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  • INTERVIEW | LH Roberts

    INTERVIEW | LH Roberts

    LH Roberts

    LH Roberts 2

    Who Are You?
    That’s a good question that I am still trying to figure out myself. I just recently came out as non-binary/gender fluid. I’m a cross player from Salem, Massachusetts, USA. Currently going by LH Roberts, which might change to Lee or Lis at some point.

    I’m a professional artist, making customized funkos, cybernetics, and wands. Though my real job is working with horses. I have been training, and teaching riding for about 20 years. On the side, I also am a self proclaimed “cat whisperer” and have been fostering cats for over 15 years and enjoy helping people with their feline troubles.

    One aspect of cosplay that I am very actively involved in is the Cosplay is not Consent movement. I have been bullied and threatened because of my cosplay when I first started, and it really is not ok that people do this.

    I’m an Admin for Boston Whovians, an US admin for ICosplay: anti Bullying Campaign, and the Chancellor for the Order of Gallifrey, an international Doctor Who cosplay group.

    Why and when did you decide to become a Drag King or do FTM Cosplay?
    The “when” is easy. Very Late 2013. So many of my Harry Potter friends cosplayed. And Harry Potter is my life! So I really thought my cosplay would be an HP one. I tried and tried to make it work. But I HATED cosplaying. OMG. I was so uncomfortable. But my good friend was meeting Tom Felton and I wanted to support him, so I figured I HAD to get a cosplay of sorts together. Thats the WHY part – because I wanted to support my friend.

    Do you have a favourite character? (Why is he your favorite?)
    I only cosplay as Mr. Clever the Cyberplanner from Doctor Who.
    I had started watching the Doctor Who reboot and had already fallen in love with Matt Smith as the 11th Doctor, so I thought well, maybe I’ll cosplay 11. Tried that. Hated it. Saw a picture of me as him and deleted it. Wouldn’t even leave the house. So I gave up.

    Then I saw Nightmare in Silver and kinda lost my mind. I think I actually screamed. I do remember scaring my cat…I love Neil Gaiman, I love Matt Smith.

    I really don’t know WHY he works for me as well as he does. I don’t know why I just fell in love with him. He was so much fun, so snarky, so crazy, so over the top. I knew I could pull off his persona ( to me I’m not cosplaying unless I’m in character) I mean I suppose its also Clever represents duality, competing personalities, a struggle to find acceptance through games and robotic evolution. Mirroring my own latent struggle with gender as well as my love of something perfect – robots. At the end of the day it’s magic for me, ritual and release, an art that lets me be the real me.

    Of course MAKING the costume was hell on earth, but that’s a whole other story.

    What attracted you to dressing and performing as a male character?
    I didn’t care that Mr. Clever was male, or a robot. I just had to be him. I didn’t even think about it.

    Why do you think Drag Kings/FTM cosplayers are usually ignored in favour of Drag Queens MTF Cosplayers?
    Historically speaking, and correct me if I am wrong, but I believe men have been dressing up as women for far longer than the other way around. Actors dressed in woman’s clothing to portray women since women weren’t allowed to perform.

    Drag queens have a long and interesting history.

    So I think drag kings have to work a little harder to make themselves known, to get the word out.

    It’s just as hard for male cosplayers to be cosfamous too. It is sadly the way it is. It is getting better, for sure. We just have to plug away and let people know that we are here!

    LH Roberts1

    What would you like the world to know?
    Good question. I have no idea. Spay and neuter your pets. No?

    I guess I’d have to say it doesn’t matter your gender, size, age, race, just cosplay whomever or whatever you want. I know that if I had listened to the haters I would never have picked a younger, thinner, male, half robot as my one and only cosplay – and I can’t imagine my life without him.

  • INTERVIEW | Drag King Ruth Watson

    INTERVIEW | Drag King Ruth Watson

    Ruth Watson

    Ruth Watson

    Who Are You?
    Ruth Watson (not the Hotel Inspector, but I get good rooms due to the name). Membership Liaison Officer for the Galactic Knights costuming group, self confessed geek, Tolkien addict, just trying to make my way in this world with bills to pay and a book addiction.

