IT’S IN THE STARS I knew 2020 would be
WHEN astrologer Russell Grant gave his predictions for 2020 at a meeting a year ago, he forewarned it was going to be a tough 12 months. “I remember saying it was going to be a very difficult year because of the planets and Capricorn being challenged by Mars and Aries and people would feel isolated and like they were hibernating from the real world,” says Russell.
“I said there would be times when they would feel claustrophobic and imprisoned and they would have to dig deep for spiritual awareness.”
Russell also predicted that December would mark a turning point as the planets moved from Capricorn into Aquarius.
“We’ll be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” says Russell, “after all this time of being lonesome, lonely and isolated.”
He says people who attended the astrologers meeting in Blackpool still mention his accurate predictions for what lay ahead.
“I honestly didn’t know anything about the virus,” says Russell, “but I knew it was going to be a difficult year and when the virus came along everything suddenly made sense.”
Panto normally sees Russell starring on the stage at this time of year and he was offered six productions in March, but turned them all down because he rightly realised the virus might shut theatres.
“This is always a busy time for me because I am writing the stars for the year ahead and I normally do a short panto. Friends like Su Pollard and
Ruth Madoc come along and we go for a meal after the show and it is always lovely, but this year that is not going to happen.
“The last theatre I did was Edna in Hairspray in 2019 and I wrote a show about Ivor Novello that was performed the same year. Everything was in 2019. It is heartbreaking, but I think it could be a long time before theatres are back to normal.”
Russell turns 70 in February but says the landmark birthday is likely to be a quiet affair at his home in North Wales. He says: “We could still be in lockdown in Wales until people have had the vaccine but to be honest I’m not bothered. I’d rather be safe and well instead of not safe and ill. My Mum is now 96 and we are taking no chances.”
Russell has spent his time writing and working on plays as well as brushing up his calligraphy skills.
“I lost Dad in August and he used to work at Pinewood Studios and was an amazing set designer. He also had the most beautiful handwriting so a few years ago I took up