Go Team GB!  Well what an Olympics.  I hope everyone’s voices at A1 VOX have finally recovered after screaming at the TV for the last two weeks. 

It all seems a very long time ago already so lets get down to A1 VOX business.

Some of the producers that call in regularly may have had the pleasure to speak with Miss Nicola Noakes.  Nicola has been doing a spot of work experience with us as part of her radio production university course. 

If you are undertaking the radio route of things then our very own Mr Nove - the big A1 cheese, and BBC guru - is a pretty good teacher to have. 

Nicola took on various tasks throughout her stint both in the office with myself, and in the studio with Chris.  She even got to edit an actual session, under the watchful eye of Charles.  Yes Nicola was ‘spinning the platters that matter’ and doing a fine job of it – so well done Nicola and thank you for your help over the summer.

A1 VOX NEWS:

Whilst I may not have secured a place competing in the Olympics Gyles Brandreth made sure that I kept myself trim by running up and down the stairs.

All very bizarre but Gyles bought his wife along to the studio as they were leaving for their holiday after the session.  They were both looking forward to their impending break and were full of joie de vivre.

So it came as no surprise that ten minutes later Gyles called to say that his wife had left her jacket in their taxi, and as he was now officially on holiday, would I mind collecting it from said taxi and keeping it safe at A1 VOX.

Well who am I to deny a celeb, especially one that dines with the Queen, so naturally I said I would pick up the jacket/gauntlet and save the day.

Down the stairs I went clutching the piece of paper with the car registration Gyles had dictated.

On entering pavement level there was no sign of the taxi and running up and down Old Compton Street deemed fruitless too.

So back up the stairs I went –phones ringing off the hook – I answer…it’s Gyles.  The taxi couldn’t stop so it’s taking the jacket to the depot instead, terribly sorry and the such.

Phone goes again.  BBC client (who had booked Gyles)….taxi is now on its way back round so would I mind going downstairs again.

Of course not – said through a bit of huffing and puffing by now.

Back down the stairs I go.

And so this jolly game of cat and mouse continued until I finally saw the silver grey taxi turn the corner into Old Compton Street – and more importantly……he saw me!!.  We were like star crossed lovers……

He wound down his window – I ran towards him with my arms open - he flings the jacket from the saloon – I catch it with a whoop of joy – he signals a successful drop off with the obligatory thumbs up – I too give him the thumbs up – many people on Old Compton Street are a little confused as to what they have just observed.

I run back upstairs – phones still ringing off the hook – I answer…it’s Gyles – I have made his day and he then tells me how jolly marvellous I am.  So I guess it was all worth it.

So you see being an Operations Manager of a voice recording studio rarely sees two days being the same…..thank god!

We had plenty more to celebrate at A1 VOX this week as we found ourselves in the presence of golden actress – Greta Scacchi.

For all those that didn’t study Italian, her surname means ‘chess’.

Greta has had a prolific international career, having made European, American and Australian films.

She has also starred alongside many a fancy fellow/fellow’ess:

Harrison Ford, in crime thriller Presumed Innocent, Tim Robbins, in Hollywood satire The Player, opposite Alan Rickman’s mad monk in Rasputin and with Gywneth Paltrow in Emma.

One of the best well known facts about Greta is that she turned down the role of Catherine Trammell in Basic Instinct.  Yes..that role that propelled Sharon Stone into the big time.  Who would have thought that crossing your legs instead of uncrossing them could gain such notoriety!? 

However Greta’s talent of speaking four different languages (English, French, German and Italian) has made her a popular choice for European casting directors so maybe it is a case of ‘checkmate’ from Greta who really didn’t need to swivel seductively with all her wares on show to land prestigious roles.

She was very gracious on arrival to the studio and was quite taken with Chris who was ever the gentleman and looked after her exceptionally well.  Our client wrote to me the following week and passed on how highly Greta had spoken of the running of the session, which is high praise indeed, so well done team VOX!

 Next in the A1 VOX spotlight is James Cosmo.  James has been mentioned on the blog before but in case you missed that instalment (shame on you if you did!), he is probably best known for his role as the grizzled warrior, Campbell, in Braveheart.  He was also the brainchild of a major film project about Scottish poet Robert Burns.  He chose Edinburgh as the setting, got Scottish writer Alan Sharp to pen the script and Scottish composer Derek William Dick to write the overture.  It seems James is as patriotic as they come! 