    Why and when did you decide to become a Drag King or do FTM Cosplay?
    Having been a long time con attendee, and meeting the Galactic Knights at the annual SFW weekender, I always wanted to go in a cool costume and immerse myself in it fully. The world of Middle Earth is my first and foremost love, so it was a no-brainer it would be from that particular corner of the geekiverse. I’ve never considered myself particularly feminine or girly, and am obsessed with weapons and armour, so it was pretty much a foregone conclusion I would go for a male character. The tales were written in another time, and though the female characters are written particularly strongly and with great influence (even by today’s standards), I felt I was more suited to the male characters. The noble warrior and all that, I think. Tolkien’s women are almost too good… I didn’t feel I could do them justice!

    Do you have a favourite character? (Why is he your favourite?)
    There are so many! But I will go with my costumed character of Eomer. I’ve owned horses my entire life, and worked in the equine industry, so the people of Rohan, with their almost deification of horses, appealed to me from the moment I encountered them in the pages. When the movie was released, the design team based their ideas on Tolkien’s own thoughts and writing, so essentially they were Anglo-Saxons, with the addition of horses. The armour design, the whole feel of the people and their way of life just fit. When you know, you know. Eomer represents the hope and future of his house. With his cousin slain, he becomes heir to his uncle’s kingdom, a man enslaved by the spells of the enemy. He finds himself banished, and not highly regarded by those he serves. Yet he fights on regardless, knowing he is true to himself and his people. That’s why he appeals… knock him down, turn people against him, he keeps on and fights for what he believes in, even though he can see nothing but defeat in the long run.

    What attracted you to dressing and performing as a male character?
    As I say, I have never been a ‘girly’ girl. I was a tomboy my entire childhood. My parents let me have all my hair cut off when I was five as I was determined I wanted to be one of the boys. And delighted when people complimented my mum on her lovely son…! I don’t buy gender stereotypes. I have a lot of qualities that people who do buy into it would consider ‘male’. But why should they? Can’t we all just be as we are, and those who love us just accept it? I know I do with my friends and loved ones. When I wear Eomer, I become part of him. A lot of it is my history in that world, and the emotional bonds I have from that. And I look so different to my regular self that I can entirely lose myself in it. I have walked up to people I know well and looked them directly in the eye, and they didn’t know it was me. I can do all the little things and mannerisms that are taken for granted that men do, but society frowns upon when women do it. And all it does is reinforce how ridiculous gender stereotypes really are. The world is changing, it needs to change faster. Until then, I have my escape in being a character that when it’s judged on appearance (as it ALWAYS is), can to the opposite of what society believes is right for my gender.

    Why do you think Drag Kings/FTM cosplayers are usually ignored in favour of Drag Queens MTF Cosplayers?
    Personally? I think it’s that gender stereotype thing all over again. It’s that reinforced belief that ‘men should be men’ bullshit. So a woman dressing or presenting as male is far less dramatic, far less confrontational, because of course women want to be men… They get all the perks, right? It’s accepted now that women can wear trousers (although within living memory even that was a big no. Some schools are only now allowing female students to wear trousers), it’s accepted now that women can hold positions of power. Although should they display any form of male stereotypical behaviour, expect the world to fall in ruin…. A man, however… should he crossplay, cross dress, or show any sign of exhibiting any trait that is remotely ‘feminine’…The world explodes. ‘Why would you do that? Why would you present like that? Why would you portray as the ‘weaker’ sex? I can’t cope with that. You’re a MAN’. Those guys are as much victims of sexism as women. And it’s horrible. There’s some sort of implied thing that people are lesser should they not conform. I detest that, in all its forms.

