked her own ‘out of touch’ goose by announcing she’s serving one for Christmas dinner. What a turkey!
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/people-are-talking-ruth-is-real-person-of-the-year-35282366.html
People Are Talking: Sit down Gigi, you are no Stand Up.
The Sunday Independent
27/11/2016
Imagine our shock here in People Are Talking when we woke up and found ourselves in bed with Trump supporters. Quite.
Yes, we were all in agreement that Gigi Hadid’s impression of First Lady to be Melania Trump at the AMAs (American Music Awards) was simply wrong.
On closer inspection though it turned out that while we were trying to uncurl our embarrassed toes and unsee the ghastly ‘turn’ by a model determined to prove she’s more than just a pretty face and a killer body, the “alt-right” as they call themselves had different gripes.
Gigi’s impression of Melania’s Eastern European accent is “racist” they say. (Remember that the next time you leave the room doing your best Arnie/Terminator “I’ll be back.”)
Further, supporters of the first family to be were worried that Trump’s ten-year-old son Barron might have seen a model (whose own parents are both immigrants) poking fun at his Mama!
He needn't worry as this joke was firmly on Gigi. Small wonder boyfriend Zayn forgot to thank her when accepting an award.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-sit-down-gigi-you-are-no-standup-35245422.html
People Are Talking: World's Tobler(g)one Mad
The Sunday Independent
13/11/2016
We in Ireland understand the term ‘it’s Marmite’ even if we never understood Marmite. It’s a Brit thing and, like Brexit it divides our Sassenach neighbours into those firmly for and those decidedly against.
Small wonder the Brits panicked when super-market chain Tesco pulled the beloved yeasty treat from their shelves after a post-Brexit price rise. We didn’t think any food item could top Marmitegate but we were wrong.
As American went to the polls on Tuesday the new post-Brexit Toblerone was quietly unveiled. For the same price triangular chocolate lovers now get significantly less chocolate triangles.
Did those wily confectioners assume newly patriotic and Eurosceptic Brits would be happy with less Swiss-inspired chocolate peaks?
Even William Shatner aka Captain Kirk was roused to protest. It's chocolate Jim, but not as we know it.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/honey-g-and-mrs-clooney-schoolmates-but-not-classmates-35208445.html
People Are Talking: Harry, That Woman And Her Sister
The Sunday Independent
06/11/2016
“That woman,” was how the late Queen Mother apparently referred to Wallis Simpson. One wonders what she’d make of Meghan Markle, the latest dark-haired American divorcee to make a play for a Prince.
Just as William has always been the ‘Perfect Prince’ (with his equally Perfect Princess) Harry has embraced the role of ‘spare’. From ‘Harry Pothead’ to that rather unfortunate Fancy Dress costume (think ‘Heil’ if you can’t remember) to what happened in Vegas not staying in Vegas. Its fair to say that Harry took up the role of ‘Playboy Prince’ where Uncle Andrew (should have) left off.
One person who is determined that this latest romance will fail is Meghan’s older half-sister Samantha, who went public with a litany of complaints against the Suits actress. Her logic was now that she’d aired the family’s soiled sheets in public the Windsors would shun Meghan. (Given Prince H's history The Firm are probably thrilled Meghan isn't a honky-tonk "dancer".)
Some think that the fact that Meghan’s sister has gone public and exposed herself as an embarrassing relation in the process will be enough to kibosh the new romance. Really? Five words people. Uncle 'Casa Bang Bang' Gary.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-harry-that-woman-and-her-sister-35188898.html
People Are Talking: Obamas Last Supper
The Sunday Independent
23/10/2016
As Real Housewife ‘Countess’ Luann once sang “Money Don’t Buy You Class” and that was never more evident than at the final State Dinner of the Obama Administration.
Michelle O will go down in history not just as the first African American ‘First Lady’ (how we loathe that term here at People Are Talking) but also the classiest. (Jackie O was chic, big difference.)
The dinner was in honour of Italian PM Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini, but even in a room full of fabulous and fashionable Italians Michelle stole the show in her rose gold Versace dress. Apart from the usual mix of Washington politicos and media guests included Georgio Armani, comic Jerry Seinfeld, actor John Turturro, musician James Taylor, former racing driver Mario Andretti and two young rappers – Frank Ocean (who took his Mum) and Chance the Rapper (accompanied by his Dad). Gwen Stefani, still one of the coolest women on the planet, provided the music.
The Obama Last Supper typified his administration – eclectic, forward-looking, classy, and clued-in. Money don’t buy you class but unfortunately it can win elections. Thanks for the memories O.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-obamas-last-supper-35151113.html
People Are Talking: Cheryl Pregnant? Does anyone actually care?
