Game Time

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really good couple of week’s. Mine have been quite busy with a few fun things going on. I really did enjoy watching the Tonight at The London Palladium show. That I had been to the recording of on the television. It was brilliant the way they put it all together. It is so clever bearing in mind I know the order in which it was filmed and also how it was shown in the finished programme. And the people who edit it all together are geniuses.

I am going to let you in to a little secret. Although he appeared on the television version. Ronan Keating was not at the recording of it. He must have performed his song on another night. Then they slotted it seamlessly in to this one. Now bearing in mind that I was there on the night it was filmed. When I watched it go out, just for a moment I thought may be he had been there and I had just forgotten about it. That is how slick it was.

Tonight at the London Palladium
Tonight at the London Palladium

The star of the show was undoubtedly Shelia Belton. A ninety-year old who they let sit in the Royal Box. After they had surprised her and made her the stand in Queen for the night. To coincide with Her Majesty’s big birthday. She was funny, lively, confident, cheeky. And as you saw if you watched the show. A really surprisingly good opera singer. She totally made the night for me. I would love to be like her when and if I reach anywhere near that age. Bradley Walsh was brilliant with her. And is a top all round variety host, I think.

He did a great job making the whole thing look effortless and like he was having the time of his life. He is a lovely bloke to. I met him very briefly once backstage after a performance of Ha Ha Holmes at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury. He was there to see his great friend the brilliant Joe Pasquale perform. “Squeaky” as he calls him also makes cameo appearances throughout this current series.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

During the breaks in the filming Bradley tells some great stories about some of their many escapades together. Which are hilarious. I am really looking forward to seeing the rest of show’s.

They have got some great guests on it. Including the celebrity, who was my first ever proper radio interview. The legend and all round top fella that is Tony Hadley. So lovely, friendly and fascinating to chat to.

Tonight at the London Palladium
Tonight at the London Palladium

After being at Aintree Racecourse a few weeks ago. To watch horses jump over some of the biggest fences in the country. Last Monday I went along to the beautiful Windsor Racecourse. To enjoy their first evening flat racing meeting of the season.

It is always a fun night there. And it is some where I plan to take advantage of a few more times over this summer.

Grand National Weekend
Grand National Weekend

I was in the Parade Ring before the first race. Just taking a look at all the horses who were running. When a group of jockeys came out of the weighing room and walked right past me. I have to confess I had forgotten how small some of them are.

Seeing a few of them together dressed in their shiny and brightly coloured silks looked quite cute. If not a little surreal. It made me smile. It is a tough job and they have my total respect for what they do. And what they put themselves through. To maintain their weight and their energy levels. Not to mention the risks they take and the skill that they exhibit.

Windsor Races Winning
Windsor Races Winning

It was a top night of racing. I do like seeing the horses thundering past me on the way to the finish line. I had one pretty decent winner. Which meant I just about broke even. Which I always count as a success on these sort of occasions.

It is a lovely venue right by the Thames. It is a nice little course, so you can easily move between the parade ring and the track without missing any of the action. During the summer evenings. They often have some live acts on after the racing to. Which always adds to the experience and the fun, I think.

Windsor Races
Windsor Races

The other week I was back at the spectacular BBC Radio Theatre in London. Watching two shows of the very long running Radio 4 programme “Quote UnQuote” being recorded. It is celebrating its 40th Birthday this year. Which coincidentally, so am I this December. The show is hosted by Nigel Rees who also devised and created it. There is a panel of four people. Who have to answer questions and queries about certain quotes.

On the way to BBC New Broadcasting House
On the way to BBC New Broadcasting House

At the recording I was at. These included the comedian Arnold Brown and Sir Christopher Frayling. The quotes are read out by the current voice of the football scores. Former Radio 4 announcer Charlotte Green. Who went further up in my estimation. When she admitted that she was a Tottenham fan. As part of the show the guests get to suggest their favourite quotes.