    What would you like the world to know?
    Disregard anyone who stereotypes you. Be proud of who you are and what you love. Live hard, and leave memories. Just be a decent person, and regardless of how others treat you, know you, know your worth, and be fierce. Do not let what others think or believe EVER drag you to their level. You like the Flash? Wear the costume, if you like. Believe in Superman’s values? More power to you. Bookish, clever, not a reality show girl? Be Hermione. She saved the world. Be her. Be Arya Stark. Be anyone you want to be. Sports fans can gather in groups, wear a group uniform, and be considered 100% the norm. Be a geek? Do it. Do whatever it is you want to do. Wear the costume, watch the movie, live by their values. Doing that, I know I belong to the biggest family in the world. Long may it continue.

  • Daily Mail readers really aren’t happy that London has “gay” lights

    Daily Mail readers really aren’t happy that London has “gay” lights

    Daily Mail readers are literally flipping over the fact that some of London’s traffic lights have LGBT symbols.

    Sometimes we try to imagine the minds of those commenting on DM’s stories, but we get very claustrophobic.

    So the DM reported that some of London’s traffic lights have LGBT symbols where the green light should be. Around 50 traffic lights in central London have been modified so that the green light has LGBT icons glowing instead of just a green light. The symbols include, two men or two women holding hands – or the gender symbols linking together…

    Well commenters on the piece are mad. So very mad about this crazed PC world we live in.

    One concerned citizen even called for a law to ban all political correctness and repeal all “p.c” laws that have been passed in the last 50 years.

    Others were, of course, concerned that the tax payer might have been footing the bill for the scheme, whilst another was concerned that in time to come that “straight people will not be the norm”

    Of course our absolute favorite was this rant which questioned why the gay community needed to parade its sexuality… Unlike the hetero community, which quietly goes on about it’s business – unless of course they’re on Jeremy Kyle.

  • Remember Craig Colton from the X Factor – check out what he looks like now!

    Remember Craig Colton from the X Factor – check out what he looks like now!

    Remember Craig Colton from the 8th series of X Factor? Well he’s gone through a massive transformation having slimmed down and shed 4 stone in weight.

    The former X Factor star has started to showcase his dramatic weight loss since his time on the 8th series of X Factor – yes that was the year that gave us Marcus Collins and Kitty Brucknell.

    In the end Craig managed to place 5th.

    The singer who has been working on a debut album has also been working out – and has slimmed down by over 4 stones from 16 stone to a healthy twelve stone.

    You may remember that he actually managed to lose a stone during his stint on the X factor thanks to his mentor Gary Barlow.

    Craig, now 27-years-old  has lost an incredible 4 stone revealing a stunning jaw line and smile. However he recently spoke about how he was still plagued with insecurities. Speaking on Loose Women he told the panel,

    “My insecurities began to heighten. When people lose weight, your insecurities can become stronger.”

    But he did give credit to his boyfriend for having a big impact on his weight loss programme. He said,

    “I think a healthy good relationship has made a good impact on my life,

    “I was in quite a toxic relationship, and they would pick up on my insecurities and use them.”

    Now Craig, who lives with his boyfriend, is showcasing a happier, healthier side to his life.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BHubMPvguYY/?taken-by=craigcoltonuk&hl=en

  • Jehovah’s Witnesses distribute leaflet telling gay people to “control their urges”

    Jehovah’s Witnesses distribute leaflet telling gay people to “control their urges”

    A leaflet has been distributed in Devon calling on gay people to “control their urges”

    Jehovah's Witnesses Office In New York City
    CREDIT: Jehovah-s-Witnesses photo.ua

     

    A leaflet distributed by Jehovah’s Witnesses has caused widespread offence after suggesting that gay people should “control their urges.”

    The leaflet which is entitled “How to harness your habits” has been described as “anti-gay” after a section of the text told readers that the bible condemns ‘homosexual acts’. The LGBT charity Stonewall called the leaflet “damaging vitriol”.

    The leaflet has been examined by the Devon and Cornwall police who considered that the material did not meet “the threshold to be considered a crime”.