The Sunday Independent
16/10/2016
Has there ever been a woman in England, apart from the first three unfortunate wives of Henry VIII, who has had her womb so constantly and publicly scrutinized as Cheryl Tweedy Cole Fernandez Versini?
Back in Tudor times there was some excuse, Henry needed to establish a dynasty but Cheryl, to the best of our knowledge, is only looking to secure a record deal.
(She’ll probably be about as lucky as Henry was with his quest for healthy male heirs.)
Does anybody, apart from toy boy Liam Payne’s Mammy, really care if Cheryl of the many surnames is with child? The 23-year-old One Directioner recently changed his Twitter bio to “luckiest man in the world”.
Ooh having a girlfriend (possibly pregnant) who is ten years your senior and a washed-up reality star, aim high Liam, aim high.
http://www.independent.ie/search/?search=Anne+Marie+Scanlon
People Are Talking:
Taylor & Demi's Bad Blood
The Sunday Independent
02/10/2016
Is there some sort of ticketing system for hating on Taylor Swift? As soon as one critic shuts up another immediately steps into the breech.
In a recent interview with Glamour magazine singer Demi Lovato came out swinging about Taylor's video for the song Bad Blood. (The song came out well over a year ago - maybe Lovato was waiting a very long time for her number to be called.)
Lovato’s gripes are many. She accuses the song and video of “tearing Katy Perry down, that’s not women’s empowerment.” Really Demi? Feuds in the music industry are pretty common (RIP Biggie and Tupac) are only men allowed to have them?
Lovato also took a swipe at Taylor’s squad (including Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, Ellie Goulding and Cara Delevingne) who appear in the video because they give a “false image of what people should look like.”
Impossibly gorgeous people in a music video? At least they were dressed, eh Demi?
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/is-anything-real-any-more-in-kims-realitystar-life-35112797.html
People Are Talking:
The Bake Off Crumbles
The Sunday Independent
18/09/2016
The soggy-bottom fell out of baked goods aficionados’ worlds this week when it was announced that perennial BBC favourite The Great British Bake Off would be moving to Channel 4.
Over 15 million viewers tuned in for last season’s final and judging from the public outcry this news had fallen as flat as a misjudged soufflé.
Presenters and full-time innuendo-machines Mel and Sue announced that they would not be going to Channel 4 and speculation was rife about the intentions of judges Paul Hollywood and St. Mary Berry.
Ubiquitous celebrity chef Jamie has thrown his chefs hat into the ring for the presenter gig on the Channel 4 Bake Off. (Of course he has.)
Odd though, as Jamie of all people should know that you don’t mess with a successful recipe by taking away vital ingredients. Four words Jamie – Top Gear. Chris Evans.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/people-are-talking-an-endangered-species-35055049.html
‘I always took visitors to the Twin Towers before 9/11 changed New York forever.’
Over 2,600 people died in the World Trade Centre, I knew four of them and it was four too many.
The Sunday Independent
11/09/2016
On Monday 10th September 2001 I arrived back in New York after a couple of weeks in Ireland. I’d been home to celebrate the wedding of my good friend Fiona McHugh (now one of the proprietors of Fallon & Byrne).
The following morning, with a combination of jetlag and anxiety about the amount of work that would be awaiting me, I was up at 5am and at my desk in the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre (EIIC) in Woodside, Queens by 7am.
My first floor office in EIIC overlooked the junction of two major roads and was level with the elevated tracks of the ‘subway’, which was so close to my window that passengers on the Number 7 train could see what I was wearing. Woodside is right at the centre of New York and our office was relatively close to two airports – JFK and La Guardia. We appeared to be under several flight paths as low flying craft regularly flew above us. I called it ‘Trains, Planes and Automobiles’ after the film because sometimes the noise from the various forms of transport was so intense I’d have to suspend phone conversations.
When the first news came in about the events at World Trade Centre (WTC) we thought it was a small plane. And an accident.
It quickly became apparent that it was no accident. Our Employment Consultant Eileen had a radio in her office and we all huddled around it desperate for information.
When the first tower fell, just before 10am, we quite simply could not believe it. That something so large, so part of the physical and cultural landscape could simply disappear. It was just beyond comprehension.
I loved the Twin Towers, they were a place I always took visitors. The first time I set foot in them I was 12 years old. For a little girl who had grown up in Dublin, where the tallest structure was Liberty Hall, they were breath-taking.
My Mum and I were sightseeing and went to Windows on the World restaurant where she ordered a Tom Collins. The drink came in a glass that was like the tower, tall and slim. It was also packed with ice and Mum had to wait an age for the waiter to be distracted so she could dig out some of the cubes. We giggled about it that day and several times in the years since.
