Your nominations wanted: TV events of the year

Hi! Am I first this time then? I should be, because I posted on the old link and had it thrown back in my face.

How ungracious of you, Eva. What you meant to say was, Thank you, Scott-dear, for our new home & for anticipating the Loppy wish to see Lee represented in the poll. May I also nominate Andrew Lloyd-Webber for utilizing the TV medium in a way that has had such far-reaching effects on the theatre? Not only has he discovered the extraordinary talents of Lee Mead & Connie Fisher, but he has been instrumental in developing the careers of people like Daniel Boys & the other Any Dream Will Do contestants (as well as the Marias). Love him or hate him, you can't deny his impact.

Good,- I like being first ( amongst equals, of course.
Scott dear,- thank you for our new home. You are lovely. So you want our help with nominations for TV Event of the year. Since you already have ADWD on your list,- of course you do,- where else has GO appearde. Two Performances of CiN and one on SCD springs to mind. It is a pity that radio interview where the DJ wanted to wrap him up for his wife can't be nominated, because that was so funny. It was lovely to hear him so relaxed, and the DJ did a splendid job.
THE ALBUM !!!! It came this morning just as I was leaving the house. I almost kissed the postman. He looked quite scared, poor man. I had plenty of time to listen, because I circled the hospital car parks for 45 minutes without finding anywhere to park!!! If I hadn't had Lee to listen to, I would have gone up in smoke from sheer frustration. In the end I just left. My appointment had come and gone by then.
My verdict: Make It With You is still my absolute favourite, closely followed by When I Need You The Most (this one is a seroius swoon number!). In my youth (oh, so long ago) this would have been one for the last dance at the village hall Saturday dance !! Why Can't We Make Things Work is slowly growing on me. I just don't like the beginning. PiB and GMYAS are up there with the best. The rest I think need some more listening to. What a chore that is going to be!!!
Scott dear,- just had another thought for Best TV moment : When Kate was booted off SCD last night !!! That was great TV!!!

Geri,- I knew you were trying to butt inn, so I beat you to it. And I did thank Scott dear.( Don't you nick that phrase either. IT'S MINE !!!!!)

Woke really early and in tears again, too much excitement? Afraid the postie wouldn't be bringing the CD? Sad 'cause there were two tickets on offer on LMAS for the Dorchester and it wasn't me wot went?
Spent time waiting composing a little lyric for a Loppy song, not in your class Geri (and unseasonal but having just seen the Heart Award p'raps not, and always a fav of mine) here goes:

Our singing Valentine
Sweet Lee Mead Valentine
You make us smile with the heart
Your face is magical
So photographical
Your'e our favourite work of Art
The mould you came from was Greek
Those blue eyes, they leave us weak
We melt to hear you speak
From the Heart, (You're so smart)
Don't change a hair of thee
We wish Fame was carefree
Stay sweet Mead Valentine, Stay
Each day is Valentine's Day

Thanks for all the posts, this is turning out to be a Great Day GOT MY CD!!!! Insert inspired. Songs just totally Himself (need one say more?)
What super photos with his parents. He got a major award, was there any doubt his fellow artists wouldn't recognise THAT talent!!!

Hello Scott, lovely to hear from you, thank you and excuse please getting that fangirly bit down first.

My friend is so funny - she just sent me a text asking if I had seen Lee on SCD she said he was 'very good', I then replied and then the next text said 'I may want to borrow your CD sometime. He has a very good voice' BORROW MY CD!! Is she mad??!! I wouldn't part with it - she can buy her own!! Actually its an acheivement for her to say he is 'very good' as in all the twenty odd years I have known her she has never followed any pop star or film star so another potential Loppy!!

Just came across the attached on BBC News site in the Entertainment section - funnily enough it was the picture of GO that drew my attention to the article!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7098837.stm

Thanks once again for rehousing us Scott. Now, TV event of the year... hmmmm... that's a tricky one!!!!

Now Geri and Eva behave yourselves - stop squabbling! Really!

Scott dear - thank you for the new site.

Very, very frustated - I had a Doctor's appointment this morning, so nipped into Tesco's before hand for the CD - Nothing! (Hope you have better luck Ali B.)
And yes Karen, I was calling from the waiting room!

Then went to chemist with persrciption and waited 25mins to be told they hadn't got everything I needed. Rather ungraciously I asked them to give me the items they had, and as I sat down to wait again familiar chords came over the radio - GMYAS! Suddenly all frustration gone, and hoping they're going to take a little bit longer to get my stuff. In the end I had to make a show of checking through the bag so I could listen to the whole track. And the DJ (female) was really complimentary about Lee in CinN - she called him lovely. Needless to say I left with a big smile on my face.

So now I'll have to try to get the CD after work.

Diana - hope you're finger is OK

Shirley - my tag is in the post too

Now, I may be a little biased by the fact that I'd *quite* like to marry Julian Barratt, but the return of The Mighty Boosh actually felt like an 'event'. There haven't been many shows this year which have generated such excitement so I think it's definitely worth acknowledging.

I'd also mention the meeting of the two Doctors on Children In Need - that's *definitely* an event, right?!

Doctor Who and Boosh... who'd have thought I'd suggest those, eh?!

Anna

Wow Vali - yet another talented poetic Loppy!

Thanks for the link Fiona

@Loppies: if you want to spread the word of Lee's album to anybody who buys from the iTunes store, just send them this link: http://tinyurl.com/24ytv2 (it'll open in iTunes if you have it installed).

@AnnaWaits: Good choices. The appeal of the Boosh eluded me for so long, but I did enjoy the first episode of Series 3, so maybe there's hope for me yet...

Thanks for that, Scott. You do take good care of us!

Vali, loved your song. Think we'll have to become a quartet of lyricists!

The following link is worth a look -- particularly picture #30:
http://showbiz.sky.com/showbiz/article/0,,50001-1293351,00.html

Oh Scott dear,- you clever, clever man. THE ALBUM is now winging it's way to Chile via iTunes. The family thank you.

Hi Scott

Ah, I think I get the rules of this game now. It's permissable for Lee's fans to 'hijack the enterprise' but not Richard's. Okaaay.

Come on. TV production companies, as well as actors, actively court fan following - it helps the ratings. And who is to say whether online support or columnists' opinions are the more accurate reflection of something or someone's popularity or worth?

By all means use a mechanism to limit it to 'one person, one vote' but don't deny the validity of a swell of public feeling - whether it's directed at Mead, Armitage or anyone else.

@Barbara: It's permissable for Lee's fans to 'hijack the enterprise' but not Richard's. Okaaay.

Nowhere did I say that. What I do want to do is ensure that any end-of-year poll we conduct reflects the interests of as wide an audience as possible. The write-in element we had last year did not really achieve that -- to the extent that some Richard Armitage fans were nominating him for 'unsung hero' when, in fact, his praises had been substantially sung throughout 2006.

Any end of year poll we do this year will be structured slightly differently, to make 'gaming' of the system less likely and the resultant outcome fair to all.

I see 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria' is up for an Emmy in Non-Scripted Entertainment. I wonder what the timescale for entries is? Our family found 'Joseph' superior in terms of talent and production (not to mention the outcome). to take anything away from Coonie et all. Very good luck to 'Maria' and all who were launched thereby in our wonderful British MT. Looking forward to the upcoming Maria meets Joseph TV prog.

PS My TV is not furniture Scott, it's my window on the world. (Puts tin hat on before yet another poster pops in).
And we said lovely things about Richard Armitage.

Just back from town and purchasing my cd which I clutched to my chest the whole way home. Had a moments panic in HMV as I was looking for it in the New Releases section and it wasn't there!! Cue mad dash around the store until I eventually found it in the Charts section, No 32. I'm sure we can do better than that Loppies.

Jane/Louise - tickets booked for August - ROW C - will email the details!

Thanks once again Scott.

Right off to listen to the CD - swoon time here I come!!!

Ooops 'not to take anything away from Connie (and her Theatre Critics Award) et all' that should be. OK a touch biased. Next year?

The threat to sell of TVC - although it was only announced this year, the forthcoming effects could be significant. And all those TV phone -in scandals pop to mind for all the wrong reasons.

OOh Loppies - have i had a stressful lunchtime!! I went to get the CD at Tescos and THEY DIDNT HAVE IT!! It wasnt that it had sold out - they just didnt have it!! It wasnt in their charts or anything!! I was so upset I nearly cried!! Anyway to cut a long story short I floored my car to Richmond, ran accross Richmond common in the pouring rain and got it in HMV!!! The things I do for that man!! I am so disgusted with Tescos, we need to see if it is in the other big supermarkets! It will never get to number one if it isnt in the supermarkets so its really not good news.

Ooh sorry just read Jane E's entry - if only I had read that before!! Best bet is HMV!!

AliB,- your Tesco store must be a bad'un, because in mine they had it early this morning. Yes, of course I checked!

Eva - thats so weird because it wasn't even on their printed chart which is above the CD's! It had Girls Aloud so I knew it was this weeks and not last weeks! I was sooo gutted I can't tell you! Because of my mad dash to Richmond I now have to go back to Tescos after work to actually DO my shopping!! Thus delaying even more my listening to the album!! I wonder how it is going up in London??? Any news??

