Neville Staple
Neville, 66, was a member of The Fun Boy Three and The Specials, whose hits include Ghost Town and A Message To You Rudy
What was your first TV memory?
I didn’t know what a TV was when I arrived here from Jamaica. I was five and I was amazed! I watched everything my strict Jamaican dad allowed me to.
Who was your first TV crush?
Definitely Millie Small. My jaw dropped when I saw her singing My Boy Lollipop on Top Of The Pops. She reminded me of Jamaica and the music I was born to. And she looked so bright, fresh and beautiful. What a smile! What a voice! She really commanded attention.
What was your first TV appearance?
Top Of The Pops with The Specials in 1979. We were really put out that we had to mime our hit Gangsters, because that went against what we were about; but we still looked good in our 2-Tone gear. The next time we went on we deliberately messed up the lip-synch.
What is your favourite current show?
Mostly I watch football with my wife, Sugary, but Judge Judy is brilliant; I’m a huge fan. I also love brash, trash TV like The Jeremy Kyle Show – I was gutted when it was taken off.
Which TV show would you take to a desert island?
Britain’s Got More Talent, with Stephen Mulhern. He cracks me up. Only he could get away with those stunts. He’s a really funny guy. We all love him in my house.
What TV show would you like to put out of its misery?
The Masked Singer! Now I love trash, but man, this was too much even for me! I think the panel and the singers should have won an award for putting so much effort into such an awful idea. It might work better as a kids’ show.
Guiltiest TV pleasure?
I love historical documentaries. I watch a lot of shows about the history and lives of our royal family, especially the Queen, and shows about wars and the propaganda behind them.
What are you up to at the moment?
I’ve recently finished a new album, From The Specials & Beyond, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of Ghost Town and tells my musical story up to the present day. It’s due out this summer, and I’m touring the UK with my band, From The Specials.
● For Neville’s tour dates see fromthespecials.com