In the critically acclaimed Trainspotting, he played the father of an Edinburgh heroin addict and funnily enough James also played alongside Gwyneth Paltrow in Emma. Had he been in at the same time as Greta we could have set up a discussion group - subject: Jane Austen.

Most recently, for all those self confessed Game of Thrones geeks out there (I can safely say that as myself and Chris are addicted to the books!), James is playing Jeor Mormont, the Old Bear.  He appears in the HBO series and voices the same character in the computer game.  Double whammy.

I was on holiday when he came in so I didn’t get to quiz him on being part of this ‘of the moment’ medieval fantasy fiction world.  More’s the pity for me…..but probably a lucky escape for James!

So that is it for now.  I do believe that the sun is getting its arms and legs out this weekend so let’s do the same – HURRAH!  It’s Friday afternoon and nearly Pimms O’Clock so enjoy folks!

Just like Marmite I guess you are either loving or hating all things Olympic.

I would like to say that Charles is categorically indifferent…..but that would be an outright lie.  His bus journey into town took a lot longer than usual this week and on arriving at A1 he pronounced (without a hint of sarcasm, cough, cough), “London traffic is heaving – is there something going on?”

So I guess it is a case of ‘brace, brace’ as we enter the new Olympic age here in London. 

I myself journey through Stratford every day so apologies now to all our clients and producers if I have the odd late morning, or seem a little crabby.  Other than journeying I intend to fling myself wholeheartedly into the spirit of things and hope that with the Olympics will come bright sunshine to keep us all smiling.

Our very own Andrew Stanson vowed to keep out of the Olympics….. until he landed a job there as a Media Manager!.  He will now be right in the thick of it as he co-ordinates International film crews around the Olympic Park.  Good Luck Andy, it will be a hard slog but very rewarding we’re sure.  Gold to the man with the blonde locks.

Stephen Critchlow has also been jumping on the Olympic bandwagon.  You may remember a few blogs back that we shared a snippet of his role at the Dominion Theatre where the cast of The 39 Steps performed Smetterlingers 1978 Eurovision entry Boom Boomerang.  Well in keeping with the Olympic theme I thought I would show you their entry for the same competition to win Best Video Ident.  Ladies and Gentleman – hold onto your girdles - cause here is the 39 Steps Olympics:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF-DH5m0f2I&feature=player_embedded#!

So whilst some of us may experience trouble getting in and around London over the next few weeks one of our clients has already had trouble getting into the studio and was consequently late for his session. 

This isn’t such a sensational thing I know, but the irony is that the client works for one of the major rail companies and was late due to disruptions on his own line! 

Everyone, including said client, managed to see the funny side and the session itself was completed on time.  Here at A1 VOX we know a thing or two on how to get things ..er…back on track. Groan.

Brian Blessed made another visit into A1 VOX this week and delighted me with a tale of Walt Disney and Pirates.

Brian recently featured in Aardman’s latest animated movie The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists.

Hugh Grant takes on the lead role of Pirate Captain, who enters the Pirate of the Year competition in a bid to defeat his rival Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven).

Brian lends his booming vocals to the Pirate King character, host of the annual ceremony.

"When I read the Pirate King I thought, 'This is me'," said Blessed. "He's totally, utterly larger than life. He's the most larger-than-life character in the whole story. He's about eight or ten feet tall and will knock anybody into the middle of next week."

Well larger than life = Brian Blessed, and this A-List role just goes to show how Brian really is at the top of the Voice Over game.

After telling me about how much he enjoyed doing Pirates, Brian went on to tell me that he has been privy to seeing Walt Disney’s frozen body, which is rumoured to be in cryogenic suspension.  This is a persistent urban legend in Hollywood so Brian was probably yanking my chain, but either way he offered to put me in a cryogenic state if I liked……think I am happy as I am thanks.. if it’s all the same to you of course Brian.  DIVE!

Tony Hirst came into the studio this week.  You may know him for playing Mike Barnes in Hollyoaks, or in his current role as Paul Kershaw in Coronation Street, as love interest of Eileen Grimshaw.

