The Loves of my LIFE
The presenter and Snapchat star tells Elle Gordon about his favourite people, places and experiences
Super-influencer James Patrice
The person
My Mum, Veronica — or Fron, as she’s affectionately known. She’s the strongest person I know, and has never once let life get her down. She and my dad did everything for myself and my sister growing up, and continue to do so still.
The memory
My sister, Vanessa, marrying me to her My Little Ponies when I was around four or five years old. Mum and Dad were bridesmaids — I was the bride.
The moment of the day
The morning, when you have a cup of coffee and just potter about. Although I’m usually in an unmerciful rush somewhere, and that ‘potter’ can turn into quite the marathon! I’ll never rush my hair, though.
The song
This is a tough one to whittle down, but it’s got to be Petula Clark’s Downtown. Music for me has always been a means of uplifting the soul, and I also love a tune that I can belt out to my heart’s content while on my own at home.
The movie
Well now, I’m going to leave any form of ‘cred’ that I may have at the door, and go with Sister Act. It reminds me of watching it at least once a year with my mum and sister, and the three of us turning into The Supremes the minute one of those glorious songs came on.
The hero
Joan Rivers. Pure and simple. She inspired me to not give a proverbial you-knowwhat as to what anyone thinks of me.
The book
I’m going to indulge in a little leeway here, and instead opt for my favourite play — By The Bog Of Cats by Marina Carr. I challenge anyone to find a more ferocious character than Hester Swane and her inimitable resilience.
The outfit
I could sell denim jackets at this stage, but they always serve me well when paired with a crisp T, black jeans and fresh white kicks.
The accessory
It’s got to be a pocket square. It just finishes a look.
The gadget
Right, I apologise in advance for the cliche, but it has to be my iPhone. Pathetic, I know! But hey, I’m unashamedly glued to it 24/7.
The pet hate
Rudeness. It absolutely rots me.
The friend
I’m very lucky to have quite a lovely group of friends, so it’s impossible to whittle it down to one. I’ll give a diplomatic answer though, and name my oldest gals — Cormac and Clementine; sure wouldn’t I only be lost without them?
The beauty product
Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, and Pestle & Mortar’s Hyaluronic Serum — both absolute game-changers.
The holiday
Le Marais in Paris, with aforementioned gals Cormac and Clementine. You just can’t beat a bit of people-watching, washed down with coffee and rose, can you?
The piece of advice
‘We can’t prevent what we can’t predict.’ It’s a line I heard in Desperate Housewives. Such a valid source, right? “Apparently, I’m a very good listener. Could you repeat the question, please?”
The drink
Espresso Martini — divine.
The hotel
I recently stayed in the Gran Hotel Guadalpin in Marbella, and what I wouldn’t give to glide out onto that beach every morning,
The bar
No Name is a fail-safe haunt, but when it comes to a good old-fashioned shake ‘n’ shimmy, many a great night has been had in The George.
The hobby
Lately, flower arranging. Did I just say that out loud? Ah jaysus. Well, it’s true. It’s beyond therapeutic. The part of my body I’ve always liked my smile, and have been told that it can be rather nice — an observation I’ll happily take!
The celebrity
At the moment, RuPaul. He’s not just a triple threat, he’s an I-don’t-have-enoughfingers-to-count threat, and can turn his well-manicured hand to anything.
The virtue
Apparently, I’m a very good listener. Could you repeat the question, please?
The vice
Lattes. I know I should be on the Americanos, but when it comes to the crunch, I do be sweatin’ for some froth.
The smell
Chanel Allure Homme Sport. I always come back to it!
The taste
Every Christmas night during my sister and I take a bite of my dad Jim’s turkey-and-stuffing sandwiches and a swig of Diet Coke, and I can honestly say that I can only assume it’s the closest thing to heaven on Earth. Sure it’s the little things, right?! EastEnders,
“My iPhone is my favourite gadget — pathetic, I know! I’m glued to it 24/7”