    The leaflet seemingly compares gay people to animals by suggesting that “unlike animals, they can choose not to act on their impulses”.

    Passages highlighted by the religious group also quoted,

    “A person who has homosexual leanings can control what he allows his mind to dwell on, just as he would control any other wrong desire, including leanings towards anger, adultery or greed.”

    ALSO READ: This video released by Jehovah’s Witnesses suggests that gay people can be changed

     

    In the leaflet Jehovah’s Witnesses distributed to people in North Devon claim that the,

    “Bible tells Christians to be respectful of all kinds of people. (1 Peter 2:17) But that does not mean that Christians must accept all kinds of conduct.

    “Consider a comparison: Suppose you view smoking as harmful and even repugnant. What if you have a workmate who is a smoker? Would you be considered narrow-minded just because your view of smoking differs from his?

    Would the fact that he smokes and you do not smoke automatically mean that you are prejudiced against him?

    If your workmate were to demand that you change your view of smoking, would that not make him narrow-minded and intolerant?

    The leaflet explained that whilst Jehovah’s Witnesses choose to live by a moral code set forth in the bible and do not approve of actions not set out by the bible as ‘moral’ they will not “mock nor mistreat” people who don’t follow that code.

  • OPINION | Straight allies do not need a pride flag

    OPINION | Straight allies do not need a pride flag

    You’re kidding me right? There’s a Straight Allies flag? Straight people do not need a flag for pride.

    filmbetrachterin / Pixabay

    There’s been a colourful explosion of flags and colours for the LGBT+ community in recent years – something that I’m in two minds about. On one hand, it’s great that groups within our community are getting visibility – and some of those flags are pretty darn pretty – I’m looking at you Alternative Transgender, but on the other hand, it’s very divisional.

    So, you’ve got the:

    Rainbow, Lesbian,  Lipstick Lesbian, Trans, Bear, Bi, Non-Binary, Genderqueer, Pansexual, Polysexual, Asexual, Agender, genderfluid, alternative intersex and intersex – just to name a few

     

    ALSO READ: Test your knowledge – how well do you know your Pride Flags

     

    What’s beautiful about the rainbow flag is that it’s every colour. Everyone is represented – well that’s the idea. Since 1978 it’s been the symbol of inclusivity.

    I often hear people say “it’s the gay pride flag” but actually it’s the LGBT+ flag, that beautiful, international symbol we all know, love and recognise. It’s the little wink or nod when you’re in a new city or country that says “this place is welcoming and safe”.

    But over this pride season, whilst at a couple of pride events, I was asked a number of times, “where’s the straight ally colours?”.

    I didn’t even know there was one. As I was being explained the colours of the “Straight-Ally” (apparently black and white with a rainbow “A”) flag, my mind began to wander. Do straight allies need a flag? I mean what’s the message behind it?

    Whilst I love all our straight allies and know that we couldn’t have come this far in equality and societal acceptance without them – you really don’t need a separate flag.

    The last time I looked, no straight person was being killed, shot at, bullied, segregated, marginalised because of their allegiance to the LGBT community. Actually, it’s pretty darn insulting when you think of it. Isn’t it’s saying, rather visually, “I’m Straight – at your pride, but hey don’t worry, I’m totally for you, look at me, I’m special – straight and accepting?”

    Being a straight ally is a basic requirement of any decent human.

    I’m not sure why straight allies even need to point out their heterosexuality at an LGBT pride? Does that strike you as odd?

    They get to play straight every day of the year – so why do it on pride?

    I don’t see the need of someone who identifies as a “straight ally”  to be visibly ‘straight’ on our own turf on the one day of the year that the LGBT community gets to be its true self.

    What I actually need, is our straight allies doing their straight ally work in their own spaces. No straight ally should rest until every workplace,  home,  school – is free of inequalities or homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. That’s where our straight allies are kings and queens.

