6 ‘I’m like Miss Piggy’
New talent show All Together Now sees Geri Horner, 45, fronting a huge sing-a-long with comic Rob Beckett... C
an you explain how All Together Now works?
It’s a singing show about uniting people. It’s about that moment when somebody comes onto the stage and sings in front of The 100 [musical experts and performers from all over the UK]. I stand among The 100, and if we connect with a performer, we turn on our light, stand up and join in. If they give a good performance and connect with us, they get to walk away with £50,000….
Do you think the world needs another talent show?
I think there’s room for every talent show out there. We’re not reinventing the wheel here, but what’s so interesting about All Together Now – and why I decided to be a part of it – is how it’s about being all together. This show is about who we are as a nation.
In what way?
In the last year, things have got quite heavy and dark, so I think we need to show the world that we can get along. From drag queens and pearly queens to the old, young, black or white – we all belong together and music is something we can all connect with. This show is honest, we’re not trying to patronise anyone. It reminds me a bit of The Muppet Show! I’m Miss Piggy, Rob (Beckett, host) is Kermit, and there are all these other characters and we’re like, “Let’s make a show!”
Has working with Rob been fun?
I instantly connected with him. He’s got a big heart and I’ve learnt a lot from his comedic timing – I haven’t got any, but he’s very clever and funny. By the end of an episode we’re like a drunk couple at a wedding – I drag him on to the stage like I’m dragging him on to a dance floor.
You sit among The 100 – what’s that been like?
I absolutely love them! The team who have chosen them have done such an amazing job – they are all so nice, with such a range of personalities. I always have a lady called Lily next to me, she’s like the Queen Mother. How would you feel about singing to a wall of 100 people? Oh my God, I’d be absolutely terrified! I don’t know how many people would light up for me if I came out on stage…
Has anyone made you cry?
Yes! I don’t want to give too much away, but there have been some people who’ve really moved me. Sometimes, it just gets you right in the heart. Music is like perfume to me. You know when you smell something and it reminds you of someone or a time in your life? A song can transport me to a time where I felt love for someone, or when someone has died. Apparently, you’ve been matchmaking within The 100? I have! There are some single people among them, and sometimes people just need a little helping hand… I do this in real life too, because I meet so many people. I relate to it, as for a lot of my life I didn’t have a boyfriend because I was always working. So far I’ve set up two of the group. I’m excited, but I don’t know if I’ll need to buy a hat yet! Is there anything on TV that you don’t like watching? I won’t watch anything involving violence. I’d rather not choose something that makes me feel anxious – I like things that warm my heart, and that make me laugh or cry.