During that trip, my first to the States, we stayed with my mother’s cousin in Long Island. Her husband was an electrician and told me about working on the buildings and looking over the side to see clouds beneath him.
When I first moved to New York in 1994 my best friend from Primary School, Paula Rice, worked in finance in the WTC and we spent many hours and far too many dollars in the underground shopping mall that linked the Towers and in Century 21 facing them.
I was also in finance, although my firm had offices in WTC I worked in mid-town. I’d started at the same time as Tai, a young college graduate, who was consistently upbeat and insisted on calling me Annie. We both had to sit exams to get our licences to trade Commodities and Futures.
I got better marks but when the coveted job with the biggest broker opened up Tai got it and I was mightily pissed off. The (perceived) snub, (and the fact that I really didn’t like the work) prompted me to move on and I left the world of finance, something I have never regretted.
The mid town office closed and everyone relocated to the WTC where Taimour Khan died on September 11th 2001 aged 29.
When the first Tower fell I left the office and went straight to the nearest bar. Not for a drink but to find a television. The barmaid and I. were the only people there. While I stood transfixed staring at the screen she polished and repolished the bar.
Watching the images that have since become ingrained in our collective consciousness, my brain still refused to believe the evidence of my eyes. At that point I’d seen several ‘Disaster Movies’ where some iconic New York building is blown to bits but that sort of thing just didn’t happen in real life.
There was no real fear that day, we were far too baffled and confused and in such a state of disbelief. Woodside, usually noisy and busy was silent. The trains were all stopped at the station, the planes weren’t flying and there were few people on the street – most were probably glued to the TV, unable to make sense of what they were seeing.
I didn’t know it then but Father Mychal Judge, a Franciscan Friar and Chaplain to the New York Fire Department was the first casualty. The Pieta-like image of his body being carried by two fire-fighters has become one of the iconic symbols of that terrible day.
I’d met Fr Judge, the previous year when we'd marched side-by-side in the first ‘St Pats for All’ parade (aka The Gay Parade). The route was lined with protestors and when one of them shouted, in a thick Queen’s accent “You’re a disgrace to your uniform Fadder.”, I bristled. “What kind of Catholic is he if he doesn’t know it’s called a habit,” I demanded of the poor priest. “You should tell him it’s a habit.” He just smiled. He was such a calm and serene person. It was a bitterly cold day, I asked him if his feet were frozen in sandals and he smiled and said “you get used to it.”
For a long time, I thought Fr Judge and Tai were the only two people I knew who died in the Twin Towers. On the fifth anniversary I was six-months pregnant with my son and opened a newspaper to read the deeply upsetting report about the seven-month pregnant woman who had died along with her husband. Suddenly their names jumped out at me – John and Sylvia Resta, we had all worked for the same company, Sylvia in my office and John downtown in WTC. I’d been in the bar the night they got together for the first time.
It might seem odd that it took me so long to find out, but in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 I imposed a news blackout. It was just too upsetting and too much to take in.
The fear set in the next day and to be honest has never really left me. I refused to get on a subway for six months and I’m still not comfortable in any sort of confined space.
The thing that I remember most about 9/11 isn’t the planes or the Towers, it is the sky outside my office, clear, blue and empty and the strange unfamiliar silence as life stopped.
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/north-america/i-always-took-visitors-to-the-twin-towers-before-911-changed-new-york-forever-35039143.html.
People Are Talking:
What a Gay Day.
The Sunday Independent
11/09/2016
The “I’m no homophobe but” brigade gave themselves an airing after Vicar Billy kissed boyfriend Todd on Coronation Street.
Not only do this lot lack self-awareness (you SO are homophobes) but also a sense of humour. Social media was awash with statements of the “I thought it was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” variety. This line is tireder than the mother of new-born triplets.
Regular viewers aren’t happy about Todd and Billy either. That wimpy do-gooder Billy would have the hots for bad boy Todd is believable. That his feelings would be reciprocated? Not in a month of Sundays in which Billy wore his best cassocks.
Two other men made headlines this week with news of their shenanigans with Keith Vaz, the Chair of Westminster’s Home Affairs Committee. A ‘happily married’ politician in a gay sex scandal, would you Adam and Steve it?
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/people-are-talking-hiddleswifts-last-hurrah-35036195.html
People Are Talking:
Aidan and Seamus Ride Again as Poldark returns
The Sunday Independent
04/09/2016
They’re back. Tonight marks the return of two of Ireland’s greatest living exports to a telly box near you. Yes, Aidan Turner rides again on Seamus the Horse.
Poldark is back. Ever since Ross Poldark removed his shirt, took his mighty scythe in his hand and and swung it, audiences in both Ireland and Britain have been hooked on the goings-on in 18th century Cornwall.
