Ritz, glitz and getting locals Sloshed, now that’s what I call a brilliant birthday bash
The Dancing On Ice star and Capital FM radio host chats about injuries, nerves, pre-skate rituals and long days
There’s nothing quite like celebrating your birthday in your favourite place in the world, at your favourite hotel in the world, with your favourite pal in the world!
So there I was in Aspen at the famous Little Nell hotel with Gerard Butler. OK, so two out of three isn’t bad, (sorry Gerry!)
Seriously, what a great time I had, and it coincided with me filming in the world’s most beautiful ski resort.and, yes,
I do know just how lucky I am, especially during these hard times.
Even with the pandemic, Aspen, winter playground to the stars, is still welcoming guests with sociallydistanced open arms and safety precautions to make your stay just as safe as it is fun!
You have to have a Covid test within 72 hours of arriving. Masks are required and temperature checks are taken regularly at restaurants so most local businesses have been able to open at 50% capacity.
Of course, skiing makes you hungrier than ever, well that’s my excuse, and for amazing food and celeb-spotting,aspen has it all.
I returned to legendary spot, Jimmy’s where last time I dined with Catherine Zeta-jones and Michael Douglas. I called Gary Barlow from another amazing place, Bosq.they do tasting menus with seven courses, and I think it’s the only time I’ve ever been able to make Gaz jealous of my life!
Aspen may be the ritziest and glitziest of resorts but it’s also the friendliest and it’s wonderful to see the whole town working together to make things as good and as safe as can be.
On the sillier side, you can be like the Kardashians. Kylie Jenner rented a mansion for just over £500,000 a month. I had a wee look in through a window and even that cost me five grand!
Back to my birthday celebrations and my old pal May Selby threw me a surprise party at the 5-star Little Nell.you can actually ski in and out of the hotel – they even heat your boots up for you!
I was joined by my old pal Gerry and, just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, Darius arrived to sing Happy Birthday!
Gerry is looking fit as he’s been training during lockdown.and he’s busy as ever with him being a big-shot producer now, too. Darius lives in Canada these days. He loves the mountains and outdoor life but can’t wait to get back to the West End when things open up again.
The Nell has seen many bizarre sights but me teaching the locals to do the “Slosh” to Barry White’s You’re The First,the Last, My Everything is right up there!
Tomorrow, it’s back to work. I’m covering The Golden Globes, not on the red carpet but from a virtual press centre on my PC.
The race in all categories is fairly open but I’d love to see Anthony Hopkins win for his amazing performance in The Father. He’s been nominated eight times but never won. I’ll never forget the time Hopkins spoke about getting his most famous role: “My agent said,‘why don’t you read this? It’s called Silence Of The Lambs.’ I said,‘is it a children’s story?’”
Are you enjoying Dancing On Ice?
I love it. Something clicked a few weeks ago and now I’m genuinely enjoying myself. I’ll look back and wonder how I learned to skate in a few months – while working on the radio.
Do you get nervous?
I was feeling physically sick the first week but you grow more confident. I do this weird thing backstage where I shout a lot and shake my legs. Everyone looks at me, as if to say what are you doing, but I need to get that energy out of me otherwise I’d be all jelly legs.
Any injuries?
Little things, like sore thumbs and a sore shoulder. Even the pro skaters get hurt, which shows how hard it is, but also how rewarding.
Did you have much skating experience prior to this?
Very little. At Christmas I’d go
Dancing On Ice, ITV, today, 6pm round the rink with an alcoholic beverage in my hand. I can’t wait for this Christmas. You know how you always see that one guy, skating backwards and looking cool? That’ll be me this year.
So you plan to continue to skate?
I’d love to. I’ve never enjoyed a form of exercise so much. I’ve noticed a difference in my stamina and body shape.
What’s your schedule like?
I get up at 4.15am to go to radio, then I go straight to training for Dancing On Ice, then home, where I might have some skating homework to do, and then to bed. And then do it all over again.
How did you get into radio?
I was in a band, Loveable Rogues. We were on Britain’s Got Talent and were signed by Simon Cowell. I was only 18. It was one of the best years of my life. We were doing lots of radio appearances and I thought if I wasn’t in the band, I’d love to be on the radio. I had to work for it – doing lots of graveyard shifts and free shows on local radio, but I’m so grateful because I’m now on a massive show that I listened to when I was younger.
Backstage I shout a lot and shake my legs
Do you feel like radio has been a lifeline for many during the pandemic?
We’ve noticed such a massive difference and have gained so many loyal listeners. I’m sometimes the first person someone hears when they wake up, so I take it upon myself to be fun, light-hearted and enjoyable. It’s a form of escapism.
Can you win Dancing On Ice?
I wouldn’t have signed up if I didn’t believe I had a slight chance of winning. We can’t believe there are only five people left. I’d love to be in the final.