I think mine would have to be “You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t” which was given to us by one of the great philosopher’s of our time Bart Simpson. To be fair the panellists did choose slightly more high brow individuals to take their wise words of inspiration from. It was an amusing and educational evening. As well as being a right good laugh.

BBC Radio Theatre
BBC Radio Theatre

I am a big fan of the Royal Family and the Queen. I think they are an important part of our history. And a tradition and institution that in many ways sets us apart from most other countries in the world. I think they do lots of great work for charity, world relations and also in promoting the United Kingdom to tourists. I appreciate not everyone agrees with this. But this is my website, so my rules.

So I would like to wish Her Majesty a very happy 90th Birthday. Long may your reign continue and please keep doing the amazing job that you are. I watched a great show about the Queen on BBC One. As part of the celebrations. It was her and many members of the Royal Family including Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Anne and some of her cousins. Watching old home videos from her childhood and the early years of her time as our sovereign.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

A couple of things really stood out for me. What an amazing, strong, focussed and clever person she is. But most importantly how she likes to have fun. From an early age you can see that she was happy and energetic. Plus the footage of her and a young Prince Philip show what a great relationship they have together. It also showed how great and hands on they were bringing up their children. Bearing in mind the pressure and the time demands placed upon them.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme. I thought they all came out of it really well. Prince William and Prince Harry were watching it together and they made me laugh several times. They are quite the comedy double act. I would love to meet the Queen or either of the two Princes. May be when I get my Knighthood or MBE in the future. Although I have a feeling meeting them in private in a low key situation could be a lot more fun.

Neil Quigley with FA Cup
Neil Quigley with FA Cup

Last weekend the FA Cup Semi-Finals were at Wembley Stadium. My mate Jeff Nolan is a massive Everton fan. And therefore came to London to see his team play against Manchester United. So I met up with him before and after the game. To get a partial fans experience of the day.

We started off in Kentish Town before making our way to Camden and visiting The Worlds End and The Elephant’s Head. Then he headed off to the game and I headed in to Leicester Square to meet another friend to watch the game with.

London Times
London Times

I was obviously supporting Everton. Mainly because I was going to meet Jeff again later. So I wanted him to be in a good mood. They gave it a go and despite going a goal down, still managed to equalise after missing a penalty. And then lose the game in injury time. Making it an exciting match for the neutral but ultimately disappointing for any Toffee’s fans.

I did see Jeff after the game for a consolation drink at The Albany in Great Portland Street. It was a really enjoyable day with the exception of a two hour segment. When the actual reason for him heading down south was taking place.

London Times
London Times

The digital channel Dave after spending years and years just repeating other people’s shows. Seemingly sometimes on a constant endless loop. Are now making more and more of their own programmes. Last Monday I went along to the Fountain Studios in Wembley. To see a recording of one of these shows. It is a brand new series called Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit. As you will have hopefully gathered from the title of it. It is hosted by the Irish Comedian Dara O’Briain. He is ably assisted by comedian and former gaming journalist Ellie Gibson.

There are two team captains. The video gaming comedians Steve McNeil and Sam Pamphilon. Who basically came up with this idea for the Edinburgh Festival last year. They are then joined by a celebrity each. The teams then compete against each other in five different games. Both classic and brand new ones. The two contestants on the one I was at were Susan Calman and David James. She is less than five foot tall and he is six foot five inches. So it is fair to say. That there was a slight height difference between them. But they are both hugely competitive.

Dara O'Briain
Dara O’Briain at Tring picture courtesy of Adam Hollier Photography

The audience was full of proper gamers. I will be honest I only went for a laugh. And because I like watching TV shows. So before it started I was a bit worried I might be out of my depth. But then the first game they played was a variation of Tetris. So after that point I knew that I would be all right. I do not want to give too much away. But they also played another very old game called Chuckie Egg. Do you remember that one?

The version they played was from the classic ZX Spectrum 128 computer. That was the very first computer that I had as a child. I think my favourite non football related game was Treasure Island. I used to spend hours playing it and never got anywhere near completing it. That was back in the days when computer games came on a tape.

