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NEWS REPORTS |
| Saturday 25th September |
| It’s a jump to the left, and a step to the right! |
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| Report by Jan and Jules When I think of Llandudno I think of a genteel Edwardian town where perhaps the most excitement you can get is listening to a band on the promenade, so I wonder if the town was prepared for the invasion of people in corsets and stockings, and a fair proportion of those being men!! Yes, The Rocky Horror Show was in town. The touring company of the Rocky Horror is playing venues around the country with guest narrators, and who better to guest in Wales than our own Gethin Jones, which meant a GG outing to see the production. We (Jan and Jules) decided against full-on basques and stockings as we decided that Llandudno wasn't quite ready for that and went for discreet ladylike pink devils horns instead. We also went with hope (but no expectation) of getting to speak to Gethin, who usually does his best to say hello if he can. We arrived at Venue Cymru for the matinee performance in plenty of time, with a view to getting something to eat and drink, and possible travel hold-ups. It wasn't that long after arriving that we started to see cast members in the coffee shop, and then along sauntered a certain Mr. Jones – quickly intercepted in a neat grab and banter manoeuvre by Jules..... The lovely man, tanned, casually dressed and unshaven, sat and chatted for ages, saying nice things about the website and telling us stuff we couldn't POSSIBLY repeat! He was most concerned that we might not know what we were letting ourselves in for and gave a sample of the sort of things he was having to say. He really needn't have worried! Eventually he had to depart, bought us a cuppa, and tried to make arrangements to meet and take a photo after the show. After many variations of how 'come up and see me' might sound on Twitter, and we had resisted the temptation of giving him our phone numbers.....Geth said he'd pop down to see us quickly after the show. On taking our front row seats, we were adopted by a 17 year old Rocky Horror fan (I am not sure who was looking after whom), and almost by a mad old Welsh lady (sorry for that, mad old Welsh lady, but you really are). The show was huge fun. Despite Gethin being harassed by the audience, he did manage to get most of the lines out, and did a few natty quick changes (the fez did nothing for him!) and we did the TimeWarp about 5 feet away. David Bedella was splendidly lewd as Frank-n-Furter, and all of the rest of the cast were wonderful. True to his word, Gethin came to say hello, briefly, after the show. He only got accosted by two other groups of fans! We had a great day, it was fantastic to have a chat with Gethin, and we hope he still feels liberated by the experience! |
| Wednesday 30th December |
| It’s Panto time! |
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| Report by Sue ‘OH NO IT ISN’T, OH YES IT IS’ - so an ideal time for a www.strictlygethinjones.co.uk team outing. We settled on the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford as a central meeting place so how lucky were we that the panto was Cinderella, Prince Charming was played by a certain G Jones and we had front row seats? We were excited,but nervous,when we took our seats – we knew Gethin could work a crowd, had acted a bit on Blue Peter and we were hoping to see him dance in the ball scene but was his singing voice strong enough to last the panto run and would he be put off by the big kids in the front row? We needn’t have worried - he made a fab Prince Charming and sang beautifully especially when duetting with the exceptionally talented Cinderella, Rebecca Brewer. As for his dancing – we were in for a treat. In fact any fan of Strictly Come Dancing was in for a treat as the ballroom scene was transformed into ‘Strictly’ style dance competition hosted By Bruce (or Buttons/Lloyd Hollett) and Tess (an achingly funny take off by Dandini/Hillary O’Neill) during which we were treated to Gethin’s famous knee slide, magic hips and a fab dance routine choreographed and partly danced by Ugly Sister Arlene (Gerry Tebbut) which could have been the showdance he should have danced in the final of series 5! As expected, we thoroughly enjoyed Geth’s performance but such was the high quality of all aspects of this panto that we would have loved it even without Geth being in it – though I wouldn’t have enjoyed the knee slide half as much! Cinderella was played by Rebecca Brewer currently in her 3rd year at the Guildford School of Acting as were all the adult chorus – a highly talented year group from this school – and brave given the costumes the two charming “Cupids” had to wear! The juvenile performers didn’t put a foot wrong all evening – though we were surprised they were all girls – are there no singing and dancing boys in Guildford? The ugly sisters Arlene (Gerry Tebbutt) and Alesha (Peter Gordon) were all you wanted and more and Gay Soper made a lovely dippy ( and tipsy) Fairy Godmother. Royce Mills was an endearingly shambolic Baron Hardup who you felt kept Lloyd Hollett (a sympathetic and loveable Buttons) on his toes. But the performance of the night for me (apart from our own dear Geth of course) was Hillary O’Neill with a never ending stream of impressions – her “Tess” deserves a much bigger audience that the Yvonne Arnaud could hold! Special mention must be made of the band – I was privileged to have a close up view of Steve Hill, Matthew Clark, John Deemer and Graham Dare at work – and boy do they work! The sound these four men could produce from a tiny space was outstanding. We were lucky enough to be able to have a quick chat with Gethin before and after the show, not surprisingly he is loving the experience and was looking forward to dancing with Flavia in the Strictly Christmas special. We were also able to have a quick chat with the writer Paul Hendy (yes him off the telly) and I made sure I emailed compliments after the show – these things don’t just write themselves you know! So, in conclusion, a fab show for children aged 0-100 – its on until 10th January and if the fab cast, great sets and Gethin’s knee slide don’t make you want to see the show – they have the cutest miniature white Shetland ponies too! |
