A look back at the year in Hollywood
It’s the time of year when I look back over all the places I’ve been and the people I’ve chatted to. Usually there’s just too much to fit into one column – and it makes me so grateful to lead the fortunate existence I love!
In 2020 things were a bit different, of course.
I didn’t quite get to travel to as many places to speak to as many people as I’d have liked.
But even with the coronavirus pandemic it was still a great year in lockdown Los Angeles.
In fact it’s made me appreciate everything even more. It’s given me time to enjoy my home here in La La Land.
It has been hard in some ways for me and I know for so many it’s been downright horrible, but there’s also this feeling that, if we can get through all this, then the future will really be something to enjoy. As my dear old Dad used to say:‘every day above the grun is a guid one!’
This year started off with a chat with a Scottish acting legend
Brian Cox as he picked up the Best Actor award at the Golden Globes for the role of Logan Roy in the really brilliant TV series, Succession.
He told me he’s often asked to say his X-rated catchphrase from the show. I can’t repeat it – but Brian says he usually changes it to “cauliflower” in polite company.
I then spoke to Sir Anthony Hopkins in person back in February. He’s one of my favourite interviewees, as he loves a laugh.
He slipped right into his favourite Tommy Cooper impression when he saw me – because he knows I love it!
He said:“me and my wife just got home and she says,‘i’m homesick.’ I said,‘you’re already home.’ She says,‘i know, I’m sick of it.’”
Classic Cooper! I also chatted to Thandie Newton in person and she was another one who loves a laugh.
She is one of the biggest on-set pranksters in Hollywood. While working on a film with Simon Pegg she filled his water bottles with vodka while he was doing interviews. After he took a swig all she could hear was him screaming:“newton!”
I managed to squeeze in a blether with movie hardman Mark Wahlberg too, before we were forced to stay at home.
His favourite word was something the action heroes he plays would never say
– “delightful!” – in a posh English accent. He’d been filming in the UK and picked it up from Ant and Dec. It was a bit like hearing a minister swear!
Once lockdown started I caught up with my pal Gary Barlow, who was holding online concerts to keep spirits up during the long days at home. Although he suggested I should go off air to keep people’s spirits up. Thank you, Gaz!
In October I caught up with Jon Bon Jovi, and he exclusively revealed the new member of his band... Prince Harry.
Well, Harry and Jon teamed up to raise money for good causes. But surely having a royal in the band opens a few doors...?