ZX Spectrum 128
ZX Spectrum 128

You had to put them in the cassette player. They took about ten minutes to load. While making a sound somewhere between white noise and what the radio sounds like when you are searching for new stations. The kids today with their instant loading games with amazing graphics. Don’t know they are born.

The show itself was very funny and Dara O’Briain was brilliant. Made the whole thing very enjoyable. And well done to the production team. As all the technology worked perfectly. And there was lots of it that could have gone wrong.

Neil Quigley Presenter
Neil Quigley Presenter

Oh well so unless there is some sort of miracle it does look like Tottenham’s title hopes have gone. And by the time you read this Leicester could have been crowned Premier League Champions. An honour that they fully deserve.

They have had a sensational season. I am very proud of my team. If you had said this is how we would finish at the start of the season. I would have happily taken it. I just hope the club can keep the manager and players all together. And then mount another decent challenge next year.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

I am looking forward to spending a lot more time around New Broadcasting House and the BBC this Summer. I will tell you more about this next time we speak. But it will be an exciting and interesting couple of months.

I was there for a meeting the other week and heard Nick Grimshaw waiting for a lift and saw the legend that is Steve Wright walk right past me. Happy Days.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Sporting Theatre

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really good couple of weeks. Mine have been very busy with lots of fun things going on. So the last time we spoke. If you remember I was going off to see The Gadget Show Live at the Birmingham NEC. It had been quite a while since I had been there. I think the previous time I was there. It was to see a Best Disco In Town concert featuring The Real Thing, George McCrae, KC and The Sunshine Band and a few other random acts from the seventies and eighties perform. For the record it was a good gig.

This visit was however a little bit different. For starters I got the train there this time. I was pretty impressed how quick and easy it was to get from the station to the entrance of the exhibition. I am sure my last visit by car meant a long walk from the car park to get in. Although I am not really hugely in to the latest tools and gadgets. I have to confess it was a pretty impressive site with the amount of pop up stalls and demonstration areas in front of us. When we strolled in to the place.

The Gadget Show Live
The Gadget Show Live

One of the first things we did was queue up to experience the latest in home entertainment sound and vision innovations. A few of the best technology companies in the world had teamed up to create a special mini theatre. In which to show case a brand new home surround sound system called Dolby Atmos. This new set up works with more speakers than any other previous Dolby system, including two that you fit to the ceiling.

So the over all sound can be both subtle and clear. While seemingly coming from all corners of the room. And of course above us to. They showed us some clips on the giant screen to highlight this point. The best one in my opinion was the opening title sequence from the last Mission Impossible film. Featuring Tom Cruise clinging to a plane as it takes off. Fair play that did look and sound absolutely brilliant.

Neil Quigley Presenter
Neil Quigley Presenter

From looking around the rest of The Gadget Show. I can tell you that any mobile phone technology is still huge business. There were lots of suppliers offering that type of thing. Mostly extra battery packs. Which as an I-Phone user I was slightly tempted by. The other two main most popular items on display were Segway’s of varying kinds and about fifty different types, sizes and styles of drones. And 3D virtual gaming seems like the future in that genre.

The bit I enjoyed the most was their own version of Robot Wars. They had a ring just like the old television show. Work benches in view, so you could see the teams building and repairing them. Plus they did have battles taking place between them with full commentary. Seeing that up close you get to see how brutal those battles are. I mean they compete in a completely covered in perspex box. With the Robots controlled by the teams from the safety of the outside. The fights were surprisingly exciting to watch.

The Gadget Show Live
The Gadget Show Live

I had a fantastic day in London the other week. Which involved seeing a recording of the new series of Tonight at The London Palladium. The first one was shown on television last Wednesday. And the one I was at will be shown this coming Wednesday 20th April. I was again brilliantly looked after by the team there. They gave me some great seats to watch the action from. So feel free to play the game of “can you spot me in the audience?”. While you are watching it.

