Latest Homes Sussex magazine

Ricky and Bianca may back in Walford, but Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen prefer the sea air

Sussex is fast becoming one of the most talked about Celeb housing counties – take one week in the news for example. Hove based Heather Mills-McCartney (soon to become Mills again) literally blasted the media in a quite spectacular outburst whilst perched on the GMTV sofa. (If you didn’t get to see it then you can log onto gm.tv – it is worth it). This of course caused unprecedented tabloid coverage on exactly what Heather was trying to stop. Heather is now trying to pass a bill in the European Parliament to make the British press more transparent about their sources when they print stories. She claims to be a victim of a hate campaign by the media as well – of course we all have opinions on the press in this country, but sometimes maybe it is better to keep a demure silence!

Also in the headlines was the welcome return of two sorely missed characters in BBC1’s Eastenders. Ricky and Bianca first appeared in 1993 and were played by actors Sid Owen – who has just moved to Rottingdean (where I live and now see all the time in Tesco Metro!), and Patsy Palmer who lives in Brighton. The couple who had a traumatic break up which culiminated in one off special – having millions glued to the screen. Ricky returned to Walford in 2002 but moved on again in 2004. In real life Sid learned how to cook, wrote a book and lived in France, while Patsy married and bought up three children. The couple are likely to appear on screen later this year – we can’t wait!

Finally top tv chef Jamie Oliver is to bring his new venture to the tastebuds of Sussex. Pukka Pasta will open in Brighton’s Lanes in July 2008, the restaurant will be serving Italian food from £5 to £8. We are told that he will be incorporating high quality ingredients plus fresh bread baked on the premises daily by artisan bakers! The location is Black Lion Street and the restaurant will be part of a new development by Karis (the peeps behind the proposed King Alfred Development in Hove).

Jo Brooks is director of Brighton-based PR company JBPR Ltd
01273 622555, www.jb-pr.com

Celebsussex with Jo Brooks: Who are the biggest names living in Sussex? We find out where the stars live

Welcome to the shiny, new celebrity column for the whole of Sussex. Now you can read all about of your famous neighbours in Celeb Sussex. Let’s face it, we all like to know what’s been going on in the lives of the rich and famous and this column’s aim is to keep you right up to date.

If you spot a famous face walking up Horsham High Street, pushing a trolley around Waitrose in Burgess Hill, or looking for bargains in T K Maxx, Worthing, then I want to know about it.

If you run a business and have a good story connected to a celebrity, then I also want to hear from you! Get your business mentioned and email me at: info@jb-pr.com. Don’t forget to take a picture! To get things started, this month let’s take a look at my current top ten Sussex-based celebs.

1. Jack Dee, comedian

The straight-faced funnyman and one-time winner of Celebrity Big Brother lives near Chichester with his wife, Jane, and four children. Locals in the area report that they are yet to see him crack a smile.

2. Heather Mills, charity campaigner

The ex-missus of ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. Over the last year Hovebased Heather has been in and out of the papers more times than a former Big Brother contestant falls in and out of limos outside nightclubs! With her high-profile divorce case, tireless campaigning for animal rights charity PETA, and recent appearance on hit American show Dancing With The Stars, this Sussex sexpot’s life is anything but boring!

3. Bryan Ferry, singer

Not a lot of people know this, but the Roxy Music frontman now lives in Sussex with his girlfriend Katie. Another little-known fact is that Ferry’s father was called Fred and was a farmer who also used to look after pit ponies.

4. Chris Evans, broadcaster

The ginger millionaire recently married part-time model Natasha Shishmanian, and I’m pleased to report the pair have since built a lovely love nest in mid-Sussex.

5. Holly Willoughby, TV presenter

Fresh-faced Miss Willoughby, who was born and raised in Brighton, also recently tied the knot with producer Dan Baldwin, who she met while working as a presenter on kids show Ministry Of Mayhem. The ceremony took place at Amberley Castle in beautiful West Sussex.

6. Norman Cook, DJ

Brighton’s very own superstar DJ – better known as Fatboy Slim – lives on Hove seafront with wife, Zoe Ball, surrounded by celebrity neighbours. His young son isn’t a celebrity yet, but chances are, that with a name like Woody Cook, he will be one day!

7. Natasha Kaplinksy, broadcaster

Thinking man’s crumpet Natasha lives in the wilds of mid-Sussex with her investment banker husband Justin Bower, just a short commute from her job reading the Six O’Clock News each night. Interesting fact: she was actually brought up in rural Barcombe and, at the age of 16, attended Varndean College in Brighton.

8. Nick Cave, musician

Aussie singer and rock god Nick Cave leads the group Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, with a wild reputation that has garnered him legions of fans worldwide. He has recently swapped the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for a peaceful existence in coastal Rottingdean.

10. Greta Scacchi, actress

The star of hit film White Mischief now lives near Ditchling.

It looks like more celebs could be hitting a high street near you soon, as rumours surround certain A-listers looking to buy places in Sussex at the moment. The hot one at the moment is Robbie Williams – has he or hasn’t he got a place in Crowborough? Let me know if he is your neighbour! Also actor Jude Law, most famous for his roles in The Talented Mr Ripley and Alfie, has been spotted several times around Lewes, looking for property. I will keep you posted on that one as the story unfolds.

Until next time, keep spotting and don’t forget to send any celeb sightings in to info@jb-pr.com