The HMV Website has Lee listed as 32 in their album charts (just behind Cliff at #30). Still no news from London. Do you suppose they're still there? Oh, and Lee's official site has his performances at CiN and SCD available in the media section.

Maggie’s Ploppy here
Good afternoon Ladies ….Maggie is currently unable to get on to the blog, due to the laptop going on the fritz, hopefully she will be back online tomorrow if my son can sort the problem out (he is a software engineer)
Never the less if any of you have any pictures that you want to put onto the Loppie album, Just send them to Maggie’s E-mail ( I can access it from my work) and I will put them online.
For those of you that either have not kept a record of the address for the album or never knew it I have added the link for so you can take a look at the pictures
.
http;//picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

Just as a consolation for Maggie, she is at this moment listening to Lee’s new album,
And I have no doubt that I will know it by heart by the end of the evening.

Hi, I'm back from HMV. I'll try to write sense but I'm in a bit of a state - Lee shook my hand and spoke to me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lee didn't come on until about 1.20 but HMV played his CD beforehand. Shirley, Shirley 2, Alison, Paulene2, Gillian & I were altogether at the front of one aisle with some closet Loppies. We were about ten foot from the stage with only some press in between. Lee sang GMYAS and ADWD and spoke to the audience. He was phenomenal. He said he'd wondered if anyone would turn up. Not sure how many were there but quite a few. Will post before I lose this ...

Thank you lovely Scott!!! Well here I am with the first review of The Signing! Got to HMV slightly later than I wanted (inconveniently Boss rang just as I was about to leave!). Managed to get myself in a place where I could see the GO clearly (I based this on being able to see the Microphone!). Could see Shirley in the row next to me but right up the front. Just after 1pm an announcement that Lee was in the building (hurrah!) and that he would be appearing at 1.15 (in fact it was about 1.20). Had a lovely view of our boy - he sang Gonna Make Me a Star and Any Dream Will Do. He was so sweet, when he came on stage he thanked us all for going and said he didn't expect anyone to turn up!!! Vocals were amazing (as usual) and he looked very relaxed and happy. Apparently he was only allowed to sing two tracks, so didn't get to hear PiB live (sob!). Then they cleared a space and put up a table on the stage and started letting people with cds go up for a signature. Shirley and co were amongst the first and my little queue, having been told to stay put, were left until we dwindled to about five of us - chatting to the security guards didn't get us anywhere either! Eventually just after 2pm they let us through. Now this is my floating on a cloud moment. Get to the desk, Lee says hello and asks my name "Carol" said I (thought that was pretty good remembering what I was called whilst facing the GO) "the original Loppy", oh yes he said, leaning forward and kissing my cheek (I'll never wash again!!!!). Signed my cd said how lovely to see me again and WINKED AT ME AGAIN!!!! I TOLD YOU ALL HIS WINKS ARE MINE! MINE! MINE!!!!! Floating several feet about the floor I then met up with Shirley, Gillian, Pauline, Gill, etc. etc. etc. ( to coin a phrase)and discovered that Gillian has videoed the moment for posterity and for me to drool over for evermore!!

He kissed you????!!!!!! Carol, how on earth did you manage to stay on your feet? See the perks of being the original Loppy - I bet you'll be thanking your friend who gave you (and us) the name!

Wish I could have been there but look forward to hearing everyone else's reports too.

Lee said he'd like to sing the whole CD and we agreed. Three photos were taken with the fans behind him. He crouched down right in front of me for one of them. I want that photo !!!!!!!!!!

The signing then started. The aisle we were in went first. Shirley was second up and me right behind her. BTW Lee signed all the CDs she had!

Lee put his hand out and I somehow responded. I know we exchanged several words and I guess must have spoken for 15 - 20 seconds but can't remember exactly what - something about the album and I told him CiN had been great. If whowever was after me (Shirley2?) heard, please remind me! If Lee was shaking hands and talking to each fan, he was there for a while!

Lee was wearing a gorgeous brownish sort of tweed jacket (not the leather one), pale (white?) T-shirt with pattern and brownish trousers. I've taken several photos and a video but my battery has died so can't check.

Others can fill in the gaps and correct any errors I've made - I can barely type. I can't bbelieve I was so close to him both during the singing, for the photo and for him to shake my hand and talk to me.

As I said there were some press there and the whole thing was recorded but DK who by.

I had to leave to get back to work but the others were still there. I think I'll be floating for the rest of the week.

Carol, how lucky are you! Boy was I thinking of you all at luchtime today. If Gillian's videoed "The Kiss" did she, by any chance, get him singing aswell? Just wondered, you know, for all of us Left Behind Loppies! Glad you all had a great time.

Carol - ooh you lucky Loppie!! How will you ever recover!! Fantastic reports can't wait to hear more!! How many fans do you think were there? A hundred or hundreds - was there a big queue?? Can't wait for photos!!

I know Shirley was doing a video of him singing as I could see her! I suspect Gillian did too!! Shirley has her own tale to tell when she gets home.......
Difficult to assess numbers but I'd put it in the hundreds (three??) - we were in long snakes like queues between the display stands.
Did I mention Lee kissed me??????

Forgot to say that they gave out a few of the posters advertisintg the CD.

Carol, are you going to have your cheek surgically preserved for posterity like Shirley? Lucky, lucky Loppy! So how many people were there -- what am I thinking? Once he kissed you I doubt you could even remember your own name.

The reviews have started. This one is 5-star: http://www.bettybookmark.co.uk/music/november07/leemead.htm
I've a couple of other links, one a pic of him with his mum & dad arriving at the awards (and all of them looking fabulous), and the other is a pic of Lee with TW. I'll add them shortly so the blog doesn't get nervous.

Martin aka Maggie's Ploppy - how rude to ignore you in all my excitement. Thank you for the reminder of the link - I'm hoping to post some King & I piccies when I get them and you have saved me trawling back through the last page of Blogs!! Big kisses coming your way xxxx

First photo: http://www.contactmusic.com/photos.nsf/main/lee_mead_1669659

Carol - thanks for that and yes you did mention he kissed you!! So glad he was fabulous and lots of people turned up to support him!! Can't wait for Shirleys tale!!

And also to Martin (Maggies Ploppy) you sound like a lovely man and I hope you enjoy Lee's album (you don't have much choice really!!)

Oh wow Carol, kissed by the GO!! Are you remembering to breath??!!! And Diana got to shake hands... (sigh!)

I so hope someone did video all the Loppy excitement!

Maggie's Ploppy - thank you, you are a star!

Karen - Yipee! Well done lass. Thanks for organising us Yorkshire folk!

Second photo: http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/tv/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=6703710&imageindex=5

And another review (4.5 stars this time): http://astore.amazon.co.uk/physics-21/detail/B000XSLWCY

The Pudsey Bear signed by Lee is currently £520 on eBay! The one signed by David Tennant is £510. Take a look at the other CiN items: http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZbbc_children_in_need

Just been on Play.com and Lee's album is there on the homepage for £7.99 - is that standard practice to drop the price on the day of release? It's a mite annoying, but then to us Loppies this album is absolutely priceless is it not?

BTW, bet you can't guess what I'm listening to right now!

I went to HMV to buy my album and paid £9.95 which is more expensive than most of the sites but I believe its a fair price!! I don't think its fair when shops charge much less for things than they are really worth usually for the sake of publicity!! Its like the last Harry Potter book - a giant book which I was happy to pay £8.95 for (would have paid abit more)for ASDA to then charge £5.00 for it!! It makes a bit of a mockery of it really and cheapens it!! As Fiona says - Lee's CD is priceless and we want him to reap the full financial rewards from it.

AARGH - Go to the official Joseph site and they have got a video of Lee performing at HMV!! I am still at work and cant watch it yet!! (and I still havent heard the album!!)

AliB, I suppose, then, I should be glad I paid €20 for it? I don't begrudge the money, but it's way more than it's costing in the UK.

Geri - I admit there are floors in my argument!! In your case its just not fair that you have to pay more because you live in a different part of the country! There will always be price wars with any product - I guess none of us want Lee to lose out if the shops charge too low a price! (then again what they charged you should make up for it!!)

AliB - thanks for the tip. OMG (repeated ad infinitum) - you lucky, lucky ladies! And I caught a glimpse of Shirley as the camera panned round at the end (I'm assuming there weren't any other ladies/loppies there with pink hair!).

He just looks so relaxed and like he's really enjoying doing this (thought the same on CiN, both bits) and he is just so natural talking to fans and big names alike.

Lee's site has been updated today - I think this is about the Variety Club award (sorry if already posted - not caught up with today's comments).

Famous have got two photos from the Variety Awards - look at the solo one - thud!
http://www.famous.uk.com/search-action-nl.do?searchstring=lee+mead

Hi there, been home about an hour but I've had other priorities:)) Fantastic, the whole day, despite standing about from 9.15 to 2.15 at least. Met loads of people, and Lee was awesome.

I was right at the front, and I do have some video footage. Recorded Carol's kiss, missed Shirley's, but did get some of their chat while he was signing the inserts for some of the missing Loppies.