He looked the picture of health in his T-Shirt and jeans combo.

Tony is no stranger to the voice over world.  He currently narrates programme trailers on FX and Channel 4 as well as being the voice of Daz detergent ads.  He is also the voice of the UK version of Rowe’s Dirty Jobs, Neighbours from Hell, and record ratings show, How It’s Made, on Discovery channels.

SOHO NEWS:

It is a sad day for the Soho food scene as celebrity chef Aldo Zilli has bowed out of London’s restaurant trade after three decades. 

He is blaming ‘greedy’ landlords and the chains he says are making Soho ‘like Dubai’, and killing its ‘village atmosphere’.

Zilli says:

‘I don’t want to work for landlords any more.  You end up working 13 hours a day to pay them.  Chains have more choice but it’s changing the character of Soho.  I survived 3 recessions, but rents have doubled in the past five years and the rates are 90 grand a year.  How can a small business survive?’

Zilli recalled some of the celebs who had dined at his restaurants including Sir Paul McCartney, for whom he cooked spinach and ravioli.

‘Freddie Mercury set fire to the kitchen when he tried to cook himself chips at 4am without putting oil in the fryer. 

Then I locked Prince Edward in the restaurant by mistake.  I closed up one night and he was in the lavatory, it was only when I went back in to get my pass that we found him’

So it is with a heavy heart that we bid a fond farewell to another chapter in Soho's history.  We hope that the stories and legacy of Zilli’s will live on, along with all the other Soho ghosts!

Ok folks well that is us done for a couple of weeks.  May you all be winners in whatever you are doing over the summer.  Remember – ‘if you’re not first, you’re last’ – just kidding guys – I have been watching way too much Will Ferrell again.  Till next time………………

Hey folks and welcome to the first of our summer blogs -  (I know, I know..what ruddy summer!) 

It has been a while and believe it or not a lot has happened!

Our blushing bride Eleanor…..now......Mrs Meo…. is back from her honeymoon and has sent us a couple of choice photos from her very special day at the Great Tythe Barn in Tetbury.

Ellie looked absolutely stunning and it has to be said that Steve cut quite the dashing figure as they said their I Do's on the May bank holiday.  God was shining down on them as Tetbury was literally the only place in the country that didn't get any rain that day.

Rays of sunshine for our little ray of voicing delight!!!!

And here she is with her super glam bevvy of beauties.

Smashing!!!!!

What a gorgeous couple they are and her clever hubby, (and guest voice artist of A1 VOX), Steve Meo,  has just finished filming the most recent Heineken (The Switch) advert – check it out here people, it will give you a thirst for the golden nectar!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZtDqpdvy7s&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Mark Straker has seen baby part deux welcomed into the world so we would like to say a massive "Congratulations", and rousing vocal hello, to little baby Cosmo.

Nick Chambers is now back with us after his successful stint in The Great Gatsby, as is Tracy Wiles, who makes a welcome return to the A1 fold after finishing her much loved turn in radio rep.

Big news of the week is that the captain of our merry ship also made a come back.  The breaking story is that.... the leg brace is off!!!!!!!  Charles, it is good to see you standing, and walking, though the talking side of things never left this voicing professional!

Yes - Charles has been back riding those airwaves for a while now, and this week he was involved in a big awards show for the pharmaceuticals industry.  Cue lots of complicated medical and medicinal pronunciations to challenge even the most seasoned of voice-over artists.

Jimmy Carr was hosting on stage, and according to Charles he opened with this hum dinger:

“I’ve had a great couple of weeks………if you believe that there’s no such thing as bad publicity!”

Oh Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy.

Chris took a much deserved holiday and the tall man, and pro in the know, Mr Ross Burman took the studio mantel once again.

It was a busy old couple of weeks yet Ross took it all in his size 12 stride, (he is really is a very tall man!).

He even ventured over to Christie’s main HQ in St James' Street for an outside record.  This is something that we at A1 VOX are doing more and more, so if anyone cannot get to the studio, or needs us to ‘hike the mic’ to their business, just give us a call.