    So straight people, If you really feel you need to pick up a flag on Pride, pick up a rainbow – and wave it proudly. Don’t separate yourself from us.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, it’s management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • Interview | Dave Tomlinson

    Interview | Dave Tomlinson

    Meet Dave Tomlinson, the ‘Bad Christian’ on a mission.

    CREDIT: (C) Lissy Tomlinson
    CREDIT: (C) Lissy Tomlinson

     

    Dave Tomlinson is a self-styled ‘Bad Christian’ whose church is unapologetically inclusive and whose books reach out to those on the fringes of faith, and even to outsiders. You may recall the media frenzy and raised eyebrows in some circles when he took the funerals of Great Train Robbers Bruce Reynolds and Ronnie Biggs. He’s also a controversial figure to some in the Anglican community for his positive and progressive stance on same-sex relationships and marriage, which he has outlined in two books, How to be a Bad Christian and The Bad Christian’s Manifesto.

    Religion and all things gay generally get along about as well as the Wicked Witch of the West and a sudden downpour. That’s why we were fascinated to learn that there’s an Anglican vicar fighting our corner, and taking on his own church in an effort to change attitudes and doctrines.

    We spoke to Dave at his church, St Luke’s in Holloway, London. He is genial and calm, which comes after a lifetime of preaching love and acceptance. He speaks with a warm voice that holds traces of a Liverpool accent, but he’s also prepared to stand up for his principles, and he spoke with great passion about how he wants to affect change in the Church of England in favour of celebrating gay unions.

    CREDIT: (C) Lissy Tomlinson

    We asked him what he thinks conservative Christians’ beef is with homosexuality. “An awful lot it, within the church, but also society as a whole, is fear. Fear of difference. It’s a desperate sign of insecurity in any society that can’t accommodate and live with difference.”

    But won’t conservative Christians just quote scripture and claim the argument is closed? “It’s all tied up with a very literal reading of the biblical texts, but the bible is the product of an age that no longer exists,” Dave explains. “I think what we now experience in same-sex relationships probably hardly existed at that time. There’s a very strong argument to say that all of the texts that the bible addresses that you can link to same-sex relationships involve some form of abuse; and not the loving, equal relationships that we have today. Sodom and Gomorrah, where the word ‘sodomy’ comes from is a horrendous story about rape. It would be incredible to think all of the men of the city were gay: it was all about abuse and power.”

    With constant threats of schisms in the Anglican Community, we wondered if the arguments about homosexuality will ever show any signs of simmering down. “It’s not surprising that there are arguments in the church: there should be. But sometimes I think we’re having the wrong arguments. How can we still be arguing about same-sex relationships? It’s an argument that’s over now, really, to any sensible people.” We can only agree with Dave, and ask him about his own parishioners. “We’ve a lot of gay people and gay couples in this church, and I can’t for the life of me see any difference between what they experience and aspire to in their lives and relationships and what I do in my life. It’s an absurdity to me and what’s getting my goat at the moment is that we’ve now reached a point where same-sex marriage is accessible, and any church can make the choice to conduct same-sex marriages in their churches: except the Church of England! I’m outraged by that, and it can’t last.”

    CREDIT: (C) Lissy Tomlinson

    Outrage is one thing, but does Dave think we’ll ever see gay Christians being married in Anglican churches? “Definitely, because ultimately right conquers. It’s just a matter of time.”

    We ended our chat feeling upbeat, and we met many of Dave’s parishioners. As we chatted to them, it was clear than in St Luke’s, they’d found a spiritual home. For some, they’d returned after years outside the church. Whatever your religious beliefs (or lack of), through his sermons and writings, Reverend Dave offers something in stark contrast to what the gay community has come to expect, simply by reaching out with a spirit of inclusivity.

    You can read more about Dave Tomlinson’s inspirational and spiritual thoughts in How to Be a Bad Christian and The Bad Christian’s Manifesto, which are published by Hodder & Stoughton. Follow Dave on Twitter @goodluker.