I'm not totally impressed with the sound quality on the video from the Joseph site - then again I'm not that impressed with mine either, but they ought to have better equipment. Have uploaded all my stuff to the computer, and will mix it a bit with the clip from the Joseph site, as I had cameramen between me and Lee quite a lot of the time. Pleased I took the camcorder though, even though it meant I was less able to concentrate on Lee. I will email you all a taster asap.

Please excuse me whilst I have a Kevin & Perry moment.......It's so unfair!!!!!!!!!

Thank you I feel better fot that!!

I am sooooo jealous - CAROL - OMG - guess you're still floating around somewhere and for some time no doubt.

And where is Shirley with her news - has she run off with the GO!!

I'm not getting anything on Lee's official site about the HMV performance, even afetr refreshing so if anybody can post the link I would be mucho obliged!!!

Oops sorry - just noticed it's the Joseph site not Lee's site - will go have a look now!!!

Gillian you are a star for taking a video - well done - but did I read your post right - got Carol's kiss but missed Shirley's??? So Shirley got a kiss too? Wow! I bet she's way up in the clouds!

Thanks AliB. I've just played it and I'm on the video - plus Shirley, Shirley 2 & Alison !!!

...all I can say is that the GO is a man of taste and discernment..............

please can i nominate
how to look good naked

for hte tv evnts of the year... it was so uplifting to watch this show, i really enjoyed it. i think gok is doing a good service to the women of this country. Even though he is a bit over the top on the programme, his message is much needed in this world of size zero maniacs.
well done all involved!
x

I was a lucky Loppie today as I was at Oxford Street HMV.
I arrived later than the main party of The Shirleys, Gillian, Pauline et al, who were there 3 hours or so before the big event, and therefore were nicely tucked in at the front.
After just an hour's wait by which time there were about 4/5 queues between the aisles, I should think 3or 4 hundred in all, Lee appeared, to cheers.
He was quite chatty asking where people had come from and then sang GMYAS and ADWD his voice was fantastic and there was a big screen behind him so we could all see really well. There were a few groans that he could only sing two songs and not PiB.
After arranging furniture and official photos had been taken we were allowed to take our CDs and photos up to be signed.
It was very well organised and everyone had a chance to speak to Lee.
I said how much I'd enjoyed the Relative Values interview in the ST and how great his mother sounded, he looked very pleased and said she was there, he looked around and I thought he was going to point her out but he didn't seem able to see her, I said what a good job she'd done and he laughed and said thankyou.
I then met up with the other Loppies in an excited huddle and waited to have a few words with Carol who had to return to work.
We went across the road to M&S to have a coffe and chat before departing in different directions all clutching our HMV bags with their precious contents.

Hi all here I am home!! What a wonderful day. Got to Hmv about 9.45 and there was a small crowd standing by the stage chatted for a minute or two and recognised Gillian from the piccies. Went and bought my cd so there we all are raring to go with only 3 hours to go.!! Chating to Gillian and some of the other loppies from Donnas' site when I see pink hair coming my way, it just had to be Shirley and she was with shirley 2. Then Diana turned up and it was just fantastic to actually meet them. So much to say and only 3 hours to say it in..(and as they will now testify I can talk for England.. and Ireland and Scotland and Wales.
The main event was just so worth waiting for Lee looked scrumptious and sexy and sounded sooooooo wonderful. I have to say that as usual I got to the desk and just mumbled "thankyou Lee", how useless am I but I was so close to him and got my cd signed and ...thud!
Will leave the rest to Shirley as I told her she does it so well!!
Btw Shirley I've done my bit for the Christmas pressie thankyou for letting me join in.
Now going back on to cloud 9...did you all now he kissed Carol and ask Shirley about her close encounter!!

Thanks for your reports Pauline2 and Maeve - can't wait for the Shirleys now.

Thanks for the photo link Diana - doesn't Lee's mum look lovely. I read the ST interview this morning and just thought "I hope I can do such a good job bringing up my two girls". We already knew they were a close-knit family but it was so sweet to read just how much support they give each other. It really isn't hard to see why he is such a personable young man. Whoever the lucky girl might be one day I don't think her parents will have to worry about the chap that wants to marry their little girl!

Sounds like a fantastic day Pauline2 & Maeve!
Come on Shirely, where are you???

Oh and just to add to the great CD price debate £10.99 in Smith's - not that I care! Time to go and have a listen!

...just listened to the piece on the Joseph site and I have to say Ladies that he sounded a thousand times better in real life!!
Just floating off on my cloud to cook dinner for Ploppy (who is actually really thrilled for me, and saying "I don't suppose you will wash your face for a week now" - a week - for eternity!!!).

Hi cloud 9 I know you can hear me as there are several of us up here (so ok you're higher than me..humphh) just to say you are quite right there is a lot of echoey sound on the Joseph site he sounded ..well perfect, just perfect, yet another thud.

You can download the clip of Lee singing and his little speech at HMV at the following link:
http://savefile.com/projects/808564622
Enjoy!!!!

OOH just realised how rude, thankyou Scott for the new link. NOw what made me forget my manners I wonder?

Oh Carol, he kissed you.............! No wonder you are on cloud 9.
It is lovely to read what your experiences were in HMV. If I close my eyes and think of him I can see and hear him singing his song to me!!!.
Oeps, opened my eyes and now he is gone.
Scott, thank you for our new home.

What a time to be a Loppy !!! I have been reading and trying to catch up with you all, in between listening to THE ALBUM and downloading videos and new pics. Do I wish I was in London with you today? Yes!!!! Am I green with envy of all you who kissed and handshook with him, was close to him and listened to him singing live???? Yes!!!!! Am I happy for all of you who were there and had a smashing time? YES!!!!!!!
I took my old Syd to the hospital and on the way he asked me if we had a good time in London on Friday. He had been thinking of us when he listened to Lee on the telly CiN. When he watched SCD yesterday, he had again been thinking of the Loppies when he listened to Lee singing PiB. He said he had us to thank for being interested in Lee, and thought he was getting better and better. I told him he was a genuine Sloppy.
And now: SHIRLEY! WHERE ARE YOU ??????

Gillian, thanks for your little pressie. Your footage is a thousand times better than the one on the Joseph site -- you seriously should consider sending it to Lee's site; I'm sure they'd love it! Lucky Shirley getting her 55 copies signed, and we won't even discuss Carol! Only one question: What was going on with his trousers? Rear view was great (as always. Not that I've noticed. Ahem.) But the front view -- was it a camera oddity, or something else? (Mass exodus from the blog as Loppies go rushing off to examine Lee's trousers...)

Actually you can download the GMYAS video direct from the Joseph site, I just did, just right click then pick 'save target as'.

I have emailed you all some general shots of the people there, and my ADWD video from today.

Depending on how my edit of GMYAS works out, I may put the two songs on youtube, but I am assuming you folks would rather stay anonymous, but I thought it would be nice for us privately to see us all.

Oh my God. How to live up to all the hype. First off, Scott thank you so much for rehoming us. Sorry to be late with my thanks, but I have been somewhere else, doing something else. And my brain is in its usual post Lee state of mush.

Maggie's ploppy, you are such a lovely guy. Thank you. And I have sent you some photos of the GO from today. Including one of Carol and Lee chatting. All except the last one already sent to Donna too.

Well after all the excitement at the weekend I was so high this morning I could not even drink my cup of tea. I left here so early that I got to the station THREE trains before the one I was booked on. The one in the middle was already being announced as being 19 minutes late, and it was clearly going to knock onto my train, so I leapt into the one on the platform. Texted Shirley2 and she managed to get an earlier train too so we got to London early and headed right off to Oxford Street. It was pouring when we arrived, and thought we would be queueing out in the rain, but not a bit of it. Right at the back of the store was a little stage and by it were a small group of ladies already waiting, inlcuding Gillian and Pauline2, so we joined them, and the chatting commenced. As our numbers started to swell we were reorganised so that we filled the aisles. As you know a group of Loppies should be called a gossip and we had very little trouble passing the time. Met some lovely new friends, and lots of by now familiar Loppies. Just to say I also met Angela who did the piece of art Donna auctioned, and she had THE most fantastic portrait of Lee, just as he looked on ADWD as he walked back along the gantry ready to sing as the winner - that real amazing totally dazzling smile. It is stunning. And we have plans to organise a very high quality limited edition of prints made for one of next years fundraisers. So watch this space.

Anyway, what to tell you when Lee arrived - you can see for yourself. But I tell you this - apart from the fact that I wanted to be there for me I am so glad I and all of us were there for Lee. Bless him, he really did think there would be no one there. After he sang he spotted some of the cast from Jo who were there to support him and you can just imagine that he has been saying for days that he is sure no one will turn up. And they did to make sure he had support. How lovely are they.