Thanks to Turner, his scythe and his mighty steed (Seamus) Poldark is appointment television. Sure the plots are full of clichés, men who look like Toby Jugs (Turner and Adam Ant are the only people in history to look good in a Tricorn hat) and people on cliffs staring moodily into the distance but we don’t care!
The BBC could have saved themselves a fortune on period costumes and props and just put Aidan Turner on the screen for an hour reading aloud from the phone book. Sitting on Seamus, obviously.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/trending/people-are-talking-aidan-and-seamus-ride-again-as-poldark-returns-35016977.html
For a further piece based on the above and published in The Irish Independent on Monday 5 September see
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/poldark-fans-sent-into-meltdown-over-last-nights-gratuitous-half-naked-aidan-turner-scene-35022023.html
People Are Talking:
Lovely Girls Don’t Cry
The Sunday Independent
28/08/2016
In a scene that could have come straight out of Father Ted a man dressed as a priest stormed the stage of the original Lovely Girls competition last week. Once there, in a most unKanye-like manner, he exhorted both the live audience and the viewers at home to pray.
Never mind the ecumenical question of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin as said pin was audibly dropping. The audience looked mortified and the lovely girl suitably miffed. (I mean, how many times in her life is she going to have the undivided attention of Dáithí Ó Sé? Exactly!)
Subsequently it was reported that the Lovely Girl said she wanted to burst into tears at the interruption. Really?
While some of us would argue that the Lovely Girls and other pageant style competitions are anachronistic, to say the least, that’s nothing compared to the fact that a good ‘boo-hoo’ is deemed an appropriate female response to upset.
Any woman who said she wanted to give the good Father 4 Justice a dig in the ribs would have been our immediate winner.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/people-are-talking-emigrants-just-be-like-vogue-34998763.html
The Andrew Peach Show
BBC Radio Berkshire
23/08/2016
The Gender Pay Gap
Speaking with Martin Stanford (standing in for Andrew Peach) about the gender pay gap, Hilary
Clinton, the Glass Ceiling and child care.
From 2:11 - 2:23 approximately.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p043llz1
People Are Talking: Johnny Gives Amber The Finger
The Sunday Independent
21/08/2016
It’s a tale as old as time – a rich, powerful man ditches his loyal life partner and mother of his children to ‘trade up’ for a younger more beautiful model.
The main problem with this scenario is that, at some point, sense will perforate the rich powerful guy’s ego and he will wonder, does she really love him? Or is she just in this for the money, the power and in some cases the fame?
When this happens what is a guy to do? Drunken rages are always popular. Accusations of cheating practically de rigueur.
Scrawling said accusations in blood and blue paint across the wall? That’s a new one for us but perhaps in Hollywood it’s just as normal as egg white omelettes.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have finally settled their differences and their divorce with Johnny allegedly digging deep in his wallet. No doubt that hurt but possibly not as much as the emergence of the videos and photos showing Johnny doing his own, very disturbing, version of Edward Scissorhands.
If only there was an Oscar for deluded older men, eh Johnny?
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-johnny-gives-amber-the-finger-34979607.html
People Are Talking: For the Stones, it’s (not) all over now baby blue
The Sunday Independent
24/07/2016
The old adage about rolling stones gathering no moss needs updating for the 21st century. Rolling Stones amass offspring at an alarming rate.
With Mick Jagger announcing that he’s to become a father for the 8th time with his 29-year-old girlfriend, ballet dancer Melanie Hamrick, (a woman who is significantly younger than some of his children) and 68-year-old Ronnie Wood’s wife having twins the four veteran performers (who have a collective age of 286) now have 19 kids between them.
In any other circumstances a 72-year-old great grandfather having an eighth child with a fifth woman would be fodder for The Jeremy Kyle Show.
And imagine if this was a famous woman in similar circumstances? No matter what her age, she’d be called every ugly name there is. And given everyone is now living longer this may not be Mick's final contribution to the human race.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-for-the-stones-its-not-all-over-now-baby-blue-34905149.html
People are talking:
Mums Not the Word
The Sunday Independent
17/07/2016
Poor Jennifer Aniston, to give her full title.
She was plain old Jennifer Aniston until Brad dumped her and she spent years as that most derided object – a single woman of a certain age.
But not even another marriage could save the former Friend from forever being 'Poor Jennifer' mainly because at 47 she’s childless. Aniston addressed the scrutiny her womb has received in an open letter to The Huffington Post saying that she may yet have a baby but “I’m not in pursuit of motherhood because I feel incomplete… as our celebrity news culture would lead us all to believe.”
Pity her letter came too late for Tory leadership hopeful Andrea Leadsom who, married with children, cast her main opponent the childless Theresa May, as a person with no tangible stake in the future. Big mistake.