The whole series is hosted by Bradley Walsh. Who is brilliant at it and did a fantastic job. The warm up man, as he is at so many of the shows that I am at was the excellent Andy Collins. He always does a top job getting the crowd involved and entertaining us all between breaks in the action. When they are setting up things on the stage. Also making an appearance on the night was the lovely Joe Pasquale.

Tonight at the London Palladium
Tonight at the London Palladium

The last time I saw him was when I made a cameo appearance in my friend Ben Langley’s Ha Ha Holmes at The Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury. I was dressed in a Beaver costume. And basically my antics caused him to crack up laughing on stage. Which was a very nice moment for me. He did tell me later that when I did a particular thing while on stage. That he was chuckling so much. He thought he might wet himself. It was really good to see him again. He was very funny as always in his little bit of the show.

The episode I was at also featured performances from Diversity. Who just seem to get better and better every time I see them. Their bit was absolutely stunning. The cast of the Kinky Boots musical. Who gave us a glimpse as to why the show had just won at the recent Olivier Awards. The force behind the music and songs for that show Cyndi Lauper not only introduced them on stage but also sang for us later on to. There was a thrilling children’s toy inspired variety act from China on the bill. Plus there were a couple of other special guests and surprises. That I will not spoil for you. I will just let you discover them for yourself.

Tonight at the London Palladium
Tonight at the London Palladium

It was another great evening spent at a brilliant venue in the heart of central London. I did also manage to squeeze in a lovely two course meal before the show. I have a very sweet tooth. So I always like to finish my dinner with a dessert. I couldn’t decide what I fancied. So I noticed that on the menu. They offered a five mini shot glass option. Where you could have five different types of puddings.

The person I was with was happy to give this option a try with me. So that is what we ordered. It was brilliant. There was much more of each dish than I expected. It was also great value for money and less than two of the normal desserts. If you get the opportunity I would say go on and give this option a try, at least once. If you see it on the menu of where you are eating. I was in an Italian themed chain restaurant. If that helps at all.

Grand National Weekend
Grand National Weekend

Last weekend saw one of the annual highlights of my year. As I made the trip up to Liverpool to enjoy the Grand National racing festival. I travelled up on the train on the Thursday afternoon. Before meeting my friend Jeff Nolan. Who lives near to the famous Aintree course. In a local pub for a couple of welcome drinks.

It was full of well dressed race goers. Who had been enjoying the first day’s racing. I do spend a lot of my time in London nowadays and I must admit the second I arrived in to Liverpool city centre. People generally did seem friendlier and much more talkative. Which I did like.

Neil Quigley in Liverpool
Neil Quigley in Liverpool

That evening bizarrely we ended up watching a documentary about Evil Knievel. He is someone I was obviously aware of. And I did have a toy version of him on a motorbike when I was a child. Which I do remember making ramps for. So it could jump over my matchbox car collection. However I have to confess I did not really recall his full back story and many of the world record and stunt attempts that he made.

It was interesting to see how he seemed to change as a person as he became more well known. Also it reminded me how many times he failed and hurt himself. It was nice in the end though to see him when he retired. Still putting on the famous jump suit and acting as more of an ambassador for good and safety. Sort of the American version of the English Green Cross Code man.

Neil Quigley in Car
Neil Quigley in Car

Friday was Ladies Day. The actual day we were going to the famous sporting venue. We started the day properly, as you should with some sausage and bacon sandwiches. Then it was time to get the suits on and head back to the local to meet everyone else. The place was already a hive of activity. Full of smart people. Also out to enjoy all the day had to offer.

After a few drinks. We then walked down towards Aintree itself to enjoy a drink in a pub that is at the entrance of the course. Which has recently changed its name to the Coral Arms. It then suddenly empties out very quickly. As everyone makes their way inside. Ready for the first race of the day.

Grand National Weekend
Grand National Weekend

The place is packed out with people. All just having a good time everywhere you look. They have several massive temporary tents installed specially for the meeting. In them there are bars, giant television screens to keep an eye on all the action and also live music.

After the racing has ended bands such as The Feeling perform on stage there. We of course made sure we headed outside to watch the races. It is an amazing sight seeing that many top class horses thunder by you. On the way to the winning post.