| Monday 23rd November |
| Gethin's Everton |
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| Report by Jules Anyone who knows me would ask what the heck I was doing reviewing an Everton DVD (being a Reading FC fan), well, it has something for Everton supporters and Gethin Jones fans alike, so that explains it. The marketing blurb I was sent explains that the DVD was put together for young fans, and I would say it would make a great stocking-filler for any youngster interested in the 'Toffees', as I now know they are called from the history sections! I also discovered a hitherto unrecognised ambition to be a Toffee Girl – though, being over 12, I don't qualify! The DVD includes sections on the Boss, David Moyes, (he’s got red hair, and we don’t care) and great players past and present, and footage of some great goals and momentous occasions for the club. It is divided up into 'Chapters', which is helpful if there are particular areas of interest. My favourite section was 'Finch Farm' (the Everton Training Ground) and Gethin gave us a glimpse of the great facilities there, at one point there are 4 Gethins trying out the gym equipment! I know a few ladies who would be very happy if he could in fact be cloned.... However, I did think more could have been made about any work the club does to bring youngsters in. There is also a running gag about Gethin's No 9 shirt, and he takes the place of a sports reporter at a match where Everton are stuffing their arch-rivals, Liverpool. The finale is a songbook of Everton songs……and a few ‘notes’ and dance moves from twinkle toes Jones – ‘Worrrrrrrrrrr’. To buy the DVD, visit the Everton FC website or order from Amazon. |
| Sunday 22nd November |
| Oh yes he did...... |
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| Report by Kate An enormous crowd gathered in Guildford High Street on the evening of Thursday 19th November to see Gethin Jones turn on the town's christmas lights. As official reporters for strictlygethinjones.co.uk, 3 'Geth's Girls' set up camp early in a prime position opposite the Guildhall balcony to await the appearance of Prince Charming himself. In the lead up to the 7pm switch on we were entertained by Ugly Sisters Arlene and Alesha who shamelessly promoted the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre's production of Cinderella, due to start 4th December. Youngsters were delighted to see an appearance by Father Christmas while their parents were treated to music by ACM Gospel Choir. After the Mayor of Guildford, councillor Pauline Searle, had made various announcements rather unsuccessfully on a dubious microphone, it was finally time for the Star of the Show to make his long awaited appearance... Wrapped up warm in his unmistakable winter coat Gethin took to the stage greeted by a sea of faces and helium balloons packed up and down the High Street. The cheering crowd joined in with his pantomime "Oh yes you will / Oh no you won't" chanting before Gethin finally pressed the button and lit up Guildford in all its Christmassy glory. The firework display followed but we were too busy watching Gethin to fully appreciate them. As the fireworks danced gracefully to the usual Christmas tracks, Gethin jigged about on the balcony in a display of his own which was, quite frankly, a far cry from anything he brought to the floor in Strictly! ..... but somehow, we love him all the more for it! We waited for the crowds to subside, and were rewarded by a brief word with Gethin. Merry Christmas! |
| Saturday 12th September |
| Welcome to Sunny Swansea |
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| Report by Kate There was a brilliant blue sky and blazing sun in Swansea on the day of the Proms (Yes, you read that correctly, "sun" and "Swansea" in the same sentence!) and I wondered why I had packed a rain poncho instead of suncream. The GGs' early arrival was rewarded with front row seats, an excellent spot to report back from! We were treated to rehearsals where Gethin was looking his usual handsome self in grey/green shirt and blue jeans. Singleton Park filled up nicely with a 10,000 strong crowd all out to enjoy the evening's entertainment. Gethin's co-host was Josie D'Arby while Elin Manahan Thomas moved from her post as reporter-in-the-crowd in previous years to guest artiste, along with Only Men Aloud who filled the cramped stage with some exuberant dancing, much to the delight of their fans. Elin wore a vibrant pink Cinderella dress for the first half of the show, whilst Only Men Aloud entertained us with, amongst other things, their rendition of Rhythm of Life from 'Sweet Charity'. Geth's links were flawless and as always he effortlessly presented the show, working the audience and giving the occasional acknowledgement to the GGs sitting right under his nose! The second part brought with it a pale blue evening gown for Elin and a Tom Jones Medley from Only Men Aloud. As is usually the case with these types of events, links to London and the other Prom venues didn't run as smoothly as the organisers would have wished but Geth coped extremely well, appearing completely professional and unflappable at all times. The audience participation section at the end of the evening allowed us all to belt out "Rule Britannia" before attempting the Welsh National Anthem. A brave effort was made by us English Girls, but it seemed to cause much amusement for Gethin *Note to self - Must make a concerted effort to learn Hen Wlad fy Nhadau for next year* See the Home Page for a short video clip |