Theresa now has No 10 leaving Andrea to realise she should have ‘Kept Mum’ about being one.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-mums-not-the-word-for-jenniferor-andrea-34887564.html
People are talking:
Lisa Marie's Endless
Love Life
The Sunday Independent 03/07/2016
Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of the late King of Rock & Roll, Elvis, has announced she is to divorce from musician Michael Lockwood. (No, we’ve never heard of him either).
At 48, this is, rather impressively, Presley’s fourth marriage and, at a decade, her longest to date. Presley married musician Danny Keough (your guess is as good as ours) in 1988 at the age of 20 and after 6 years and two kids they divorced.
A mere 20 days later Presley married husband number two – another musician but this time we can safely say everyone had heard of him as he was King of Pop Michael Jackson. The marriage, which baffled the public, lasted two years.
An engagement to another musician followed (paging Dr. Freud) but she broke it off to marry actor and full-time Elvis impersonator Nicolas Cage. (Stand down Dr. Freud, it’s fairly obvious what’s going on.) That marriage lasted an impressive 108 days and the divorce proceedings took longer to complete.
It will be interesting to see who’s next. Beiber’s single, right?
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-lisa-maries-endless-messy-love-life-34850156.html
People are talking:
Beauty, talent, wealth -
Taylor's an easy target
The Sunday Independent 26/06/2016
Just what is it about Taylor Swift that make people hate her so much? The 26-year-old singer is constantly the subject of criticism and last year Camille Paglia went so far as to lambast the young woman as a ‘Nazi Barbie’. Why do certain people find Taylor so hateful? Could it be that Swift is young, fit, beautiful, talented and, we can assume, not short of a bob or two. Could all this chatter be simple jealousy?
Taylor, unlike so many of her contemporaries, simply refuses to play dumb, which is the real reason, we suspect, that so many fingers are pointed in her direction. (Shame on you so-called Feminist Camille Paglia). The current ‘Taylor Hating’ is centred around her breaking up with one handsome young man, Calvin Harris and too ‘swiftly’ (her name is a gift to headline writers on certain publications) moving on to another handsome young man, Tom Huddleston.
Are we suddenly back in Victorian times? Do we expect Taylor to don ‘Widow’s Weeds’ and go into mourning for a ‘suitable’ period? Apparently the answer is yes, we do. Or someone does. If Taylor were a 26-year-old male musician, or even a 66-year-old male musician, instead of criticism she would be the toast of the town. Ronnie Wood has just had twins at the very ripe age of 69, and been widely congratulated. Let’s see Taylor, or any other woman, try that.
http://www.independent.ie/style/people-are-talking-beauty-talent-wealth-taylors-an-easy-target-34830886.html
People Are Talking:
Monarch of the Mediocre
The Sunday Independent 19/06/2016
It's a damn poor show. There's her Madge, celebrating her 90th birthday and what do her grandchildren do? Make a pure holy show of her that's what.
We can always count on the Cinderella Twins, Beatrice and Eugenie, to wear something that will frighten the horses and they didn't let the Birthday Girl down. Beatrice chose bright red and Eugenie celebrated in a ‘bold’ patterned coat.
At least they tried. Unlike Kate. What on earth has happened to Kate?
The former Miss Middleton used to be a proper style icon, wearing a mix of couture and high street and not being afraid to (gasp) showcase the same outfit more than once.
Recently the princess has become Monarch of the Mediocre, wearing a succession of insipid, colourless clothes that beigely blend into each other.
Earlier this week in Belfast, the Duchess appeared wearing a decade old porridge-coloured coat looking more 'mother of the bride' than Mum of two toddlers.
QE2 meanwhile has been rocking a wardrobe of vibrant vivid colours. It really is a damned poor show when one’s nonagenarian Granny-in-law is more fashion forward that one.
Then again, the Windsor men have form on not wanting to be upstaged by their livelier, better-looking women. Perhaps Kate doesn't get a say anymore.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-monarch-of-the-mediocre-34810989.html
BBC Radio Berkshire
Anne Diamond Show
Wearing my 'Parenting Expert' hat on the Anne Diamond Show on Monday 13/6/16. Starts at 1.08 minutes approximately.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03wwzpy
People Are Talking:
WAGs for Euro just don'e compare to 2006
The Sunday Independent 12/06/2016
Just over ten years ago the world had never heard of WAGs.
Then the English squad arrived in Germany for the world cup and the boys were a mere sideshow compared to the endless parade of hair, make-up, nails and clothes given by their wives and girlfriends.
