Hughie And Paula

In 1997, controversial TV star Paula Yates discovered that her true father was not, as she had believed, disgraced television personality Jess Yates, but the man who had destroyed his career--Hughie Green. Devastated, she approached Green's son, Christopher, in an effort to unravel the mystery behind her two 'fathers'. Hughie Green was a huge showbiz figure and probably the first star of British TV. His show, Opportunity Knocks, launched the career of Les Dawson and many others. Christopher Green's investigation, which forms the heart of this extraordinary book, uncovered many of the dark and deeply buried secrets that Paula Yates, tragically, never lived to hear.

In 1997, controversial TV star Paula Yates discovered that her true father was not, as she had believed, disgraced television personality Jess Yates, but the man who had destroyed his career - Hughie Green. Devastated, she approached Green's son Christopher, in an effort to unravel the mystery behind her two fathers. Hughie Green was a huge showbiz figure and probably the first megastar of British TV. His show, Opportunity Knocks, launched the career of Les Dawson and many others. Christopher Green's investigation, which forms the heart of this book, uncovered many of the dark and deeply buried secrets that Paula Yates, tragically, never lived to hear.

Helene Thornton has lived a life of unequalled passion and hartache. In her fascinating memoirs she gives the definitive account of her daughter Paula Yates really was. From frail, lonely schoolgirl to voluptuous star of the stage and screen, wife, mother, lover, author and artist, in this dramtic autobiography. After a tough childhood in bleak post-war Blackpool where she suffered from bouts of debilitating sickness, at the hands of cruel bullies and from the impact of her mother's mential illness, Helene blossomed into a renowned beauty and went on to win Miss Blackpool 1954 where she first encountered TV producer and presenter Jess Yates. Joining the famous dancing troupe the Bluebell Girls, Helene toured Europe where she broke hearts and honed her dancing and acting skills before being reunited with Jess and embarking on a whirlwind and frequently steamy romance. After mere months, however, the fairy-tale marriage took a sinister and violent turn with Helene discovering one too many of Jess' secrets, and was forced to leave her husband with baby Paula in tow, as she battled life as a single mother, roaming Britain and then Europe in search of happiness and fulfillment. Writing candidly about the difficult mother-daughter relationship, Helene reveals her anguish at Paula's unsettled infancy and early signs of mental illness. She sets the record straight about one of Britain's best-loved - but least understood - stars, fondly recalling Paula's joy on meeting Bob Geldof, and writing of the childhood incidents that formed her relationships with family, friends and assoicates and the press. For the first time, she discusses the circumstances that lead to the revelation that Paula's true father was Hughie Green, and discloses the identities of some of her most cherished lovers. Explosive, moving, frank, but above all honest, Big Girls Don't Cry is a no-holds-barred account of the exciting highs and gut-wrenching lows of a life lived to a full.

Belinda Brewin has experienced more in her life than most people ever will. Never far away from trouble, she recently made the headlines when, having started a new job, her boss and his family were murdered and, in a sickening twist of fate, the prime suspect turned out to be the man who claimed to be in love with her. Even more disturbingly, it transpired that the bodies of the victims had been temporarily buried in her back garden.By the time the book is published, Belinda will have given evidence as a key witness at the trial. Her colourful life has also included being best friend and confidante to Paula Yates, being arrested with a car boot full of cocaine and subsequently being exonerated at her trial. This is a breath-taking and scandalous read.

Here are the facts, divulged in painful and deeply moving detail, and told with an intimacy that could only be disclosed by one caught in the centre of the storm.

“An illustrated history of good old-fashioned entertainment from names like Tessie O’Shea, George Formby, and the early days of Bruce Forsyth.” —Yours As one of the richest sources of diversion for the people of Britain between the end of the First World War and the 1960s, the variety theater emerged from the embers of music hall, a vulgar and rambunctious entertainment that had held the working classes in thrall since the 1840s. Music hall bosses decided they would do better business if a man going to theaters on his own could take his wife and children with him, knowing they would see or hear nothing that would scandalize them. So variety, a gentler, less red-blooded entertainment was gradually established. At the top of the profession were Gracie Fields, a peerless singer and comedienne, and Max Miller, a comic who was renowned for being risqué, but who, in fact, never cracked a dirty joke. They were supported by acts that matched the word variety: ventriloquists, drag artists, animal acts, acrobats, jugglers, magicians and many more. But the variety theater was constantly under threat, first from revue, then radio, the cinema, girlie shows, the birth of rock ’n’ roll and finally television. By the end of the 1950s, the variety business seemed to have given up, but the recent and extraordinary popularity of talent shows on television has proved the public appetite is still there. Variety could be about to start all over again. “A priceless record of the people who entertained several generations between the wars and, for a brief time, after WWII . . . thoroughly entertaining.” —Books Monthly

Revealing himself to be a consummate storyteller, stage and screen star Everett ("My Best Friend's Wedding") pens a delightfully witty memoir in which he reveals his life experiences as an up-and-coming actor, detailing everything from the eccentricities of the British upper class to the madness of Hollywood.

An affectionate look at some of the worst recordings ever made, The World’s Worst Records tells the extraordinary but true stories behind some of the most appalling audio crimes ever committed. Extensively researched, and featuring music by major stars, ‘outsider’ artists and almost forgotten singers and songwriters, read about how Elvis Presley came to record a rock ‘n’ roll version of the nursery rhyme Old Macdonald; discover the truth behind actor Peter Wyngarde’s one attempt at pop immortality; meet the beautifully bonkers Florence Foster Jenkins – possibly the most deluded singer in history; fi nd out which Paul McCartney record is most hated world over. Puzzle over why 60’s flower-power icon Donovan would record a song about the toilet habits of astronauts.