  • DILEMMA | My husband wants to be a drag queen – I think our marriage is over

    This week a reader is trying to keep his marriage together as his husband decides to become a drag queen. Concerned that the relationship is about to fall apart he writes to THEGAYUK’s Dannii Cohen.

    CREDIT: © feedough | Depositphotos

    Dear Dannii

    I’m a bit lost on what to do. My husband has decided to become a drag queen – and he’s actually become quite well-known in a relatively short time. Problem is that it’s tearing us apart and we never see each other anymore.

    We used to have very similar jobs with similar hours – but now he’s always travelling the country and abroad. I’m not jealous of other guys. I know he’s being faithful, but I can’t see this working. He’s changed a lot, personality wise, he’s become a lot more feminine, and I feel him drifting away from me. He’s started talking a lot more about his work, how his drag half is really important to him and that sometimes he just wants to hang about as his drag persona – even when he’s not performing. Could he be wanting to transition?

    As I said, I’m just not sure, But I’m really unhappy about the changes, but at the same time I don’t want to throw away 6 years of our relationship.

    What should I do?

    Dear Reader,

    This is an interesting and difficult problem. Not knowing all the details, except for the ones you have given me in your letter it is hard to give you any concrete advice but I will try to.

    Has your husband ever shown any interest in drag or transgender issues prior to the last few months? No-one suddenly decides to become a drag artist so it should be something that has been on his mind for a long time, bursting to come out. As this is a big step it is understandable that it brings a lot of changes with it and some might be uncomfortable to his friends and family.

    Starting out in drag and sustaining a professional career in it can be very all-consuming so his obsession doesn’t necessarily mean he wants to transition. If you watch documentaries about drag or something like RuPaul’s drag race you can see that to most drag artists it’s their whole life. But not many of the contestants want to be a full-time women. It is just building a character and finding the right look and act that takes a very long time to perfect. Dressing in drag around the house could be part of this: a lot of drag artist do this to keep in touch with the character and make her feel natural to them.

    Becoming a little more feminine is only to be expected as over time the character might slip into day life sometimes. Becoming successful relatively quickly might also have something to do with it.

    My main suggestion is to talk to your husband: begin by showing an interest in what he does. Compliment his outfits/jokes/characters. Have you seen his act recently? Join him on a few shows that are nearby. If he’s travelling in the weekend, try to join him on a trip. Stay in touch by texting, calling, Skype.

    Showing an interest might help both of you as you become more familiar with his life and his act.
    This will help you get more involved in his new life and over time it might feel less strange to you.

    Showing that you are actively trying to understand is especially important because if you were to just out of the blue go: “I feel a bit awkward about this”, or: “are you transgender”, it might come across as hostile or even an attack or insult.

    Ask how being a woman makes him feel then, one day ask, as casual as possible if he’d want to be a woman full time.

    If he says yes you can make up your mind about the relationship and if you’d want to continue as a couple or remain friends.

    If he says no but you still feel unhappy about all the changes, sadly ending the relationship might be best.
    Always with love,
    Dannii

     

    Have you got a dilemma you’d like us to answer? Click here to visit our dilemmas page.

     

     

  • FILM REVIEW | Chicklit – a film about Mommy Porn and BDSM!

    FILM REVIEW | Chicklit – a film about Mommy Porn and BDSM!

    ★★★★ | Chicklit

    Four men try to cash in on the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon by writing their own racy novel in order to save a local pub in the new film Chicklit.

    Chicklit
    SWCP

    Set in a small village in Norfolk, the whole town seems to be reading She Came in Chains, a new BDSM book by author Lady Lovelorn, including local newspaper editor David Rose’s (Christian McKay) wife Jen (Caroline Catz).

    So when the local pub is faced with closing unless a buyer can come up with £300,000 to save it, Rose has an idea – why don’t him and his pals write their own racy novel. So he enlists his card game buddies – pub manager Chris (Tom Palmer), school teacher Justin (David Troughton) and local bookstore owner Marcus (Miles Jupp – who owns the bookstore with his partner Geoffrey – James Wilby), to each write their own section of a ‘mommy porn’ novel in the hopes that they can get someone to publish it.

    Well, David contacts London book agents Bonar and Law (John Hurt and Eileen Atkins), who are very interested in representing the book the men have called Love Let Her. They get a publishing deal but with one caveat, they need to have the author available to do book tours and signings. So David enlists his struggling actress sister-in-law Zoe (Dakota Blue Richards) to play the part of the ‘author’ of the book. But with the book becoming a success, it’s harder and harder for them to keep the book’s real authors a secret, and even more so when Zoe starts getting tired of promoting something that is not hers.

    Ii is a cute and funny take on chick literature and how almost anyone with an imagination and a computer can write a saucy novel. Filmed like a 1970’s style television show in a small English village with typical local characters, it’s a film that’s both charming and cute. Hurt and Atkins almost steal the movie as the uproarious book agents while the delightful music of Alex Britten (related to Director Tony Brtten who also wrote the film with Oliver Britten – it’s a family affair), who sings as part of the pub’s house band, adds a nice touch. This film is recommended because it’s cute and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

     

  • INTERVIEW | Judge Rinder

    Robert Rinder swaps his gavel for some dancing shoes as one of the stars for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing. The judge has been delighting ITV’s afternoon audiences for a number of years with his courtroom antics – but will he be able to command respect on the dancefloor?

    Why are you taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year?
    I really love the show and I really love dancing, even though I’m not very good, I’m a private secret dancer and I love to dance. The main reason is as my grandparents get older it’s a show they absolutely love. Although they’ve always been unconditionally proud of me I think there is something magical about being able to take part in something which gives them such joy and escapism especially as they suffer from all sorts of illnesses.

     

    ALSO READ: 11 things you didn’t know about Judge Rinder
    ALSO READ: Benedict Cumberbatch officiates at Judge Rinder and his boyfriend’s wedding.

     

    Which judge do you want to impress the most and why?
    Well I would say Craig Revel Horwood, the only difference is unlike him I’m actually able to raise a judicial eyebrow… But actually, I like to impress them all as I think they’re all amazing. I was a massive fan of Darcey Bussell even before she started Strictly and I’ve seen her in a number of ballets and as a huge fan of hers I’ll be actually quite intimidated to meet her – I’d really like her to say something nice, although I should say something nice as well.

    Have you been given any helpful advice or tips from any previous contestants?
    Yes, Susanna Reid typically told me just to be nice (I looked at her slightly perplexed thinking how on earth am I supposed to do that?) and Rachel Stevens who I grew up with said try to remember the steps and be talented (again that’s alright if you’re Rachel Stevens). She is amazing; she has always been super talented even when she was little. We used to play as kids; we’ve known each other since primary school.

  • CAR REVIEW | Peugeot 108

    Peugeot 108 Lion Cub of Cuteness.

    In times of obesity where the world is getting fatter it’s quite refreshing to see a manufacture continue to make its small car just that; small. Parked next to the last of the 106 generation it is noticeably smaller. Now in its next incarnation, has the Peugeot 108 retained the same cheeky charm of a shopper express of the old 107 or grown to old before its time?

    To answer this you need to look at the options Peugeot gave me. Smart alloys, huge amounts of front cabin space with supportive seats in a tartan type material and reflective edging around the floor mats that make them look electric. All quite funky and up to date for a city car with good Euro Ncap ratings, low emissions and an zippy little engine. They even give this Allure model a 2 tone laser red and raven black paint job with decals. l don’t like that. For the asking price of £285 I’d rather pay the extra for the sunroof, a single colour and keep the change. The problem the Peugeot has over its platform shared Toyota and Citroen siblings is that it is the best looking of the 3 with a hint of maturity and because of this the 2 tone paint job doesn’t work. Where as the others are all ripped jeans and dossing around the park in dirty shoes, the 108 wouldn’t look out of place parked outside the Waldorf hotel in that swanky part of London.