And what WAGsthey were – Posh, (as she then was), Cheryl Cole, (as she then was), Abbey Clancy and Coleen McLoughlin (as she then was). Much muck was raked and much scorn poured on the lassies who seemed to do nothing but shop and party.
These days, apart from Coleen Rooney (as she now is) could you name a current WAG? The impossibly slim and gorgeous 20-something girlfriends of the European players have been hailed as the new WAGs.
Really? Littering your Instagram feed with bikini selfies in glamorous locations does not a real WAG make. Stumbling out of a club in the early hours and looking perfect the next day is only the start. It's such a poor show it makes 2006 seem like a Golden Age.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-wags-for-euros-just-dont-compare-to-2006-34789737.html
People Are Talking:
Zayn’s a knight with shining arm candy
The Sunday Independent 01/05/2016
Here at People Are Talking we love Zayn Malik. No matter how bad our lives get we can count on Zayn to cheer us with his sheer gommery. Witness his rigout at the Met Gala where brave Zayn struck a blow for equality.
Yes, you heard right. Equality! Every year at the Met the women wear the headline-grabbing gear (did you see Katy Perry? Didn’t she look like her ex Russell Brand in drag?) and the poor men are ignored.
Fearless Zayn is having none of it and stood up for his sex by sticking a pair of metal arms on his tux.
Go brother! Take that female overlords!
Was his outfit a post-modern take on James Bond as a Knight in (some) shining armour? Was it a retro nod to Transformers – he’s a robot, no, he’s a boy band singer, no he's a serious solo artiste!
Whatever that effort of a get-up was it was terribly misjudged. When you have arm candy like Gigi Haddid, the arms in question shouldn’t be trying to upstage her.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/people-are-talking-helen-we-totally-wood-34691858.html
People are talking:
Beyoncé’s Broken Heart
The Sunday Independent 01/05/2016
Depending on which track on Beyoncé’s new album Lemonade you play backwards, you will hear the words "Paul is dead," "I am the walrus," and "a certain person, far be it from me to mention any names, is a big cheat and broke my heart, and I'm mad as hell, especially about that Becky madam".
Who is this Becky who was allegedly hooking up with Bey's man behind her back? And who knew that 'Becky' is actually a derogatory word for white women? One thing Jay Z and B know is how to make a bob or two. Cynics might say the controversy is being generated to shift units - the tills are certainly ringing.
Whatever the realities of their marriage, it is a truth universally acknowledged that heartbreak sells, especially if it's a woman singing about it. Adele, Amy, Aretha, Patsy - they loved, lost and made a mint. Why not Bey? And her fella.
http://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/people-are-talking-kontemplating-kris-34672107.html
People are talking:
Nude Kim no match for Bathhouse Betty
The Sunday Independent 13/03/2016
On the eve of International Women’s Day Kim Kardashian celebrated in pretty much the same way she celebrates everything – by posting a selfie.
She was nude. Big whoop, haven’t we seen all this before?
Bette Midler certainly thought so. “If Kim wants us to see a part of her we’ve never seen, she’s gonna have to swallow the camera,” the 70-year tweeted.
A swarm of lower-alphabet listers came to Kim’s defence no doubt genuinely concerned for her freedom of expression and not at all bothered with being retweeted to her 41.6 million followers.
Kim seemed especially miffed at Midler and, in a reply that could have been written by her husband and serial Tweet-ranter Kanye West, Kardashian threw shade at the verteran entertainer over her age.
Midler, who started her career as Bathhouse Betty, and has dealt with audiences that would make Kim and Kanye weep with fear, didn’t flinch. “Looks like anyone can take a selfie,” she tweeted, “but not everyone can take a joke.”
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/people-are-talking-kennys-grand-slam-34532518.html
People are talking:
And the Whiner is.....
The Sunday Independent 06/03/2016
Oh Leo, seriously? Dissing the “politics of greed” when you work in Hollywood? The old cliché about biting the hand that feeds you raw bison liver springs to mind.
#OscarSoWhite became #OscarSoWorthy as Leonardo DiCaprio and several other Oscar winners used the 88th annual Academy Awards as a platform to espouse their very worthy beliefs. The subtext was almost “hey, I’m more than just a white person, I’m really commendable too.”
Leo stood firm on climate change. It’s real he told an ecstatic crowd and a tearful Kate Winslet, and “it’s the most urgent threat facing our entire species”. (Debatable when Donald Trump is running for President.)
Michael Sugar, producer of Best Picture Spotlight, called out the Pope and singer Sam Smith managed to make a holy show of himself. The best original song winner dedicated his gong to the LGBT community but in the process showed he doesn’t have his LGBT Oscar history straight.
Worthiness is fine, in it’s place, but is it’s place really at the Oscar Awards? Despite the competition to see who could make the most earnest speech not one of the winners came close to the epicness of Marlon Brando in 1973.