We understand how hard life is to juggle these days, and people can’t often find the time in their busy schedules to break free of the office and attend a recording at the studio.  We aim to please and make life that little bit easier, so just like a mobile disco, we bring the vocal music machine wherever it is needed - though far more technically sound, sans cheesy lights, and not an Agadoo in sight!

On this particular occasion Ross was escorted into a private room to set up for the session.  The room was completely bare save for one tiny framed picture on the wall.  Half way through the recording Ross had to push the pause button as a small troupe of people made their way into the room.

After much cooing over the drawing, the arty throng left the room and the curator turned to Ross and said ' I guess it isn't every day that you get to share your space with a Rembrandt!'

So whilst it may take a few such sessions for A1 VOX to make the sort of money that the Rembrandt fetched, it is still very nice to be able to record in such salubrious surroundings.  I wonder where we will record next?  It just goes to show how technology can make anything possible.

We have been priviledged with many a celebrity over these stormy summer months and I will be bringing you snippets of each visit in the next few weeks.  Brian Blessed made an appearance regaling us with his mountaineering exploits and space travel plans…yes really!.......and told me how much he likes coming into A1 because everyone is so friendly and we are always smiling.   So it seems our mantra of Soho’s friendliest Studio rings true.

Lynda Bellingham came to visit looking, (and smelling), as great as ever.   She is extremely personable and once in the Green Room she was chatty and friendly to everyone there.  She told us all about her day thus far and seemed to fit right in with the A1 gang.  I don’t know what it is about our Green Room but most people, (just as with Mr Blessed), seem to come in with a smile on their face, and if they don't they usually leave with one.

Lynda has had a successful TV and stage career (Calendar Girls, All Creatures Great and Small, panellist in Loose Women), but I (and many besides) will always remember Lynda as Britains fav mum in the infamous OXO aderts.

For 16 years the ads were one of British TV’s most successful soap operas. After a series of 42 advertisements the campaign ended in 1999 though the company decided to create a 21^st-century version of the clan whose lives were transformed so magically by a simple stock cube.  Remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj-WJHUO6ag

Gloria Hunniford joined us for a session last week and just like Lynda she swept in all grins, teeth, and good grace.

Gloria comes from the old school of radio presenting having pretty much started off on her own daily radio show on BBC Radio 2.

She has appeared in numerous programmes including Gloria Live, Wogan, Holiday, Songs of Praise and Open House with Gloria Hunniford.  She has won awards including Personality of the Year and Best Dressed Female – I can personally vouch that the lady has style!

Sadly Gloria is often also remembered for the death of her celebrity daughter, Caron Keating, who died of breast cancer in 2004. 

Gloria tells of a white feather falling at her feet during Caron’s funeral, when there was no evidence of where it came from.  She claims to often find white feathers in unusual places such as studios, which she believes are a message card from her daughter, informing her that she is in a good place.

Gloria is currently on the box in Rip Off Britain, and along with Julia Somerville and Angela Rippon, she tackles the nation’s consumer nightmares.  You go girls!

So there ends the round up of all news from VOX Towers.  Fingers crossed that this time next week we will all be basking in some much needed sunshine – if not ….ah well we will just have to soldier on British stylee – stiff upper lip, best foot forward, and of course - carry on talking.

I know you lot out there are all waiting to hear news from the Nove camp, and I can tell you that whilst he is still not back at the office, he has managed a couple of voice over sessions in his local area - and even taken part in a live broadcast!

It seems you can take the leg from underneath him, but you cannot take the wind out of his vocal sails. 

Picture if you will our very own Mr Nove gathering cobwebs, (as one does), sitting n the waiting room of the fracture clinic; leg in brace, phone in hand, - jabbering away to Radio Berkshire!

Not only that but he was being interviewed by none other than presenting veteran - Anne Diamond! 

It really beggars belief.

It seems that Anne has also had a recent stumble and was doing an impromptu piece on falling over.   

One of her colleagues at the station, (happening to be a mate of Charles), regaled her with Mr Nove’s own sorry tale and ‘hey presto’, radio gold was created…(live and un-solicited to the good folk of Berkshire and beyond).

Well it passes the time doesn’t it!?

