'I have so many happy memories of the Channel Islands'

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'I have so many happy memories of the Channel Islands'

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I flew to Jersey a couple of weeks ago to work for Variety, the children’s charity.

It was brilliant with a fabulous audience and we had the best time. I got off the short flight from my favourite airport, John Lennon, and as I came down the steps to a glorious sunny day my head was filled with wonderful memories of my two precious visits to this island and it’s neighbour, Guernsey, where I did a long summer season.

I first came to Jersey with my mum as a teenage boy. We stayed in the Honeymoon Hotel as it was known, The Merton, which is still going.

I remember entering a fancy dress competition - in a bikini - don’t ask why! But I did win.

Do you think my mum could have had an inkling over my sexuality then? My second visit was to appear in the Michael Barrymore Saturday Night Out TV show.

I think it was 1988. I will never forget it as I was on with the late greats, Danny La Rue and Joe Longthorne.

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I was so excited about this show as it was when Michael was at the height of his career. The TV show was getting ridiculous ratings, plus Danny and Joe were mates of mine.

I do miss them both.

While Jersey and Guernsey are both part of the Channel Islands, they do differ in governance and culture. Jersey is larger with a separate legal system and currency.

Guernsey, while smaller, is also self governing, and includes Alderney, Sark and Herm. Jersey has stunning sandy beaches, while Guernsey offers rugged cliffs and charming harbours.

I actually prefer Guernsey and I did a summer season there in 1975 at the Wayside Cheer, working with a great cast. One in particular, now a dear friend, who worked the ships for many years was Holly Day.

Her real name is Susan, and she is a St Helens girl. All of the cast shared a house together so it was a real party time.

I did have a rather large problem after that great summer season though. I bought a new car over there and swapped it for my Mercedes.

Travelling home on the ferry I was so excited. However when we got to the port, the car was taken off me.

It’s a very long story. I did get it back eventually after going to court and paying a fine.

I had actually only driven the car for 11 miles before it was taken away so I’m sure you can imagine how happy I was to get it back.

But aside from that expensive problem, I have so many happy memories of the Channel Islands.

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