Boycotting the ceremony in protest at the treatment of Native Americans Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather to decline his Best Actor award for the Godfather. Now that’s entertainment Leo. That’s showbiz.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/people-are-talking-cheryl-just-cant-keep-the-kids-happy-34512597.html
People are talking:
Kiss Cam is not on for Michael
The Sunday Independent 21/02/2016
The ‘Kiss Cam’ – ahh it’s SO cute! Is it?
This latest American import is a mechanical device that singles out a couple in a crowd and demands that they smooch for the entertainment of the masses – even Orwell himself didn't foresee this fresh hall.
Cute it is not, (sinister is more the word we were thinking of) so we wonder why the BAFTA crowd thought it would be a good idea to have one at their award ceremony.
And who, in the name of God, decided to point it at Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender?
While other luvvies played along, no doubt terrified of setting off a 'Twitter Storm' about what bad sports they are, Vikander and Fassbender sat stony faced and failed to snog.
How could the BAFTA Kiss Cam operator have expected any other reaction? This pair are so on the DL that they have never confirmed that they are stepping out together.
On top of that Ms. Vikander is Swedish – a people known for their coolness and reserve. And speaking of reserve, Michael, despite the exotic second name, is an Irish man, a breed not known for their enthusiastic public displays of affection (PDAs).
Michael isn’t just an Irishman - he’s a Kerryman. He might be more than happy to get his lad out on screen – but that was work. Snuggle up to the (alleged) mot, in public? Will ye go on ourra that.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-kiss-cam-is-not-on-for-michael-34468979.html
People are talking:
Beyonce's Black Power Dance
The Sunday Independent 14/02/2016
What an upside down place modern America is. Look at the very different ways Beyoncé and Jada Pinkett Smith were treated when they aired their views about racism and discrimination against people of colour.
Jada, a rich, privileged and powerful actress decided to boycott the Oscars because they aren’t diverse enough - #OscarSoWhite. Everyone inside the bubble that is Hollywood rushed to mollify her and promised to do better.
Outside of Tinseltown liberal types kept their respective clobs shut, because in our modern, interconnected, online, offense and offensive, black and white world nobody wants to be accused of racism.
You can come back from most things these days but not an accusation of racism. As a result, nobody had the cojones to tell Jada to stop throwing her toys out of the pram or to ‘take a ticket'. Yes, Hollywood is racist, but it's also sexist, ageist, fattist and plenty more besides.
Maybe Beyoncé (again, rich, privileged and powerful) thought that she would get the 'Jada Treatment' when she used the Super Bowl half time show to highlight the fact that her African American brethren are mostly unprivileged, poor and powerless and being gunned down at an alarming rate. But no, for promoting #BlackLivesMatter Beyoncé is apparently, get this, a racist!
Beyoncé’s performance of her new single Formation had backing dancers referencing the Black Panthers, Malcolm X and the Black Power movement. February is 'Black History Month' in the US but referencing actual 'Black History' had one outraged group of protesters in New York labelling the routine a ‘race-baiting stunt’ and one detractor labelled Bey a ‘liberal hypocrite’. Unfair really as the singer and her husband, Jay Z, have a history of putting their money where their mouths are, and supporting less privileged black people.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani called the show “outrageous” and implied it was “unwholesome”. “This is football, not Hollywood,” he fumed.
Oh Bey, if only you'd raised a clenched fist for rich people's problems, that is, after all, the American way.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-beyonces-black-power-dance-34448563.html
People are talking:
Mariah's big fat pricey wedding
The Sunday Independent 01/02/2016
If you’ve ever doubted that the rich are different I refer you to Mariah Carey. The twice married Diva has just become engaged to Australian billionaire James Packer. Like his bride to be this will be Packer’s third trip down the aisle. Well, they do say 'third times a charm!'
Packer sealed the deal by presenting Carey with a 35 carat diamond engagement ring (reportedly costing £8 million sterling).
It looks like the rock is only the start of the excess as the bride has apparently viewed a wedding dress made with 14 carat gold thread. A ‘source’ told People magazine “Mariah was always a hopeless romantic. She deserves the dream.” Poor James, between the pair of them, they've already notched up a series of 'dream' weddings.
Only two years ago Mariah renewed her vows to husband number two by taking over Disneyland and allegedly dressing in matching Prince and Princess costumes. Even her first wedding in 1993, a fairly traditional bash, (she wore Vera Wang) cost and alleged $25,000.