Grand National Weekend
Grand National Weekend

I had a couple of small winners on the day. I do like going down to the course side bookies to try and get the best odds on the horses. I want to back. It is all good fun and never feel guilty when you win. As I am yet to meet a poor book keeper. They always win in the end. After the races had finished we headed back in to the centre of Liverpool to continue the party.

Grand National Weekend
Grand National Weekend

The first place we went to was a lovely little pub hidden away down a side street called the Crack. Which is where John Lennon regularly used to drink when he still lived there. It has an area called the War Room. Which just has one big table in it and is surrounded completely by glass panels. So that was quite a cool place to have a pint. Specially as Lennon would have sat there at some point.

The Crack
The Crack

We visited a few other places including The Jacaranda. Which is another famous pub in the city. Where George Harrison used to drink. And it is also somewhere The Beatles played a lot when they were starting out. It is a pretty cool and chilled place with a jukebox in the corner.

It has been decked out like it was back in the 1960’s. I thought I had been to most of the bars on offer. But the two I have highlighted were places I was enjoying for the first time. And I have been going there for years. That is the great thing about the place. There are always new places to discover.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

On Grand National Day itself. I watched the iconic race from a sports pub on the outskirts of Liverpool. It is always a great occasion and an intriguing race to enjoy. It was great to see two talented exceptional female jockeys Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry riding in it. It is always nice to when all of the horses and jockeys are safe at the end of it. I did not manage to pick the winner this year though.

Grand National Weekend
Grand National Weekend

But I did have the fourth place horse “Gilgamboa” as an each way bet at 66-1. So I did at least get some money back from the race. Jeff had the winner and was celebrating his victory like he was the trainer or the owner of it. I like the way the jockey David Mullins younger brother seemed to be crying for joy for about the next hour or so after the race.

Grand National Weekend
Grand National Weekend

The day after the National before I came home. We took a walk up to Aintree. To have a look at the areas of the course that we could see from outside. Famously the race crosses the Melling Road. On race day it is lined with sand. So the horses can go over it without damaging themselves and so it is a similar feel to the grass on the rest of the course.

The day after the sand had been cleared away and the road re-opened. So Jeff and I were standing on the Melling Road and looking down to the first fence. Which from our vantage point looked massive and terrifying. With that final look at one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. It was time to head home. Another successful weekend. I am already looking forward to going back there for next year’s event.

Grand National Weekend
Grand National Weekend

In other news the mighty Tottenham Hotspur are still battling hard to the end and trying to win as many points as possible. To stay in touch with the outright Premier League leaders Leicester. Who I really still can’t see slipping up. Mind you. if you had asked me at the start of the season. If I would have settled for second place and Champions League qualification. It would have been a resounding yes from me. Still enjoying it and proud of them.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Flash Bang Wallop

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really good couple of week’s. Mine have been quite busy with a few fun things going on. Last time we spoke. I was telling you about the brilliant St Patrick’s Day I spent in Waxy O’Connor’s in London. Well it actually got even better a few days later.

On the day I was putting a few photos up of me enjoying myself at the pub on my Twitter page and of course was tagging the venue in to. So I was both surprised and delighted to receive a tweet from my favourite Irish drinking establishment in the Capital. Telling me that I had won a special goody bag in their St Patrick’s Day competition.

St Patrick's Day
St Patrick’s Day

I will be totally honest with you. I had no idea I had actually entered a competition or that they were even running one. It was only when I looked back through their Twitter. That I discovered they were encouraging people to send them pictures of the day. For the chance to grab a prize pack. They were really nice people to deal with. They are a really great team in there. It was agreed that I would go in and collect my prize from them the Saturday after the big day itself.

It was not until I walked in to the place at the arranged time. That I realised Ireland were playing Scotland in the Six Nations Rugby. So needless to say it was totally packed. I treated myself to a Guinness and made my way to the main bar to speak to Caitlin and Sean, the management team. When I found them. They were fantastic. Despite the bar being absolutely heaving with people. They still went and got the goods and gave them to me straight away. Firstly of course pausing for a quick photograph to mark this great moment.