I was the second person to get my stash of cd inserts signed. Some the photo on the front, some the one with coffee - the one I prefer, and one on the lovely long black and white photo. Anyway I reached forward to shake his hand before he started signing and just thanked him so much for giving me his baseball cap to raise funds for CiN, and he leant right forward to give me a kiss. I GOT A KISS!!!! And he knew all about the cap. Knew how much we had raised, and was so proud of us - promptly started telling the security guard all about it. He is so amazed that we got nearly £2.5K for a baseball cap. Anyway I told him that the 8 (yes 8) discs were for absent Loppies and not for ebay. Lee giggle. I think thats most of it. But Sonja will tell you that I cannot remember a thing that Lee says to me until about a week later when my brain starts to recover. I think the security guard was a bit worried about me because he kept telling me to mind the steps. I was shaking so much my knees nearly gave way going down 2 steps. Oh and I think I probably complained to Lee again that he always makes me shake. I could hardly pick up the cd inserts so he had to help me. I think I read higher up that Gillian said she could hear some of the chat so maybe she could fill in the gaps, but it was another memorable experience. And I was thinking afterwards that I doubt if any of us wil be that close to Lee singing ever again.

Oh yes and in his chat bit he again said that if the cd does well he would like to do some concerts and would we like that? Guess maybe another thing to email his site about.

And now tomorrow I will be posting off those 2 lovely specially signed photos and Lee's baseball cap, which has me rather down actually. They have such wonderful associations for me that I will miss them a lot. Good job I am off on holiday at the weekend.

Geri, good idea, maybe I will:))I'll send a 'tidy version' and maybe the one you all got for their private enjoyment.

Must go eat, will do some more video work when hunger satisfied.

Oh Shirley - if you can here up there on cloud 9 with Carol & co - how absolutely wonderful! You lucky girl! I'm all of a dither on your behalf1

Gillian - thank you! So nice to see some of you "in action" so to spesk!

GERI - THANK YOU (I wouldn't call it an oddity!!!!!!)

Shirley - another WOW. So glad you all had a fantastic day!

See I told you she'd be good!

Wow, jealous or what. All I got today was a new starter at work. Glad you had a wonderful time and 2 kisses and hand shakes. I tried for Gillian's vid, but had problems logging on anywhere, seems to be better now so I'll try it again. Glad you didn't have to wait in the rain, was thinking of you all as I got soaked at 12.30.
Scott thanks for the new page.

Wow everyone I'm just here in a daze, laughing (and crying again - in a good way) at the day's events. Thank you so much Gillian, that footage is fantastic and the sound sounded as it aughter. Cloud 9 moment ideed.
A touch 60's Pierre Cardin with wool and Lycra? Cute, fashionable, witty. Oh how I'd love to go on the shopping expedition for the tour.

Ploppy has just rung from work 'to check whether I still live here'!!:))) I do seem to have been elsewhere rather a lot this weekend:)) Still, things quieten down just a little on the Lee front now. However I am going to Joseph again next Tuesday!!!

Thanks ever so Gillian! Poor Ploppy - but I hope he understands the sterling work your doing for Loppydom! Have a great time at Joseph - it's quite good, you know!

Well, you've all had a chance to listen at least once now -- where are your reviews? Favourite tracks? Disappointments (as if!)? And what do we all think of that B&W picture on the insert?

Rushed in and dragged Ploppy to the PC to watch the video. Oh boy, what a fantastic day. Had better cook dinner, have a bath and then at last I can listen to the CD. I've had it for 12 hours and not heard it yet!

Hello everyone
After meeting some of you at the HMV signing today I promised I would out myself as a Loppy on this site (and take over the mantle of newby from Pauline2). I've been catching up with all things Lee on Donna's fantastic site and on this blog ever since the end of ADWD but have felt a bit too shy to post.
I amazed myself by actually getting on the train and going to the signing today as I've never done anything like that in my life. But - in the words of my nearly teenage dollop - it was so worth it.
I won't add to the reviews as so many of you have already shared your thoughts but well done all of you who came away with handshakes and kisses - and well deserved for all your efforts in the name of Loppiness. My own personal highlight was Lee saying 'dankeschoen' when I told him about my efforts to spread the Loppy love in Germany, where I'm from originally. When (not if) he starts thinking about crossing the channel musically I hereby officially apply for the position of German tutor; I am qualified - honest!
My train journey home was pure bliss - could have something to do with the excellent music on dollop's mobile CD player.
Anyway, that's all for now. A big thank you to all of you who welcomed me today and here's to many more Loppy meetings.

Evening all

I'VE GOT IT! I'VE GOT IT! Rushed through the door from work (damn Mondays and Tuesdays when I work all day), saw my package and ripped the cover off. My favourite so far is How Can I Be Sure but then I haven't had a chance to listen to it all properly - had to get dinner etc and everyone else had the TV and radio on. I need to go to a dark private room and fully immerse myself in it.

Thanks so much Gillian for that video. It was brilliant to get that. I almost felt like I was there....ok, I didn't really. And I didn't appreciate seeing Him kiss Carol when it should have been ME. I think you've had more than your fair share of him Carol. Time to pass him on.

Good verse Vali - join the next CD songwriting team (me and Geri). We've got to improve on the first one though, going to be extremely difficult.

Btw Anna Waits, we went to see The Mighty Boosh live and I was very disappointed - nothing like on the TV. Quite X rated. Part of their appeal for me is how silly and non offensive they have been. My 2 girls like them but there's no way I'd take them to see the show.

Back to the main subject .....SWOOOON....

OOh big welcome Elisabeth - saw you on the video!! Be shy no longer. Lee is but he's learning to overcome it. Glad to see you're talking the lingo!

Gotta go and collect dollops from Guides.

Gillian you forgot me??? please send me the video too.
Btw thanks for the new page Scott!

Hi there Elisabeth! Welcome to the Stage blog!
So glad you had such a great time today. Actually I thought I was one of the newbies too!

Anyway CD - PiB still my favourite, I love the strings, but there isn't a track on there that I don't like, and that's quite unusual for me!

Welcome, Elisabeth! Lovely to see the loppy ranks continuing to grow. We don't have a German Ambassador yet, so how about you take that job?

Glad you got the CD, Debbie. I think "How Can I Be Sure" is my second favourite right after PiB. I didn't want to weigh in on the subject when I first got the album because most of the rest of you hadn't got your copies yet and it wouldn't have been nice to rub it in. Besides, you deserved the chance to make your own minds up. But now we've all (I think) got our copies we can share.

Debbie, Vali -- I think we need to write a special Christmas song for Lee, what do you think? Or we could have Carol & the other musical Loppies record The Meady in White...

OK, next time Lee kisses a loppy, it should be one of us who didn't get to go today. Debbie, JaneE, do you agree?

Oh Welcome Elisabeth. I'm so glad you have taken the plunge and joined us. Wasnt it just wonderful today. And lots of lovely chat as well as Meadyness.

I rang See Group bookings when I got in and we have seats allocated for 18 October - evening show S4-8, T4 - 18 and U13 - 18. I was very disappointed, but when I rang the box office they had nothing other than the Upper Circle and the online See site has the front stall all sold out, and where we are only has ones and twos. Can you please let me know if those seats are acceptable to you before I go ahead and pay the money. Donna thinks we should go for it anyway just because we need to be there for the last show, and we should maybe plan to pick another Saturday and get A and B seats then; But we are going to have to be quick with that too.

Oh dear. I dont need to ask 'Does my bum look big in this?' I can see for myself it does!!!!!!

Rubbish Shirley - next years Rear of the Year.

Ali, I circulated all the Loppies in contacts, can you email stageloppies@hotmail.co.uk please, and I'll send, and make sure you are in the contacts.

SCREEEEEEAM. SOB. BOO HOO. drums heels on the floor !!!!! My CDs didn't arrive today!!!!!! I only hope the post lady didn't put them through next door as it is empty!!!
SO glad you all had such a fabulous time today at HMV. THanks for the video Gillian - it almost makes up for not being there.
Isn't GO just wonderful.He looks fantastic in his tux. SO pleased that he won the Variety club award.
Thank you Loppies for all the links. Don't feel so miserable after them and the reviews.
Night all.

Shirly, before you are gonna buy tickets for an other show you must now that according to See there are a couple of dates Lee wil not be performing.
That is 28 july - 5 August and 15 September - 4 October.

Gillian, wow, and all you were there. Yes, I've managed to see the video. Well done. Wish I'd been able to be there, but I was in spirit.
Carol, how did you manage to stand afterwards.
Shirley, not a flattering angle for anyone.

Back late tonight and so much excitment here - think I need to lie down in a darkened room - with my new CD!!! Confess havent had time to listen to much yet but do like the new arrangement for PiB - didnt think i would but def growing on me.

Kathleen - i am boo hooing too as I cannot get Gillians video or the one on Joseph or Donnas site to work. Ploppy tried too but no luck. We are usually ok with videos on pc so not sure what wrong - any suggestions Gillian?

Wow, wow, wow - to all you lucky HMV ladies. Cloud 9 is getting very crowded these days.

SCott - thank you for new home.

Shirley - it is disappointing about tickets but I agre with Donna - will be great atmosphere on night and we are in realy good seat for June fest. So i am for going ahead - and thanks fro organising.

off to lie down in my darkened room..

Hi and thank you for the lovely welcome.
Geri - happy to take the German Ambassador's job in theory but I'm not very good at it to date: sloppy more interested in opera (although Rolando Villazon does have dark curls to recommend himself) and sister-in-law (who is English but living in Germany) is firmly in her Cbeebies phase. I'll keep trying..
As for the CD, having listened to it three times now (what hardship!, my favourites are 'When I need you the most' and 'The best is yet to come' - so glad it's not the Sinatra version.
I feel my early start catching up with me now and it's back to wxxk tomorrow, so good night for now and I hope to be able to check in with you soon.

