Celebcity: Annabel Giles in the jungle, Rod Stewart to play The Amex & the hunt is on for Brighton’s future stars

Alone time?

So, the rumours were true! Brighton-based former model and TV presenter Annabel Giles was a late addition to ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… this year. Giles, who was once married to Ultravox’s Midge Ure, has made no secret of her desperation to land a spot on the programme, writing on her blog in 2011: “I nearly got ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ last year; if I had, I’d be home and dry as it could have kick-started the old career and brought in the big bucks…Maybe this year…”

Last week her dreams were answered as she was announced as a late arrival in the jungle alongside Strictly Come Dancing’s Vincent Simone. Commenting on her upcoming jungle ‘ordeal’ Annabel explained: “It’s a chance to have some me time. It is a weird way to have ‘me’ time but actually, I do think it will be better than going to a health spa… as I couldn’t bear lounging around in towelling dressing gowns. This will be exciting for me.” Quite. The Brightonian joins celebs such as Joey Essex, Matthew Wright and Amy Willerton, who won Sky Living’s show Signed by Katie Price in 2011. Willerton also has a tenuous Brighton link, having been planning to study Media at Brighton University before she was crowned Miss Bristol back in 2010. That’s reason enough for us to support the Katie-Price-reject- come-Miss-Universe-GB alongside Ms Giles; Brighton ladies for the win!

Seann meets royalty
One of our favourite comedians (and former Latest 7 columnist) Seann Walsh is going to make his debut on the Royal Variety Performance! Seann will be joined by fellow comedians Jason Byrne and Hal Cruttenden, with performances by Gary Barlow, Mary J Blige and Chas and Dave. The show will be on our screens in December.

Rod set to rock The Amex
The legend that is Rod Stewart has been confirmed as the next name to play Brighton’s Amex Stadium, and we couldn’t be more excited! Rod the Mod’s 50th anniversary tour follows the groundbreaking Fatboy Slim Big Beach Bootique 5 gigs, which christened the stadium as a music venue last year. And if BB5 is anything to go by, this will be massive! The ‘Handbag And Gladrags’ singer, who has sold over 100 million records worldwide, is clearly a big fan of the city, having released nostalgic single ‘Brighton Beach’ earlier this year. Discussing the up-coming tour – which will hit Brighton on 13 Friday June 2014 – Rod explained: “A lot’s happened for me both professionally and personally since I last played these locations and I’m delighted to be coming back. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m looking to make my return something people will remember.” He then added: “It will be quite emotional singing ‘Brighton Beach’ in the place where it all happened. That will be such a special moment.” Make sure you’re there to share it; tickets are selling fast! From £55, online at www.ticketline.co.uk

Brighton’s got talent

Last week saw the Britain’s Got Talent team make their final stop in their preliminary rounds of the UK at dear old Brighton. Knowing the whole host of talent our city has churned out over the years (Katie Price? Frankie Cocozza? Come on, people…) it came as no surprise that there was a queue of hopefuls lining the pavement for the chance to audition. Although there was no sign of judge Simon Cowell, whose mother reigns as Ovingdean’s most famous resident (sorry Steve Coogan), our local stars were keen to break a leg – and a whole host of other limbs – by warming up outside. Auditionees will find out whether they’ve made it onto the show before February next year – then it’s time to face the judges. Watch this space!

Have you spotted a celeb in the city? comment@thelatest.co.uk

Jo Brooks is director of Brighton-based PR company JBPR Ltd, 01273 622555, www.jb-pr.com
Send celebrity spots, gossip and pictures to job@jb-pr.com
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