| Sunday 17th May |
| Go, the Red Dragon: Gethin is a Legend! |
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| Report by Sue Gethin pulled on his football boots again to take part in the Hillsborough Memorial Game at Anfield on Thursday 14th May. The event was organised by Kenny Dalglish with the backing of the Hillsborough Family Support Group to raise cash for the Marina Dalglish Appeal’s bid to help build a new £17m cancer treatment centre at University Hospital Aintree.  It was an enjoyable match, if somewhat slower paced than normal, that raised money for an important cause as well as keeping the Hillsborough Justice campaign still in the news in this 20th anniversary year of the Disaster. Lets hope that Gethin has chance next season to play more charity football and hopefully we get to see him score a goal! Liverpool Legends: Paul Harrison, Gary Ablett, Steve Staunton, Gary Gillespie, Ronnie Whelan, Alan Hansen, Kenny Dalglish, John Aldridge, Ian Rush, Ray Houghton, Steve McMahon. Subs: Jan Molby, Bob Bolder, Mark Lawrenson, Don Hutchison, Nicky Byrne, Peter Beardsley, Jamie Redknapp, Steve McManaman, Gary McAllister, Gethin Jones, Michael Thomas, Dean Lennox Kelly, John Bishop. All Stars: Bobby Mimms, Viv Anderson, Steve Hodge, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Paul Bracewell, Trevor Steven, Graham Stuart, Nigel Clough, Teddy Sheringham, Bradley Walsh. Subs: Alan Irvine, Mike Newell, Stuart Barlow, Alan Stubbs, Craig David, Tim Lovejoy, Alan Shearer, Spoony, Craig Lennox Kelly, Jonathan Wilkes. See News in Brief for a short video clip |
| Saturday 21st March |
| Gethin boosts morale! |
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Gethin was on Eamonn Holmes' Radio 5 Live show this morning and revealed that he had been in the Maldives on holiday (so that is where the tan came from, Mr. Jones!) and in Basra entertaining the female troops..... All at StrictlyGethinJones.co.uk would like to say how much we envy those ladies spending time with Geth, but we also recognise and salute their bravery! To read more, see the article in The British Army Website |
| Saturday 14th March |
| Gethin is Quiz Master again! |
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It seems someone must have been watching Gethin's success on the Welsh Cwis Meddiant, because he has landed a new quiz programme on Sky. All at StrictlyGethinJones.co.uk would like to wish him well in this new venture - and we are all frantically trying to see just how we can a) get access to Sky and b) persuade friends and family that an hour a day is fine to spend watching a Quiz programme! To read more, see the article in The Mirror |
| Sunday 18th January |
| Gethin and Flavia on tour! |
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Its 15.30 on Sunday 18th January and as I type Gethin might just be shaking those Salsa hips on the dance floor at the Newcastle Arena!!! No contributors to this website have actually been to see the tour yet. That happens on 7th February at the O2 Arena, followed by Glasgow and Birmingham. However, we do have some ‘spies’ in the audience. Gethin is dancing with last year’s finalist on Strictly Come Dancing, Flavia Cacace, and reports coming back say that they are absolutely amazing together, that their Waltz is ‘fairytale’ and their Salsa ‘amazing’. They have been scoring 38’s and 39’s for both dances and are right at the top of the judges board with Rachel and Vincent and Jill and Darren. Gethin says that Flavia has added some touches of her own into the choreography, and I for one can't wait to see them. This has absolutely nothing to do with the re-emergence of ‘the see through shirt’ for the Salsa complete with its new sprinkling of pink sequins!! All at StrictlyGethinJones.co.uk would like to wish them both well as they start on their journey around the arenas of Britain, and look forward to them lifting the glitter ball at least once. We will come back with updates as they go along and hope to have some photographs soon. For dates and venues of the tour go to www.strictlycomedancinglive.co.uk.For information about Flavia Cacace and her professional dancing partner Vincent Simone, their website is www.vincentandflavia.com Report by Jan |
| Monday 1st December |
| Drunk in Charge |
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Somehow the StrictlyGethinJones.co.uk crew never thought of extremely fit Gethin as the type to drink and drive. Well it turns out that he did, but it was in a good cause in the run-up to the festive season. Gethin is presenting a Drink Driving special edition of 'Police, Camera, Action' on ITV1 on Wednesday 17th December at 9pm There's a link to more details about the programme in News Links |
| Thursday 6th November |
| Award Winner |
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Strangely enough, here at StrictlyGethinJones.co.uk we've always held the opinion that as well as being an all round top bloke, Gethin is also a bit on the yummy side. Now it turns out that the lovely voters of Cosmopolitan magazine agree as Gethin won the award for Ultimate Hottie at their annual award ceremony last night. You certainly won't find us disagreeing with that! There's a couple of pictures from the red carpet in the Others Gallery, a video clip of Gethin just after winning the award in Other Videos and a link to another interview in News Links, all from last night's ceremony |