Shirley - I agree with Fi and Donna, go for it! At least the loppies will be quite close to one another, and the atmosphere will be amazing!

Kathleen - don't cry! You'll get your lovely CD soon!

Shirley, I don't know what to do now as my seat for the Tearfest is brilliant but it sounds like it won't be for the Octoberfest! I can't believe all the good seats have gone already. Btw, I must remember to send the tag to you.

Geri, I feel a Christmas song coming on already. "Santa baby, Lee and me under the tree, Santa baby, a little Mead is good for thee, Santa baby...etc etc" And I am definitely in agreement re the kiss.

Bad luck Kathleen. I suggest you thump the postman tomorrow. At least you'll have another day of excited anticipation (no, I know that won't work but at least I'm trying).

I didn't think I'd like PIB too but at full volume in the car it grew on me very quickly. I even attempted a middle Eastern type dance whilst driving - all swirly arms. Not to be recommended. Eldest dollop started singing along too. Little do they know they're going to the show in April!

Well at least there is plenty of space to stick their little stickers on Gillian.

Anne, thanks for that. As Auds will tell you buying tickets for Jo when Lewis is performing is not a happy thing to do. And not a prayer of finding someone to sell it onto. Wonder who will be Pharaoh and The Narrator?

Anyway having bought 8 copies of Lee Mead and gotten them signed for everyone who wanted them I arrived home to find I had forgetten to cancel my preorder from Amazon. So another 2 copies waiting for me here. Such is life.

I had a near sleepless night lastnight. And something or another rather exciting happened to me today - did I mention that Lee kissed me again??????????????????????????????? So I am going off to bed. Favourite track? Greedy me. Two favourites. PiB and WCWMTW. I was treated to an early copy of it, and have played it so often it is all tangled around my brain cells. I just love it.

Good night all and very Sweet Meads. I think I might have some fond memories of the most mesmerising eyes I have ever seen. Shirley pass that bucket back please.

Oh yes, Geri & Debbie I agree, our turn next!

Time for bed I think! Too much excitment!

Sweet Meads all

Shirley-Re tickets for Oct, grab any that you can. Although upper circle may make me faint. I'm sure where ever we are will be fine.
Oh and thanks for getting the tickets, I was on the list wasn't I? I remember I was a little uncertain in my reply on blog (Tee he)

Update to Loppy stats
Blog dates/ Numbers of posts/ days/ Posts per day
20 Jun -12 Jul Posts 1042 Days 22 Posts per day =47
12 Jul – 31 Jul Posts 1475 Days 19 Posts per day =78
31 Jul - 21 Aug Posts 1633 Days 21 Posts per day =78
21 Aug – 4 Sep Posts 1505 Days 14 Posts per day =108
4 Sep - 14 Sep Posts 1003 Days 10 Posts per day =100
14 Sep – 25 Sep Posts 1164 Days 11 Posts per day =106
25 Sep – 15 Oct Posts 1447 Days 20 Posts per day =72
15 Oct – 01 Nov Posts 1395 Days 17 Posts per day = 82
01 Nov – 19 Nov Posts 1250 Days 18 Posts per day = 69

Hi Elisabeth, you are slightly bonkers aren't you? Oh yes, must be afterall you've come to join the rest of us, so you must be. Welcome.

Question: why did I take the long way to work this morning, even though I was late? And why did I nearly crash into the back end of a nice little Clio with my rather large car?
Answer: Because HMV sent a little package which arrived on Saturday.

ME first JaneE!

Kathleen, can you go the itunes route that Scott so helpfully mentioned above? It would get you through the night.

Debbie, love the song. So many Christmas songs are sad, but that one' sexy and therefore perfect (love Eartha Kitt. Growwwll). And the thoughts of the Meadster coming down a chimney (or anything else) for me on Christmas eve is filling me with all kinds of naughty thoughts. Speaking of which: I happened upon a gay man's forum earlier today (don't ask!) and it was full of Lee pics and rather naughty comments. Nothing worse than anything we've posted, though. And as they were clever enough to point out, enjoy the loincloth while it lasts -- who knows when we'll next get to see him in such a state of undress (OK, they didn't put it so delicately, but that was the gist!)

Anyway, Debbie, JaneE and all the other Cinderloppies -- we need a plan for how to be first in kissing line for next time.

Shirley-just looked at your pictures = wonderful.

I am so jealous of all of you that went see Lee at the signing.

I downloaded the clip and Lee sounds amazing.

Can't wait to get my hands on the album though!!!!

Hi Elisabeth, well done for coming out and posting here, it was lovely to meet you today.

Having had a wonderfully exciting day I'm really being spoilt this week as I'm off to see Joseph tomorrow! How lucky am I?

Thankyou Gillian for the video.

I've only listened to CD a couple of times so far, my favourites at the moment are 'How can I be Sure' and 'When I Need You the Most'
also GMYAS and PiB in fact they're all pretty damn good!

I'm tired with all the secondhand excitement so Nightlee night all

Since I couldn't make it to London today, I decided to treat myself in another way. I have been a very busy bee downloading stuff from different links,- new stuff, and thought I would try to make a CD/DVD. Not sooner thought than done. It is now playing on my DVD player, and I am very proud of myself. I have on it both songs from CiN, both The Joseph site video from today+ Gillians film,the official video of WGMYAS, and some other things. The only video I haven't been able to add is the PiB from SCD. I have it on RealPlayer, but don't know how to move it to my own files. I anybody have any suggestions, feel free to give me advice.
Maggies Ploppy,- I sent some photos yesterday (I think I even sent them twice.) If you haven't received them, please let me know, and I'll try again.
Elisabeth,- welcome to our Loppy World. I just saw you on Gillians video, and this time I knew who you are.
The quality on the DVD isn't brilliant, but the sound is good. I don't know how to edit it properly, so there are no nice texts in between songs,- it's in fact pretty basic, but if anybody wants one, e-mail me your adress and I'll send you an early Christmas present. For those of you who wants one and don't have my e-mailadress, just send a mail to stageloppies@hotmail.co.uk, and I'm sure Gillian will sort you out.
I think it's time for bed now. All of you have a good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Ok, so just had emergency dash round to sloppy in pouring rain as she didn't answer phone to be greeted with what on earth are you doing here!! Great!
Wanted to say welcome Elisabeth, you see I told you it would be fine, so now you've done it come back again.
Shirley if you do decide to go for good seats on a different date this time I'm in please.
Geri I just love PiB and then IWTMIWY, but that might be because it also brings back some memories that I'd praps better not share. But must say I don't think there is one bad track on it, which is more than you can say for most CDs'.
Anyway early start catching up with me so to bed, whether i'll sleep is debatable!!
Sleep tight people.

...Welcome Elisabeth and Alexandra to the bonkers world of the Loppies!! Gillian thank you for the video but I can't open it!!! Help!!! Help!!!! Still floating above ground - just back from small singing group rehearsal where I just casually dropped into conversation what I had been doing today (Ploppy just raises his eyes skywards!!). Off to bed now to dream exceedingly Sweet Meads!! Back into usual routine, so will be doing the early morning rise and shine (unless Anne beats me to it!!!).

Shirley I'm with the others - the loppies will make it a night to remember wherever we sit, and the flashing ears will look great en bloc.
Gillian I'm emailing stageloppies now!

Shirley,- forgot to say that I'm coming to every Tearfest you can arrange, so count me in!!

I have one of the loveliest scollops. He knew I was upset at not getting CD today and so he sent it as a gift from iTunes. It is now playing on laptop through earphones, just for me!!! Oh my toes are curling to that voice, swoooon.
Drifts away on little cloud.
Night...........

Kathleen, my CD didn't arrive today either. GRRR! But I have been making up for it by watching Gillian's video over & over again! Thanks Gillian!!
Shirley, I agree with the others, the thrill of a mass loppy fest will more than make up for dodgy seats. Besides, it's our Loppy duty to ensure that Lee gets the best possible send off for his last show.
Glad all HMVers had such a good day. It was lovely to read all about it.
Welcome to Elisabeth & Alexandra & thanks to Scott for the new home.
Bed time for me too. Sweet Meads all.

I feel like I've been a link-posting madwoman today. Here's the last two & I'm done for the night -- in so many ways!

http://www.ifilm.com/video/2913770 (part two of the Backstage interview)
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article482648.ece (Lee on his ideal woman. Take a deep breath before you open it.)

Hi Alexandra, Oh how delightful, two new Loppies in one day. I think Donna should have time soon to get the welcome pack online. Cant think what else she might have been doing for the last few weeks, can you??

As you will see I have my Lee induced insomnia back. Been up for hours again already. Envelopes addressed, cap packed and ready to go (WAIL). I think I will be coming back from the post office in a tearfest all of my own.

As soon as things are open I will ring See Group booking and confirm the tickets - as you all say it will be a party in any event. Then I will get onto the BBC ticket office to see if they have finally gotten around to allocating the MMJ tickets.

