The Holly Johnson Day

Yes, this was one frighteningly exciting day.

I used to have a boyfriend that worked on the Richard and Judy Show. He told me that the Mavericks were going to appear on the show the following week. As I had recently become a bit of a fan of the Mavericks, I arranged to go to London so I could perhaps meet them in the Green Room after they’d been on air.

When the day came, I packed my Mavericks CD’s (so I could get them autographed), and off I went.

So there I am, in the Green Room of the Richard and Judy Show, awaiting the arrival of the Mavericks with baited breath.

I sit watching the Producers, Floor Managers and Camera Crew as they are buzzing around and chatting about the morning show:

“Holly Johnson’s gonna be arriving in about 30 minutes” says one of the crew.

My eyes widen – had I just heard that right? Holly Fucking Johnson, of Frankie Goes to Hollywood fame? No way, this couldn’t be happening…

‘Errrrr you mean Holly Johnson is on the show today’? I ask with panic in my voice.

‘Yeap‘ trills the girl.

‘Oh my god’ I reply.

The crew look at me, smile sweetly, then carry on with their chat about the schedule…

My face starts burning, and my heart starts beating like drum. The massive 80’s icon Holly Johnson is appearing on the show today? ‘Christ I think I need an ambulance’ I thought. This is nearly as scary as being told Madonna is about to walk through the door.

So next thing I know, the Mavericks arrive – it’s all very pleasant, they sign my albums, then one of them actually sings an old Beatles song to me.

Now, I wait with anticipation, the great man Holly Johnson is going to arrive any time now. Perhaps I might catch a glimpse.

What will I do if he comes in the room??? I suddenly become terrified – and for safety, I move into the corner and sit with a magazine. ‘This is a good place to hide, and I can pretend I have no interest in him!’

Then it happens – Holly Johnson walks in. I immediately place the magazine firmly in front of my face… The crew have a few words with him, then LEAVE HIM. Leave him. Yes they leave him - went off do their floor managing etc and LEAVE HIM, alone with me…

This was heart attack material…

He looks across at me and says ‘Hi’

‘Oh hi’ I say, peering over the top of the magazine, like I’d only just realised he was there.

‘I’m thinking of going up to the canteen in a bit’ he says.

‘Oh right’ I say

‘Yes – what’s the food like?’ he replies.

‘I don’t know actually, I’ve never been to the canteen, I’m just visiting for the day’ I say.

‘Oh I see - has anyone ever told you that you look like Caroline Aherne?’

‘Errr, no I can’t say they have’ I reply and start to smile…

‘Yes you really do – it’s amazing!’ he says grinning.

I laugh, not really believing I’m having small talk with an 80’s icon.

At this point I realised that Holly Johnson is human, and he is talking to me like I’m one of his neighbours or something!

He starts to wander towards the door

‘Anyway I think I’ll go and try out the canteen – see you later!’

He smiles and walks out.

At this point I’m completely elated and flabbergasted that I have just chatted to the wonderful Holly Johnson, and wonder why I never actually owned one of those ‘Relax’ T-shirts back in the 80’s…

Holly me old pal, – if you ever read this, I’d love it if you popped over for afternoon tea one Sunday…