Sandie Shaw: one of the ghastliest stars I’ve met

Out of the blue, three years ago, a PR sent an email asking me to write a letter of support to the Honours Secretariat explaining why I thought Sandie Shaw would be a worthy recipient of an MBE — or higher!

I had to respectfully decline, on the grounds that Miss Shaw is one of the ghastliest celebrities I ever had the misfortune to meet — and, listen, I have met Paul Hollywood.

Still, I don’t begrudge Sandie her MBE, which she received this week for services to Nichiren Buddhism, and towards fairer treatment for artists and creators in the music industry.

Yes, after BBC female presenters and Princesses Without Portfolios (or Jobs), those ‘creators’ really are one of society’s most deserving causes, aren’t they? Meanwhile, Sandie always hated being associated with her barefoot gimmick, but what was she wearing to the Palace? Someone should have told her that tights and open-toed shoes should never be worn together.

P. S. Why didn’t I warm to the Puppet On A String singer? Here is a sample quote from my interview.

‘Anyone of icon status, like me, realises that there has to be an interplay of deep unconscious fantasy between you and your audience ... people like Bowie and Hendrix and me, we summon up a whole consciousness.

‘We are not just a moment in time. It is an ongoing thing. We are deeply enmeshed in people’s lives.’