Jack Of All Trades

‘IN spite of much evidence to the contrary (Madonna’s acting; Des O’Connor’s singing; Naomi Campbell’s writing), celebs still think they can turn their hand to something new.

Leaving audiences shaken not stirred

Few go into coal mining, say, or train driving, preferring at least to stick within the showbusiness industry.

And today we hear of two stars gamely making the bold leap into something new.

First up is Amanda Holden, who, according to the Star, is all set to become the new Dolly Parton.

Of course, our Amanda has less front than Dolly, but she does have a self-confessed “country-twang” to her voice.

And she tells the Star record companies have approached her with a view to turning her into a new music star.

If she wants to be the next Dolly, those music executives had best be carrying a large blade and two airbags along with any contract.

But while Amanda waves hello to Dolly and goodbye to her feet, the Sun spots John Leslie making his stage debut.

Starring as Mr Wickham in Pride and Prejudice at the Yvonne Arnauld Theatre, Guildford, Surrey, the Sun says Leslie’s performance included singing, dancing and some piano playing.

“I thought he was very good considering he has had no formal training,” says one spectator. “Everyone must be given a second chance.”

And to Leslie that means a self-imposed score of six out of ten.

“I was very nervous as soon as I stepped on stage,” says he, “first night nerves and all that jazz. I couldn’t stop shaking.”

That’s too bad. But one other audience member, described as a “regular first nighter”, said: “It was strange to see him up there. It was like watching reality TV.”

A show where a too-tall, disgraced former children’s TV presenter tries to fake it as an actor…’

Posted: 15th, September 2004 | In: Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink