Thursday, 20 December 2007

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Antony Cotton

Celeb Grilling - you ask the questions

Antony has to cancel Now’s first appointment as he’s stuck on a flight from LA , but as he sends a huge basket of muffins to the office to say sorry, he’s soon forgiven. We finally get to chat a few days later and, although he insists that he’s really quite shy, he keeps us entertained with risqué anecdotes we couldn’t possibly print in a respectable magazine (sorry!). But, saucy tales aside, he settles down to talk record deals, Christmas dinner and his bezzie mate Joan Rivers…

You’re launching a pub quiz DVD. What’s your general knowledge like?
Amanda Roberts, Birmingham
I actually do a pub quiz with a group of friends at my local the Hare And Hound. I’m good at TV and film, as you’d imagine, but hopeless at sport.

Is it true you’re going to be hosting a TV quiz show?
Lisa, Basingstoke
We’re developing a new quiz for ITV, so it may happen. I can’t say any more than that as it’s very early days, but watch this space.

I voted for you every week on Soapstar Superstar! Any plans for a musical career?
Rebecca Finch, Sunderland
Well, I did actually discuss a record deal with Louis Walsh – there’s an exclusive for Now! – but as I was up to my eyes with Coronation Street and the chat show, I just didn’t have time to do it. But there you go, Rebecca, I’ve given you a little bit of insider information.

What’s been your most embarrassing experience?
Leanne Goss, Cambridge
Auditioning for the musical Rent was the most embarrassing day of my life. The full story’s too long to go into, but trust me, it was awful!

Would you ever quit the UK to go to Hollywood?
Carly Samms, Wiltshire
Well, it’d be difficult still being in Corrie if I left the UK and I don’t want to leave the Street. I have thought about working in LA, though – I think I’d feel quite at home out there.

If you had to choose between your chat show and Corrie, which would win?
Anne Johnson, London
Having my own chat show with my name in the title is very exciting,
but without Coronation Street, I wouldn’t have had the show. My heart will always be in Weatherfield.

Who would you love to have on your sofa?
Mark Elms, Romford
Joan Rivers. She’s a pal of mine and she’s just great – very, very funny, but totally different in real life from her TV persona.

Is it true that you’re a champion tap dancer?
Linda Holness, Exeter
Well, yes. I started off in this business as a dancer. In fact, I was only thinking the other day I should start going for some tap lessons again because it’s a fabulous thing to do.

Do you have a big Corrie Christmas party?
Simon Lords, Redditch
It’s just like everyone else’s Christmas party, I suppose – everyone gets drunk and has a good time.

What would you love to find under your Christmas tree?
Emma, Manchester
A Porsche Boxster. If any readers out there work for a Porsche dealer, please get in touch…

How and where will you be spending Christmas?
Samantha Wright, Hove
At home in Lancashire with my lovely family. As usual, it’ll be a very traditional day – there’ll even be a tablecloth. That’s how you know it’s Christmas in our house: Mum gets out the tablecloth and we eat in the dining room instead of the kitchen.

How do you think you’d fare on I’m A Celebrity…?
Marian, Hammersmith
I couldn’t do that show, never in a million f***ing years! I couldn’t even get to the jungle as I’m terrified of flying. I watch it like any other punter, though. I thought Janice Dickinson was terrific viewing this year.

You always seem so upbeat! What’s your secret?
Leane Dodsworth, Coatbridge
Behind closed doors, I’m quite a shy person. I don’t mean that I sit in a corner staring at the wall, but I’m quite quiet at home.

What’s been your strangest experience with a fan?
Jade, Carlisle
I’ve been sent some corking gifts. I once got sent a cake in a Jiffy bag through the post. You can imagine the state of it when it arrived!

Any New Year’s resolutions?
Gina Corbis, Kidderminster
One – it’s the same every year – and that’s not to make any New Year’s resolutions. Besides, I don’t have any bad habits I need to give up! [Laughs.]

Can you tell us a secret about one of your Corrie co-stars?
Wendy Fordham, Derby
I would never in a million years tell a secret – my lips are sealed.

If you knew the world was about to end, how would you spend your last day?
Paula Gordan, Corby
Oh, I don’t know. I think I’d have everyone I love round at my house and have a nice dinner. It’s quite a depressing thought, though, isn’t it?

Finish this sentence: Antony Cotton is…
Gemma Lipton, Southend
…away. N


Prize Question

What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
Michaela Fletcher, Gwent
This is such a difficult one. Everyone just says: ‘Ooh, I’d go to Buckingham Palace and see what the Queen gets up to!’ If I was invisible for a day I would, oh, I really don’t know… Go to Buckingham Palace and see what the Queen gets up to? [Laughs] No, actually, I tell you what I’d really like to do: go to No 10 Downing Street and find out what Mr Brown really thinks about the war in Iraq.

EMAIL US… WIN £50!
Put your question to the stars. The prize question wins £50.

By Karen Cross