Before we launch any deeper into this weeks blog I would like to say a massive CONGRATULATIONS to our beautiful Eleanor Howell who got hitched to her very own superstar boyfriend, Steve Meo. 

They had a festival theme for their big day and even named the event WEDSTOCK – genius!

They really are a gorgeous pair and everyone here at A1 VOX wishes them all the very best.  (We will post some pics for you as soon as we have anything hot off the press peeps).

GUEST SPOT

Of a morning I often catch up on Hollywood celeb gossip from Los Angeles based correspondent Ross King as he reports back to Daybreak and Lorraine.  So it was with some excitement that I got to meet him at VOX Towers only the other week.

Now I know I usually say how nice our guests are but Ross has to be one of my all time favourites.  Yes…. he was sporting a rather LA type perma tan, and…. Yes….. he had a very jazzy powder blue suit on, but living in LA for 12 years will leave its mark people.

One thing it hasn’t tainted or changed is Ross’ ……Rossiness!?

He turned up early and was quite happy to chat away in the Green Room with his usual on screen, relaxed persona, (not a farce folks).  It was like watching the telly except I was the one interviewing him!

I asked him what it was like living in LA and he really seems to love the place, though he also likes to get home and across the pond as much as possible.

We got talking voice over chit chat and he told me that over there you have to audition for absolutely EVERYTHING.  In fact you even have to audition to get a voice agent.

So it seems that someone as established as Ross still had to take his time to break into the American scene.

Luckily he kept going and now has a voice agent over in the States and hob nobs with all of A-List society.


Once I started researching Ross, I couldn’t believe how much he has already done ahead of his successful LA career.

He is one of Britain’s most vibrant and versatile award winning performers having worked on stage, screen and radio. He made his first stage performance at the tender age of five, first radio broadcast when he was 15, and his television debut at 17!

Ross has been on national American television hosting "The Hollywood Christmas Parade" and "The Critics Choice Movie Awards Red Carpet" for VH1. For five years, Scottish born Ross was the Entertainment Anchor on KTLA/The CW Channel 5’s Prime News, winning four Emmys and a Golden Mic award along the way.

His film credits include "The Day After Tomorrow, “Half Past Dead”, ”Cruel Game”, ”Do It For Uncle Manny”, and “Trust Me”, playing US talk show host Ray Lungo. He played himself in the movies “Young Hercules” and “Who’s Your Caddy”. He even voiced the role of “Jinkins” in “Star Wars, Jedi Fighter 2” for Lucas Arts. 

He was nominated for a prestigious Laurence Olivier Award playing “Frank-n-Furter” in “The Rocky Horror Show”.  He had 6 days to learn the songs, words and dance routines and then takeover from pal Jason Donovan.  No mean feat!

His relaxed and informal style has resulted in some of the best interviews with many of the world’s biggest stars including Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Robin Williams, Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, Clint Eastwood, Brad Pitt, and even Prime Minister Tony Blair. Never one to miss an opportunity, Ross has also “sung and danced” with Diana Ross and Donald O’Connor.  (Now he's just showing off!)

On radio Ross became Britain’s youngest daytime host on Scotland’s Radio Clyde, winning many awards in the process… the highlight being a prestigious Sony Award. He has hosted thousands of radio shows, including London’s Capital Radio and the Euro Chart for the UK.

He also achieved a lifelong ambition co-hosting the American Weekly Top 40 countdown alongside the Legendary DJ Rick Dees.

His radio show "The King in LA" is syndicated across the UK and Ross is the voice of American Express...but sadly he can't pay off your debts.

ROSS KING FACTS

He's one of the few people to have played Wembley three times. Twice scoring a goal, (he could have been a contender Charlie), and once supporting Bros.

And who could forget Ross, and pal Pat Sharp rapping "Rapper's Delight"......erm hopefully….everybody !?

His childhood heroes were (and still are) his Dad and legendary Scots comedian Jack Milroy. His grown up hero is his sister Elaine who he describes as ‘indescribable!! She's simply the best!’

I think it is this last fact which sums up Ross beautifully. 

He may mix with the A List but if he had his own guest list to create the people at the top would be his family.  He obviously has solid grounding, which has definitely been a winning attribute to his success.