Waxy O'Connor's
Waxy O’Connor’s

The goody bag contained a bottle of Jameson Whiskey with some branded metal measures and tumblers. A Guinness hat, and some comedy shamrock green sun glasses. Plus my favourite part. Two of the Waxy O’Connor rugby shirts that the staff wear. One in black and the other in green. Now I have secretly wanted one of these for years.

And I now own a couple of them. It is great to have some cool mementos from my favourite London Pub. I am thinking of may be wearing one of the shirts next time I go there. Then just quickly hopping behind their bar. Pretending that I am a member of staff and pouring myself a nice pint of the black stuff.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

I have since found out that Shane Lynch from Boyzone was also in there on the day to. I did not see him on St Patrick’s Day but I have met him before. Many years ago I helped host a live music event in Great Missenden with Richard Carr. I think that may have been the one and only time we worked together on stage as a double act. It was after Shane had left Boyzone the first time round. He was performing with a band called Redhill. I got to meet him and have a quick chat with him just before the gig. He was lovely, friendly and very relaxed.

The only other things I remember about this event are. It was staged managed by the same man who had been doing that same job for Steps last tour. And the other presenter working with us was from the ITV Children’s show Diggit. All I can remember is that she was female but I can’t remember her name. It was a good fun evening though. To be fair any time when I have a microphone in my hand and I am on a stage. That is always good evening.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

The other weekend my former boss from when I was working at Ivel fm in Yeovil, Steve Carpenter. Was up from deepest darkest Somerset to do a DJ set at a very high class event at the Hilton Park Lane in London. So I went along there to see him for a nice chat and a bit of a catch up. Before he was required to entertain the invited guests. It was all very showbiz, as you would imagine. First we grabbed a nice cup of tea in the performers green room area with the band and dancers. Who were also on the bill.

There were plenty of feathers and sparkle around backstage, mostly supplied by the dancers. We then nipped down to the Traders Bar at the hotel for a quick drink before showtime. It was brilliant to see him. It was nice to reminisce about old times and talk about the future and upcoming plans. I did have lots of fun and memorable moments, while I was working in the West Country. Then he headed off to do his thing behind the decks and I headed off home.

Neil Quigley with Steve Carpenter in Yeovil
Neil Quigley with Steve Carpenter in Yeovil

While I was there before the guests arrived I managed to have a quick look in the room and hear the sound check. It all sounded and looked great. He has performed all other the world and is a class act.

I remember once Steve and I headlined a big gig in a field in Yeovil. After a fun disco concert night with live performances from Odyssey, The Real Thing and Gwen Dickey. Not a bad little show line up to close in front of thousands of people. Another brilliant night, just messing about and having fun on stage!

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

I mentioned previously about my friend’s series of Radio Plays called The Andy Holmes Angle. There are six in total and I feature in two of them. The first of which was released a few weeks ago. And the second one this week. I have quite a big part in the previous story. But in this latest one I have a little cameo role. Playing a radio presenter, ironically. So therefore hopefully not testing my acting ability too much.

The latest episode is called “Video Killed The Radio Star”. Which weirdly and I promise you this is totally true. Used to be my mobile phone ring tone for many years. If you would like to listen to it and see if you can spot my very brief appearance as a guest star. Here is the link to it. Just click on it to play it. Video Killed The Radio Star

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

I am not going to lie I am still very excited about the end of the football season. I can’t see Leicester City slipping up currently. They look like they have just forgotten how to lose. But with Tottenham Hotspur in second anything could still happen. So I might still see my team win the league for the first time in my lifetime. Which would be pretty cool, to say the least.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

It was also nice to see the Spurs players helping England to beat Germany in Berlin. I know it was only a friendly, still a win is a win. And personally I enjoyed seeing my team’s stars shining for the National team.

I am even starting to dream of potential Euro 2016 success. What is that famous quote about the England Team? Oh yes that is it. “It is the hope that kills you”. Then we went and lost to Holland at Wembley a few days later of course. So point proven there. I guess!