Meanwhile Packer had Elton John as his wedding singer in 1993 and in 2007 Mrs Packer the Second wore a Christian Dior allegedly costing over £200,000. Where to go next? Poor Mariah, nobody understands just how difficult it is to be rich and in love.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-mariahs-big-fat-pricey-wedding-34407608.html
People are talking:
HRH Heir Harry is Still Single
The Sunday Independent 24/01/2016
In ‘Elvis is still dead’ news this week, Prince Harry is still single. After an Australian mag claimed that he and 19-year-old Princess Marie-Olympia of Greece were a 'thing' a 'source’ stated emphatically that no, HRH Harry was on the shelf.
There was a time when this news would set pulses racing - a time when Wills’ floppy blond hair and good looks made him an actual pin up, when Harry was within spitting distance of the throne. But that day, like Wills hair, is long gone. With the arrival of his niece and nephew Harry has been pushed further and further down the Windsor family tree.
Harry may stay single for a long time - few girls would want to live in the shadow of the Blessed Kate. Besides, the former 'spare' is probably really enjoying his single status, now that his security know to pat down for mobile phones before admitting people into the Prince's royal presence.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/people-are-talking-hold-page-one-your-highness-34388626.html
People are talking:
The Model and the Mogul
The Sunday Independent 17/01/2016
So here’s the dilemma. You’ve already been partnered with two famous men, two rock stars, who in their day were renowned for their style, their fashion and their utter cool. But for a third act, what is a leggy Texan blond supposed to do?
Well it’s obvious - grab the nearest publishing billionaire and marry him quick. At least with Mr Murdoch Ms Hall can be guaranteed that what you see is what you get and he's not going to go to seed anytime soon - which can’t be said of her previous partners. Ex no 1 has faded into near oblivion, while ex no 2 has become a prancing parody of himself.
Oh how the cynics have rubbed their hands in glee at the ‘hasty’ union of Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch owner of News Corporation. He’s 84, she’s 60 and after a ‘whirlwind romance’ of a mere four months they’ve announced their intention to marry.
It’s doubtful that the bride is in the family way so jaded commentators have implied that Murdoch’s great age is the reason. Time, as Jagger didn't say, is not on his side.
Cynics! It could be true love – when you know, you know so why wait? Besides, having a full to bursting bank account is something that never, ever, goes out of fashion.
People are talking:
The Married Name Game
The Sunday Independent 10/01/2016
For the past few months’ rumours have circulated that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's marriage is on the rocks. Recent reports in the British press claim that the Geordie lass is “desperate” to make her marriage work.
Well what woman wouldn’t be “desperate” to save a marriage less than two years old?
But whatever her private and personal feelings Cheryl should be desperate to keep her second marriage a going concern because if it fails what, in the name of God, is she going to call herself? In the past decade she’s gone from Tweedy to Cole, back to Tweedy and then Versini-Fernandez, taking each of her husband's names.
Oor Sherl is obviously a romantic but not that canny a lass. She makes her living in the media, but it looks like she has never heard of branding - unlike Angie Bowie former spouse of all round icon David. Now there's a woman who knows the power of a name as, despite being divorced for 35 years, Angie has kept her married name.
Angie is now incarcerated in the Celebrity Big Brother house purely because her last name is Bowie. She knows it, we know it, but it's fitting, as Angie helped manufacture modern pop culture. So if Cheryl (Insert Name Here) makes good her threat to record a new album, we know who to blame.
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-are-talking-the-married-name-game-for-cheryl-34347616.html
People will be talking: Setting the scene for sweet '16
The Sunday Independent 03/01/2016
Happy Easter! What do you mean it's only New Year? No, it's 2016, the centenary of the Glorious Rising of our people against the Brits and their oppression and we will celebrate our victory every single day.
Up the Republic!
Expect fast-food restaurants to cash in, I mean pay tribute, to the men of the GPO, with the likes of Seven Signatories Shakes, Jim Connolly Workers Party Packs and Maud Gonne Meal Deals.
Hipsters will swap their Edwardian beards for 'The Connolly' moustache.
By this time next year, the percentage of children called Pearse, Constance or Maud will have risen significantly.
Meanwhile, every single person in the country, whether they were born here or not, will claim to have had a grandfather in the GPO. (Anticipate Twitter spats where counterclaims are made of said grandfathers being "under the bed")
No doubt, centenary week will see a drama depicting the Rising but tailored specifically for today's cultural needs (and viewing figures). As such, Padraig Pearse will be played by Caitlyn Jenner, Benedict Cumberbatch will own the role of Jim Connolly, while a random asylum-seeker will get to give his all as Eamon de Valera.
Expect cameos from Pauline McLynn as Mrs Doyle, Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham and Aidan Turner as Poldark.
Up the Republic!
http://www.independent.ie/life/people-will-be-talking-setting-the-scene-for-sweet-16-34325937.html