    So overall l am impressed. More so with the fit and finish and build quality. The French have a wonderful reputation of making even the most solid tin can sound flimsy. The 108 was as tightly put together as a solid oak sideboard. The one touch entry and start system was an added bonus too. It’s quite nice not having to scrabble for keys to get in and get away. Even after stalling it at traffic lights the start up was easy. Clutch, button and away you go. It all goes someway to make the little car very easy to drive. The reverse camera (standard on this model) allowed for tight parking.

    Speaking of buttons, the ergonomics of it all but perfect for my lanky frame. Everything fell to hand with ease except the door mirror controls that were too far down on the dashboard and the mirrors themselves were situated too far forward to fold them in without pulling myself far forward from the drivers seat. Being heated, you want to look after them. Door mirrors can be very costly. That said a new unit from Peugeot will cost you £125 plus paint it’s not thee most expensive door mirror to replace if you do get it knocked off.

    Up front there is an abundance of room for you to move around. Despite the dashboards massive intrusion into the cabin there is plenty of leg room around it. Some 9 inches between my knee and the panel. In such a small car that is an impressive figure. What are not so impressive is the sizes for the rear seats. It’s tight in the back. l wouldn’t want to sit behind me. The dash also houses the infotainment system. No satnav on this model which would have been nice. That said it connected to my phone and the music on my android was accessible from the screen. l always thought it was my old phone being the problem however this system worked 100% better than any other. Even those from the Peugeot range have had trouble.

    This small space doesn’t mean a useless boot though. Admittedly it isn’t above the class norm and there is an almighty lip between opening and boot floor. This however is needed to stop items knocking against the all glass tailgate and smashing it to a thousand pieces. Glass tailgates are now quite common. Folding down the rear seat does increase the load some what though you’ll struggle with long items. The sunroof option allows for items to be poked through it. It also opens up the cabin. This model didn’t have the sunroof. My sister has one with it and it is an excellent option. Worth every penny.

    On the move it reveals itself to be a city car with a big attitude. The little 1200cc boasts only 85bhp from 3 cylinders that spin readily until the rev limiter cuts off power abruptly at 6000rpm. Despite that it will give its best to you and its reward you not bad fuel displayed fuel figures for a “spirited” driving style. It doesn’t feel like flogging a dead donkey that is for sure with its wonderful buzzy engine. It won’t win a grand prix but it will make drivers of other cars sweat a little.

    This spirit transfers nicely into a whizzy little car. Push it hard and it’ll over steer when the little 165 section tyres scrabble for traction but the back end won’t let go. Even lifting off mid corner didn’t result in untidy handling. It’s pretty safe and very predictable. And all this is before the traction control has taken over.

    This model was fitted with the crash prevention system. A loud rapid beep emits if it thinks you are going to crash into something in front. Sometimes hit and miss and mostly it alerted me down narrow roads. And if it thinks you really are going to hit something it’ll apply the brakes or even stop. Very handy in a city car at this price. What it does have that is quite useless is lane assist. It does nothing but beep at you. Thankfully you can switch it off permanently.
    As a first car, only car, city car, second car or whatever you want it for, the 108 in its higher spec will fit the bill. Aim high with the 108, have greater aspirations and opt for the highest model as you can like this one. Just add that sunroof to make it a more usable little car. I’d happily have it parked among the Bird fleet of motors.

    Likes
    Road tax exempt
    Nice facia layout
    Keyless entry

    Loathes
    Rear seat space
    2 tone paint theme
    Lane assist

    The Lowdown
    Car – Peugeot 108 Allure 5door
    Price – £11,985 (as tested)
    MPG – 65.7mpg (combined)
    Power – 82 bhp 5750 rpm
    0-62mph – 10.9 seconds
    Top Speed – 106 mph
    Co2 – 99 (g/km)

     

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