Just sitting quietly in the BeachCafe/Bistro listening to the waves sssshhhhhing in and out, and looking forward to hearing their tropical cousin doing the same next week. For some strange reason I am more than ready for a rest!!!!!!!!!!

Oh I just remembered something from yesterday. The security guy in front of our 'line' was telling us that lots of the people there would just disappear after Lee had sung without buying the disc or waiting for signitures because that is what always happened. Bet he was surprised cause that is not what happened yesterday. I think most of us were there as much for the signing as the singing.

Morning Shirley! I have been desperately keeping busy to make up for being stuck in a corner far away from Leeland. Nice to see familiar names in here - just had an email from a newly emerged Loppy who has tickets to see the GO every month from now til next October......I'll have to make do with videos and CD's for now ...is the cafe open yet?

Morning, moring rise and shine! The cafe is a little slow getting its act together today. The BHB waiter is looking a little tired - he said he had a very busy day yesterday, something about meeting lots of people and singing, or was that signing......anyway I've just given him a nice cup of coffee (of my special kind) and told him to sit in the corner and rest whilst I get the breakfasts ready (felt it was the least I could do really). Finally managed to open Gillian's video last night before I went to bed.....and then I couldn't sleep for ages for some reason!!

Morning all -

Well the Bistro is busy this morning - Carys and Shirley, did you sleep at all last night?

And another new Loppy on the site! - Hello Alexandra!! Welcome to slightly bonkers land.

So where's Carol? Oh sorry, still floating I see - how is it on Cloud9?

Morning. Shirley, I agree with the others re seats. Shame they are so far back but at least we'll all be sitting close together.

Love the album - just wish I could sit and listen to it all day rather than w**k!!

Does anyone get the Express? I believe the Variety Club awards were sponsored by the paper so assume that either yesterday or today it might include something.

Thanks v much Gillian!!

Typical Sun piece in today's paper - thanks to Ringer on LM forum: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article482648.ece

Scott, I was thinking about my nomination for the TV event of the year and this is what I found on the BBC this morning that gives details of the cause of the event I would like to nominate.

'He described it as the most terrifying ordeal of his life. The BBC's Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston spent 114 frightening days as a hostage after being kidnapped at gunpoint.'

The campaign by the BBC and its journalists to persuade AJ's captors that they could only benefit from releasing him was exemplary. It was at all times non aggressive and non threatening, while at the same time it clearly spelled out the ramifications of any misguided decision to execute AJ. It was not excessively high profile, but wonderfully persistent, and successfully united journalists from around the world. That AJ is now safe at home, and that the Gaza was not further destabilised (is that possible??), is testament to its success.

Not sure if this counts as 'an event' but to me it is an example of the best use of the power of television and journalism.

Morning all ! This is a very busy Bistro this morning. Hello Carys! Nice to see you, to see you nice! ( I know, I have been watching too much SCD) Let's see,- two people floating at ceiling height. How can Shirley cook when she is up there? Oh, hello sweetheart,- you had to take over all the cooking this morning. Even the Locum Chef is useless this morning? I see, thats her next to Shirley up there. I'll have my usual leaded coffee, please and a walnut roll. What's that? Lava bread? Carys brought it? How kind of you,- I'll have some of that instead.
BHB,- you know why your two cooks are in Seventh Heaven today? They went to the signing of GO's first album. You were there too.? Why am I not surprised. You are turning in to a proper Lee-fan. We might start calling you a Loppy soon.

Morning all. I hardly got to hear the CD yesterday when I got home, so I have brought it into work and am listening through headphones, at least until 8.00 when I officially start work. Worth getting in early.

I know what you mean Gillian. I didn't get to play it until 10.45 last night. I really should have gone to bed but just had to listen once. Listened again on the train but that's it until journey home.

Hi Carys. Is there really no way you can join one of our Fests?? I know its a long way but it just seems so unfair with all the work you are doing on Lee's/our behalf. And besides we would all like to meet you!!!

Pauline so sorry you had such a scare with your Sloppy last night. Bet that brought you down to earth with a bump. It was so nice to meet you yesterday. And yes, will definitely expect you at any Anyexcuseforafest Fest we plan. Very inconsiderate of the GO to end his Jo run on the one weekend in the year you cannot do.

The BHB does look tired doesn't he. I think we might have been overworking him Carol. Time we got back to normality and pulled our weight in the kitchen. So - tomorrow morning and for 3 days only I will have a special menu for your delight and delectation with thanks and apologies to Carluccio's who kindly donated a menu to us on Saturday - and yes I did ask.

Morning ladies. Thanks for the little treat Gillian, couldn't get it to work last night but I have just watched it now. Even more jealous now of the Loppy-formerly-known-as-Snuffles-but-now-Cloud9! But what a lovely spontaneous gesture from Lee. Did they have a huge vat on standby for you all to melt into? He really is surprised just how much he is truly admired by us.

Regards the album, how do you pick a favourite? I love PiB and GMYAS (goes without saying) but on yesterday's initial couple of listens (okay maybe more) I really liked Stronger for its simplicity.

Do you remember way way back when Lee first won we were all posting on the ADWD Final page here that we hoped there'd be an album before too long?

http://www.ifilm.com/video/2913770 This is the second part of the interview on seatwave - with thanks to Donna who of course had it first.

....mmm, mmmm, did anyone speak to me just then?? Ploppy gave me a giggle this morning - he now travels in on the tube with me, having relocated offices to the West End, we part at my office door and I get a kiss on the cheek each morning ..... this morning he went to kiss me then asked if it was the Lee kissed cheek, as he'd better kiss the other one! I showed him Gillian's video last night when I finally managed to view it, and he said (which I thought was really sweet) - "Oh Lee must be such a nice young man to do that".....see what training of Ploppies can achieve ladies???
Boss in so better do some work!

Shirley, I posted that link last night, as well as the one Diana posted again this morning. (NOTE TO SELF: Stop writing posts in invisible ink!)

Morning Everyone!!

Well what an enjoyable night I had last night listening to the album over and over again!! I love all the songs - its stunning!! My favourite favourite track if I had to choose one is one that noone else has mentioned and that is 'All That You Know' I think it is fantastic and can throughly recommend turning the stereo up and singing it at the top of your voice like I did last night!! I felt positively euphoric!! Lee's voice in all the songs is fantastic and the album really shows it off to perfection. Lee should be very very proud as the album is wonderful!! I too should have gone to bed early but still had it playing on my MP3 at 11.15!! Its really good listening to it through your headphones - especially 'I want to make it with you' as it sounds like he is singing it in your ear!!

Sorry, Geri, I didn't see your Sun link - must have scrolled through last night's messages too fast. Also still floating ....

Hi all-just dropping in to see if anyone is interested.I have 2 excellent tickets available for the 28th November evening-for Joseph Row b stalls ,centre of row.2 people who were going with me aren't now.You can contact me through Donna's forum or the stageloppies address for details. Anyone interested I paid £80 each for them so would like to get that back if possible-paypal possible. If no takers by 7pm I will ebay them .

Sorry Carolyn - I'm already going on Wednesday next week with colleague from work.......third visit!!! Nowhere near your league yet though! I just love all the tracks - at the moment can't pick a favourite (apart from PiB of course) at the moment, so will just have to keep listening until I come up with one!!

Just popped in to say HELLO. I have been reading the posts for ages now, and felt to shy to join in.
It was lovely meeting all the Ladies yesterday at HMV and putting names to faces.
The album is superb, I love PIB.
I do have some quite good pictures of the crowd when we were in M and S, if anyone can tell me were to put them so you all can see them I would be grateful.

Just flicked through Heat and there is a review of Lee's album. It gets three stars which is pretty good but they say its 'inoffensive' and 'more middle of the road than cats eyes'. However the last bit made me laugh - it said 'but we're sure it will be a very welcome pressie for women of a certain age this Christmas'!!!

Gillian - thankyou for the video, wish I'd been able to come as well!
Geri - thanks for the links, you've saved me trawling the net looking for myself
Carol - can I send my ploppy to you for some training? He did listen to the album last night but steadfastly refused to come to see Joseph with me still, he will require a firm hand do you think you can handle him?

I put a version of the ADWD song from the HMV signing on .org site, just the song and on stage chat, not the 'crowd scenes' etc. I sent the same thing to the official lite in case they wanted to link to it from their media page.

I can make yet another version with Lee larking around for the cameras, the rear view shots etc, but again without the crowd scenes. Would those who were caught on camera prefer not to be available to all to see? If so I'll upload the non loppy version under the same filename as the one Donna has linked to, so it will magically change to the one excluding you. Let me know how you feel. I'll email you all the new link to the one you are in, which I'll have to rename.

Hope that makes sense, there will then be 3 versions in all.

Jill, and it was lovely to meet you too yesterday - sorry I couldn't join in the M&S coffeefest, but wxxk called!!

Official Site!!! Sorry, can't type

Welcome Jill, nice meeting you yesterday. Afraid I can't help re photos as know very little about such things, I'm hoping for a digital camera for Christmas and a few lessons on how to use it.
Thanks for links Geri and reminders Shirley and Diana.
Did I mention that I'm going to see Joseph tonight , yes tonight.