I saw first hand what a genuine person he is as on his way out of the studio he made a point of stopping by my office, popped his head round the door, and said ‘Thanks and goodbye Sarah’ – yup, he even remembered the name of little old me!

What a gent, and what a resume!

A1 VOX /LONDON NEWS

Stephen Critchlow is currently treading the boards at the Criterion Theatre in 39 Steps.

But what does a London west end cast do in its down time?

West End Eurovision Contest is what!!!!

A packed Dominion Theatre exploded with glamour, glitz and sequins in a glitter-strewn tribute to the continent’s cheesiest pop competition in aid of the Make A Difference Trust.

Stars including Pixie Lott and Gok Wan were among the audience for the late-night show hosted by Gaby Roslin and EastEnders actor John Partridge.

The event, in its fifth year, saw West End casts compete by singing old Eurovision songs, aiming to win the votes of the audience and celebrity judges.

Tony Blackburn, on the celebrity judging panel, said: 

“Personally I think this is better than Eurovision, because at the end of the night someone from England walks off with the prize”

Critch told me that:

‘The contest was won by the cast of Sweeney Todd who actually had Michael Ball reprising his 1982 entry One Step At A Time. How can you possibly compete with that? Talk about rigged!’

You were robbed Critch!

According to Critch, ‘This is the historic moment that changed the way we think about dance’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzkJTADblkg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Yes folks…What you are seeing is the cast of The 39 Steps performing the Schmetterlinge 1977 Eurovision entry, Boom Boom Boomerang.

Critch was immediately offered 18 months in Shrek.

That is apparently not true but you can still catch him at the Criterion.

Join us next week when we will have some gorgeous pics from Ellie’s wedding, we will be talking to the super lush Max Beesley, and we will see how Nick Chambers is doing as he continues to ham it up in the Great Gatsby.

Sorry we have been off the radar for a little while but things have been joyfully busy at A1 VOX, with the studio ticking over nicely.

Unfortunately Charles has had a nasty fall which means he won’t be making an appearance at A1 VOX for a wee while. But whilst he won’t be with us in body he is quick to let us know that he is still very much with us in spirit, and electronically, as we continue to use the marvellous inventions of e-mail, the telephone, and even other studios, to aid and abet his continued presence.

We all wish you the very best Charles and look forward to hearing your comforting tones resonating the walls of VOX Towers sometime soon.

This week we have a mixed trio for you in the form of comedian, sports presenter, and actress.

Mickey Hutton started his career as a musician playing guitar with Jimmy Nail in the wonderful world of the working men’s clubs.

Jimmy used to outrage audiences by performing on stage in a dress and pit boots. As a result the gigs often degenerated into all-out brawls.

So Mickey left Newcastle for the bright lights of London, moving away from music, and instead trying his hand at stand up comedy.

‘My most heart-stopping moment was when I was about to step on stage and one of the crew told me Robin Williams was three rows back. I was petrified – he is my all-time comedy hero and here he was watching me!’

Mickey became so successful that he started touring as a comedian until his career took another turn as he got the chance to host live on Sky for TV show, Saturday Night. He interviewed guests as diverse as Grace Jones to Frank Carson.

‘Grace was actually a sweetheart and no problem at all because we had music in common and got on fine – I played harmonica for her in the dressing room’

Mickey went on to act in numerous TV programmes including Spender (with pal Jimmy Nail), A Street Car Named Kevin, Monarch of the Glen, and Breeze Block. To top it all off he's also had his first novel, Massive, published.

Mickey performed at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival and brought his comedy prowess to countless countries across the globe including, The Falklands, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Bangkok to name but a few. However, none of these places can compete with his Tyneside roots. He is especially fond of the old North East Quayside:

‘There was a bloke who used to run a portable pet shop on the Quayside market and his patter was brilliant. He used to say “Here’s your rats, here’s your mice. Feed the pets, starve the kids'

Hmmmm – With this years budget and tax debarcle it may well be a lot cheaper to raise mice than children so perhaps this chap had a point!

Mickey was full of beans on his visit to us and managed to charm not only Chris and myself, but the clients on the other end of the ISDN too. Nice Job!

Steve Rider could have been on a track in Bahrain, or commentating from the Olympics and he would still exude the same calm, controlled, delivery that he had when voicing at A1 VOX.