England
England

I had a nice and relaxing Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. I just watched the England game on television on the Saturday. Then I had a nice family roast dinner with my parents on the Sunday. Here is the really impressive bit then. I only had one Easter Egg. It was an Orange Matchmaker one and I have to say it tasted amazing. I even managed to avoid having any hot cross buns to.

As Easter breaks go it was a relatively healthy one for a change. It was an hour shorter this year. As the clocks went forward in the early hours of last Sunday morning. I hope you remembered and were not late for any appointments or for work as a result of these changes. The best thing about being tired due to a lack of sleep from the lost hour. Is that it does mean the evening’s will be staying lighter later. Which is always a bonus I think. More day to work with.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

So today it is the last in the current series of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. When they will be doing the whole show live from a cruise ship in Barcelona full of competition winners. I mean what can possibly go wrong.

I think it has once again been a great run. As the programme is so popular and entertaining. It is getting harder for them to come up with new fun stuff that has not already been done before. And like all productions of course some things work better than others.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

But it never fails to make me laugh out loud. With the two Geordie’s the perfect ringmasters at the centre of the circus. I really enjoyed being there in the audience for show three. It was interesting to see behind the scenes. Seeing what it is like in the studio. As opposed to what you see when you are sat at home watching.

The atmosphere there is brilliant. The audience are kind of the heartbeat of the show. That the two presenters and the guests all feed off. And the eagle eyed people amongst you will also know that it did give me a little bit of Saturday night prime time screen time. Including a few shots of me dancing to Little Mix’s Black Magic.

Saturday Night Takeaway
Saturday Night Takeaway

Next week sees the return of Britain’s Got Talent to Saturday night’s for the auditions stage. Which does mean we will still get our weekend fix of Ant & Dec. I went and saw one of the London recordings.

Brace yourself then for the normal selection of terrible acts and amazing performers. Plus those random and unbelievable moments when the judges put someone through seemingly just for a laugh. Or possibly because they can see something that I am pretty sure that the rest of the country will not be able to see.

BGT London
BGT London

It is good fun entertainment. So just remember none of the performers are there against their will. Some of them will already know they are awful but are doing it for a laugh or just to get on television.

Stick with it and remember normally for the final they will find at least five really good acts. That all said, I think I did see at least two or three acts at my audition alone. That I would expect to see in the last show. And who could actually win it.

BGT London
BGT London

Tomorrow I am going to the NEC in Birmingham for the Gadget Show Live. I have never been before, so I do not really fully know what to expect. I imagine that there will be lots of stands with some amazing new bits of as yet unreleased top technology on. Hopefully that I can test and try out for myself. I have never been someone who is at the forefront of new gadgets and technology.

I even resisted getting a mobile phone for ages at first. And I was one of the last of my mates to get one. I do not own a tablet of any kind. And I would rather read old school paper books than use a new electrical device for them. But who knows I could well find a new passion for flash new tools after a couple of hours wandering around, trying the goods and talking to the makers. I will let you know how it was and what life changing items I purchased while I was there. In the next instalment on here.

Neil Quigley TV Radio & Live
Neil Quigley TV, Radio & Live

I am very excited to be heading up to Liverpool next weekend. For the Aintree Grand National Horse Racing meeting. This will be the third time that I have been there for the event. It is brilliant, the atmosphere is top quality and everyone dresses up and makes a real effort. So needless to say my best suit has already been dry cleaned and is ready for action.

Our big day at the races tends to be Ladies Day. Which is on the Friday. This is the day I will actually be at Aintree. It is a quality day from the start to the finish. And it is fair to say the whole of Liverpool is rocking once the days racing is over.

My mate lives near the course. And when I see him during non Grand National times. We always have a drive down the famous Melling Road. The one that the famous National course crosses over. It will be a lively and exciting three days. That is for sure. Last year I had the National winner in a sweepstake. I am hoping to repeat this feat once again this time round. Fingers crossed.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.