Morning all and welcome all new loppies.

Had a nice lie in this morning after all the excitement of the last few days but just on my way to work now - boo - but it pays for my Lee habit!!

I have deliberated long and hard about the CD and my favourites are GMYAS, PiB, YAM, WCWMTW, Stronger, ATYK, HCIBS, TBIYTC, WINYTM, MIWY, oh and ADWD. Sorry, but I just love them all!

Shirley - agree with everybody else about Octoberfest tickets!! How much do we owe you?

Oh and Geri, Debbie & Jane E, don't forget me in your plans for the hugs and kisses!!! Major swoon!!!

Karen! How could we possibly forget you!! Or Louise for that matter!

Hi Jill, glad you plucked up courage to jump in!

Carol - please start a Ploppy training camp - mine has steadfastly refused to watch ADWD, come to Joseph or listen to the CD. Humph!

Maeve, have a wonderful time tonight! I don't suppose you could smuggle me in in your handbag could you?

I've been toiling diligently in the halls of academe all morning & feel I've earned a break in the world of Loppydom. I've been researching an essay (the importance of books to the Renaissance Humanists, if you care), but had my MP3 player on while I worked. By some coincidence I got to hear the the ADWD version of PiB & the new album version back to back. I won't jaundice your opinion by telling you what I think, but I highly recommend the exercise -- beats Renaissance literature, anyway!

Diana -- of course you're still floating. Imagine Carol won't return to earth any time this year.

Hi Jill, welcome to the wacky world of loppies. As long as you're a bit wacky, too, you should fit right in!

And, Karen, of course you belong in the Cinderloppy club. Along with Ringer, and Anne, and all the other foreign loppies who miss out on all the fun. You think the GO would mind travelling all over the globe to plant kisses on the ladies who can't go see him?

Sorry, Maeve -- have a fabulous time tonight. Blow him a kiss for me (since he's not likely to kiss me any time soon), and if you get the chance tell him we love him and his album. Oh, and don't forget the prerequisite review!

Thanks everyone for the links, thanks Gillian for the video, CAROL, SHIRLEY, what can I say??

Eva, yes please for the DVD.

Elisabeth, Alexandra, welcome.

Jill, well hello, nice to see you here.

Shirley, bad luck about the seats, but we are all together, thats what counts. We'll just have to have one or two (or three or four) fests in between. I guess we'll have to sort something out fairly quickly the way tickets are going, specially if we want a Saturday night.

Auds, thanks for the email, missed you on the blog, come back soon

...ok bowing to public (Loppy) demand, I will start plans for the Ploppy Training Centre (hereafter known as the PTC) - details will follow once I have worked out the curriculum! Ever of the carrot rather than stick, there will of course be alcohol for them to imbibe (find this tends to make them much more relaxed about things!!).

Carol,- I wish I could have sent my ex to your PTC. Maybe it would have made him into a human being. ( Bitchy, me?)
Jill,- to get your pictures into our album, you need to e-mail them to stageloppies@hotmail.co.uk to be forwarded to Maggie. Her Ploppy has set up a site where we can visit between ourselves. The link there is: http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4
Sue,- I need your full name and adress. Please e-mail me.
I have been to have my pampering today,- massage and acupuncture. Both going there and coming back I played Lee Mead in the car.(New album just out in case you didn't know). So now my mood is so mellow you can spread me on toast. That is a Norwegian saying. I don't know if it translates too well? Another song is coming up as a favourite now: Stronger. It is really beautiful. He gets to use his voice properly and the lyrics are very good too.

Here's the link to Seatwave's competition to win a cute self portrait Lee did. You have to tell in the comments about the most memorable concert you've been to in order to enter. Nobody has commented yet. http://backstagepass.seatwaveblogs.com/2007/11/competition_lee_mead_masterpie.php

Jill,- where are my manners? Welcome to our loopy Loppy world.

Hi all am now on cloud 8, so have come down a little! Yes Shirley it was a jolt (a very wet one ) last night as soon as I found sloppy OK I floated back up to ceiling again listening to cd in car coming home!!
Welcome Jill, great you made it on here, lovely to meet you yesterday. Sorry can't be any help with techie stuff as am definately challenged in that direction.
Thanks for the links ladies. So don't think I look anything like EB so unless I can loose about 2 stone and xx years, that's that..sigh.
Just come back from Sainsburys', looked for THE cd, couldn't see it.. boo.. then thought to check their chart sheet, it's at 21 and they have sold out!!! Hurray!!!!!!!! so fingers crossed it's doing well, and then we'll get a tour.
Have a great time tonight Maeve lucky lucky you.

Two pieces on Lee in this week's Whatsonstage
http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=198&types=Y

Our Shirley sat on the plane
And she listened to Lee
She went to stay at The Crane
Where it's lovely blue sea
A drink and a nap
The sun on her back
But what she most wanted to be
Was totally free
To listen to Lee

Welcome all new Loppies. Oooh more links, thanks. Still unable to pick a favourite song.

Yes Shirley is right I think that humanitarian issues are where we should be looking for outstanding TV event of the year. Although some might have issue with the nation's continuing Diana obsession, 'The Concert for Diana' is something we as a nation do very well, uniting the Global Village in showing concern for people in places where they are suffering.

'Maria' won the Emmy so pleased for them. Wonderful for our Musical Theatre industry, congratulations to The Lord and everyone involved.

Anyone seen Inside Soap? I had a quick look and couldn't see anything re Lee.

Greetings all. Good grief it's been an emotional few days. I was so high on Saturday when I posted (could you tell?) I enjoyed Joseph so much. 38 sleeps Ali B and Jo4.

HMV was emotional in another way. I know I'm a plank but I was petrified when it came to getting the autograph. He was so sweet when he was singing. They then got the stage ready so we could all line up and go up a couple of steps onto the stage to a table where his lovliness was sitting. It felt like school prize giving and my graduation ceremony only much much worse. The pressure standing in line thinking "say something sensible, witty and above all else appropriate." Love the loincloth for some reason lodged itself in my head.

When it was my turn I think I stood about 3 feet away from the table ready to cut and run at the first oppurtunity. He was signing and I was thinking "he is going to look up in one second what are you going to say?" That second dragged on as long for me as I'm sure Graham's pause before announcing the winner of ADWD was for Lee. I could have been holding my breath it was that bad. He looked up, the angels sang, little birds twittered in circles around me and I said "Well done." How lame is that? He said "thank you" and smiled and I ran away. I was like a bunny caught in the headlights of his beauty. No kisses for me which is probably just as well.

I accept I am tragic. I've decided admiration from afar suits me. Don't worry Ali B I'll still stand in the scrum at the Adelphi on 28th but that's my limit from now on.

OOh Tragic Al - don't worry I would have been the same!! I probably would have blurted out something really inappropriate like - please wear tight white jeans again!! Is it really only 38 sleeps! Whoo Hoo! Too right you are going to be with me in the scrum at the end of the show - thats nearly the best bit!! We will also be near the front as I am vertically challenged!! Surely between us we can come up with something to say even if its 'we love the album!! I am sure as well that we will be grinning like idiots as I was last time!!

Oh Vali, thank you. A poem for me. Oh I have come over all flustered.

Cheered me up too. It has been a bad bad day. Talk about a crash landing. So much excitement all weekend and then again yesterday. Then today I had to pack up and post those wonderful photographs Lee signed for me, and his precious baseball cap. Now logically I knew they were not mine, and never felt any sense of ownership of them at all. But they had been here for a long time and were a tangible reminder of such a magical and oh so specail close encounter that I just felt bereft when they went. It is helped by being in touch with the winners who are all so thrilled and such lovely ladies that I know they will all be loved. And yes I know there will be more Lee excitement in future, and that I have a lovely album of him singing beautiful songs - and by tomorrow I will probably be bouncing around again. Just not today.

Oh but I did something useful this morning. I confirmed with See the 26 tickets for 18 October evening show. £45 each I'm afraid. Although it was a group booking they dont do discounts on Saturdays.

The MMJ tickets are still not allocated. Started thinking about contingency plans, but they keep saying they should be done any day now. Wonder what the hold up is??

Hope you feel more cheerful Shirley - at least you are going on holiday!! Where are you going if you don't mind me asking?? Do they have internet access?? I am going away for a long week-end to Boston Christmas shopping on 6 Dec which I am really looking forward to but the thought of missing out on Lee stuff is quite upsetting!! It was bad enough when I was on holiday and missed his 5 mins on the Diana concert!! I have a technical question with this site actually regarding that - I can blog like this perfectly at work but I can't from my computer at home as it always witholds the entry!! Do I have to use a different name and email address?? Thanks!!

LEE ALERT LEE ALERT according to Ploppy Lee is on Radio 2 Steve Wright today !!!

Yep, Steve has just announced it

Yes thanks AliB. I have no right to feel down at all. Vali tells you where I am going. To The Crane http://www.thecrane.com/. And yes, we do have broadband access so will be able to keep in some contact, but probably not a lot. But Ploppy is taking all the wireless network stuff with him, so I should be able to lay out on the deck and chat sometimes.