Steve is one of the best known sports presenters of our time having worked for both the BBC and ITV. Indeed his defection to ITV is still one of the most high profile from BBC Sport since Des Lynam.

Steve has been an anchorman for ITV football, and Formula One, as well as being the lead presenter for their coverage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

In December 2011 it was announced that Steve had joined Sky Sports to present F1 Legends for Sky Spots F1. The channel was debuted in March 2012.

Steve has always maintained a low-key and professional style in fronting major sporting events in marked contrast to presenters who some feel try to steal the event’s spotlight.

“I’m not that bothered about the environment that should surround a presenter at the beginning of a programme. That is meaningless to the audience, it is just a macho thing for a production team. We used to have these discussions: wouldn’t it look great if you were standing by the 18^th green as Nick Faldo putted out and you would say “No that would get in the way of everybody’s enjoyment of the event”

That is what true presenting professionals are all about Steve, understanding their role in things and not over egging their own performance, or ego. Mr Rider – we salute you.

We’re used to seeing Joanne Froggatt looking drab, decked out in an apron with no make-up and her hair scraped back playing Anna Smith in the hit period drama Downtown Abbey. However, when Joanne turned up at A1 VOX she couldn’t have been further from her on screen persona, donning lovely tousled golden locks and a perfectly made up face.

We got to talking girly stuff and it turns out that she is planning her wedding. So being freshly hitched myself this opened up a whole can of Brides-are-Us worms, from the planning, and the dress, to little tips from oneself (straight from the ‘I do’ trenches).

Talking of dresses Joanne said that her one complaint abut Downtown Abbey would have to be the frocks!? You see her character was somewhat limited in her wardrobe options and whilst the set was positively dripping with stunning Edwardian gowns…she wasn’t!

“Every day I went ‘Ohhhh. I’ve got such costume envy’. Every.Single.Day. I bet they were sick to death of me. I’d be like ‘Oh this is beautiful! Oh look at the boots!’ I was obsessed”

But Downtown isn’t the only gleaming accolade in this young woman’s repertoire. She won an award for most promising newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards in 2010 for her film role in, In Our Name.

She plays Suzy a soldier coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and immersed herself in research for the part including speaking to female members of the armed forces and visiting Combat Stress, a charity dedicated to working with sufferers of PTSD.

“That was probably the most useful research because after having all the facts and figures it was amazing to sit with people and talk to them and get the human side”

So it looks like this lass from Yorkshire is doing pretty alright for herself.

I am just waiting for that all important wedding invitation to land on my doormat. Yes!….. I can see it now.... me sat next to Dame Maggie Smith on the big day and commenting on how good it is to finally see dear Joanne in one hell of a fancy frock!

SOHO NEWS

A few weeks ago I received a letter from Pink Pussycat Films (yes really!), informing all at 20 Old Compton Street that a day’s location filming would be taking place on Greek Street for the film ‘King of Soho’.

Oh woe me then as due to the fact that I was slaving over a ‘hot telephone, A1 VOX, stove’, I completely missed the opportunity to snap some pics for ya, so I have instead added the pictures below, all courtesy of Big Pictures.

Steve Coogan, the comedy actor, who made his name as arrogant and incompetent chat show host Alan Partridge, has taken the lead role in the biopic.

Starring alongside the 46-year-old is former Brookside actress Anna Friel, who more recently appeared alongside Bradley Cooper in Limitless. She will play Raymond's long-suffering wife, Jean.

Both Steve and Anna were spotted out on the streets of Soho shooting some of the first scenes for the film, with Anna dressed in a fur-lined vintage coat and Steve looking dapper in a navy suit, tie and grey overcoat.

The film charts the life and times of Raymond, who began life as a self-confessed black market 'spiv' before going on to open Britain's first strip club, The Raymond Revuebar, in 1958.

He later published a number of pornographic magazines and had begun handing his estimated £650 million empire over to his daughter Debbie when she died from a heroin overdose in 1992.

So if you want an inside glimpse to the seedier side of all things W1D, and find out a bit more about one of Soho’s iconic characters, don’t miss the – ‘King of Soho!’