Shirley don't be sad, no material things can replace the magic of talking to and being kissed by the GO. Just concentrate on that and all that lovely sunshine and sea and sand and ..d**m now I'm depressed!! Don't worry Tragic Al you are sooo not alone look at my pathetic encounters, I can't help it that boy turns me to mush!!
Gillian forgot to say earlier you can edit however you like for me no problem.
Oh and Shirley if we do have another fest can we avoid the beginning of Sept.? I'm usually on holiday then... cheeky I know but if you don't ask.......

OOh Shirley - just clicked on link and it looks FABULOUS!! I wish I was going!! Glad you have internet access as the blog will be weird without you!!

Does anyone know the answer to my home computer log on problem as above?? If not I will try a different name and email address and see if that works!

Ali and Ali B - does this mean you are going to the show evening of 28th November (i.e. next Wednesday?), cos if so I am there too but my work colleague (male) is not up for standing out the front for the Lee meet, so I was going to do it solo.........

Listening to Steve Wright, but he said at the top of the show, that all the presenters had colds, hope they don't give there colds to our lovely boy.
By the way Shirley sorry to hear you are down,think of your holiday getting away from all this horrible weather.
I have just made a fruit cake shall I send some to the Beach Bistro for the GO for the morning?

Carol - no sorry we are going 28 December!! Tell your colleague that its really not that bad standing out the front with alot of slightly deranged women!! He can stand at the side and watch!!

Silly me, the reason I came on the site was to say I have sent some photos to stageloppies@hotmail, would somebody kindly tell me if they arrive.
Must ask Father Christmas for a new brain!!!!!

NOW! NOW!!

NOW! NOW!!

Hello Ladies good afternoon
Jill I have recieved 2 pics from Jackie and 4 from Carol they are on the Loppie Album, I try to get them online as soon as I get them. it looks like I am awaiting a couple more from Jackie they will be online either tonight or tomorrow morning IF they arive

Byeeeeee for now

Sorry Arrive (Typing too quick)link to Loppie album is.

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

Sorry didn't mean to send it twice, got excited.

Sue - Was it good?? What did he say??

Typical - he must have been on while I was collecting big dollop from school! Will have to listen again later.

Ohh just found this!! I am going to struggle with the play nominations though!! Obviously you know who to vote for!!

http://www.whatsonstage.com/surveys/fillsurvey.php?sid=17

Eva - have I told you lately what a wonderful, kind, and gracious Viking you are? And yes the next question is can I have a DVD please?

Aw Tragic Ali - I know how you feel, 'rabbit in headlights' is exactly what happened when I saw Lee after the show!

Shirley, Vali is spoiling you with that lovely poetry! £45 was about what I expected for the tickets.

And Jill, I'm looking forward to your fruitcake in the bistro!

Right lets see if I can beat Ploppy home, and see if Lee is on listen again!

One dream in our hearts
Lee's Cap was competed for
A signed Artwork too and what's more
This nearly was MINE
Close to our hearts they came
Only to fly away,
Posted to loving owners
Now, now we're not sore
Donna and Shirl will be getting more
Lee's worth all the Giving for
This still could be MINE

Hm, could be better Ahem
'Donna and Shirley, please get some more
Lee's worth all the Giving for
It STILL could be MINE'

YET rather than STILL?

Geri?

Oh, my brain hurts! But what a way to return to normal -- wasn't he lovely! Silly question, he's always lovely! It amazes me that after all the interviews he's done, the interviewer -- no matter who it is -- seems astonished at how nice he is. They always comment on it, have you noticed? "That was Lee Mead -- isn't he a lovely chap!" or something of the sort. Lots of giggles today, and I loved Steve's Jason Donovan impersonation -- only wish we could have seen it, too! And they played two Lee songs! My sort of interview.

OK, now need to go back & see what I've been missing in Loppyland. Looks suspiciously like lyrics I'm seeing, Vali...

This review is good news / bad news. They say Lee has a great voice & his song selection is strong but describe it as an album of show tunes, which begs the question -- did they listen to it? They say...No, read it for yourselves. Just keep in mind, with all the typos, it's hard to take it seriously. Here's the link (Karen and you other non-Cliff fans, be warned -- they make a comparison!): http://www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/reviews/music/lee-mead-lee-mead-$1169227.htm

Hi AliB, I log in with the same name and email address wherever I'm logging in from but I don't think it matters if you use a different one.

Thanks Diana - I will keep trying but its done it twice already!! Thanks for the link Geri - I don't think the reviewer even listened to the album!! There are also a lot of fan reviews on the amazon.co.uk site under where you can order his album - lots of five stars and enthusiasm!!

Ooh, ALW's site has backstage footage of CiN -- with a clip from the wings of Lee performing ADWD (would have been nice if they'd mentioned the best newcomer award). http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/sections/news/newsdb.php?article=110

Thanks, AliB, I'll check out Amazon & see what they say.

She talks about 'tinny production', I would guess this is no Business Insider, she has just been listening to the snippets on the Joseph Official Site the addition of which, however well meaning, has done the Album a disservice. She has lost any credibility over her description of the songlist.
I'm listening to 'All that you know' it's outstanding production wise. And there's another 'Ageist' comment like reported in 'Heat'. Can we lock them together in a room with 'Forever Young' playing on a loop until they recant that discriminatory rubbish. I like Rihanna, Fergie, Stereophonics etc we have lots of current stuff. I think I know a good Album when I hear it. The various Boybands have a wide appeal, we don't get that kind of remark about their buyers.

Thanks for the link Geri - so, what planet is that reviewer from? How are they classed as showtunes? And I think she'll find that JB's album contains no showtunes either - he explained it's called Another Side as he wanted to show people other facets of his singing ability. Don't you just love when they do their homework before putting pen to paper (as it were)?! Geri - I'm with you on the typos/grammar side of things, a bit of a stickler, especially when newspaper articles, etc should have been proofed before going to print.

Rant over - back to the album, you know, the one that doesn't have showtunes on (apart from ADWD)!

I got up late today and have not read this blog. Check ut the competition that ALW is having on his Website regarding Lee Mead's CD, plus other stuff....

Sorry if it was already posted:

http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/sections/competition/index.php

CarolynW - thanks for the link - the competition is sooo worth entering as the prize is 2 tickets for the Joseph Meets Maria recording!! Good luck everyone we need a Loppy to win!!!

Thanks, Carolyn W I don't think we had posted that important information in all the excitement about the Children in Need Fundraiser and Album release. I was wondering how you are, feeling OK I hope?

Thanks for that, Carolyn. Nice to hear from you again. And I know it's nothing to do with you, but can you pass along the word that it is grossly inappropriate to have Jason Donovan singing in the background while Lee is performing (the behind the scenes CiN footage from ALW's site). And how come ALW claims they raised £600,000 when the cheque he gave TW was for £179,000? Just curious.

That was mentioned on CiN Geri, ADWD TV prog and the ADWD single raised the bulk with the two CiN Joseph shows the £179,000.
(It says single was £57k on ALW website if I remember)

Forgot to say, Scott, The Stage was mentioned on Paul O'Grady yesterday, Sandi Toksvig got her first job on TV thanks to Avt in The Stage.

@Vali: Thanks. Actually, our broadcasting correspondent was off work yesterday and also spotted it, but we're always happy for people to let us know when The Stage gets noticed elsewhere!

I sent Lee a card with congrats on winning Outstanding Newcomer (as reported somewhere) and I think it's actually Outstanding New Talent, sorry Lee. Bought it on Friday 'cause I knew he'd win.

Scott Dear, see I can do that too. Did you see my nomination at 07.31 this morning. Just that you have acknowledged all the others. Sorry if I got the wrong end of the stick.

Oh, yes, and is the 'Concert for Diana' in?

Yes Geri 12.55 was a lyric to 'Ol Blue Eyes' I thought about you. 'I took a trip on a plane.....'

@Shirley: Yes I did see it, thanks -- and apologies for not acknowledging it at the time.

@Vali: I'll add it to the list for our consideration.

See what you think of this, Vali --

Shirley’s going on a Winter holiday,
No more loppies for a week or two,
Golden beaches on her Winter holiday,
But without Lee she’s gonna be so blue,
For a week or two.

She’s going where the sun shines brightly
She’s going where the sea is blue
She’s packing all her DVDs
And her Lee-memorabilia too.

Every loppy wants a Winter holiday
But they’ll spend it at The Strand, it’s true,
Can’t forgo their Lee for sunny holidays
So they’ll stay near the Adelphi, who
Could leave Lee for a week or two?
‘Cos that would make us blue.

Thank you, CarolynW for that link. Have now submitted my answer and will keep fingers crossed.
JaneE,- DVD in post tomorrow.

Ooooo Eva, thank you, thank you!

I love all these lyrics -can we have a Loppy song book, do you think!

...yes and sung by the Loppy Choir please!

Shirley I know I thanked you in my email but I am going to do it again. I want the whole world to know what a fantastic person you are. Well at least the Loppie world. Although they probably already know.
You got me a signed cd by the GO himself. What a treasure. I am so exited.

I would kiss you but I thought it would be better coming from the GO. Did he deliver Shirley?

When I got your email I screamed. My collage’s are now under the impression that I am loosing it.
The past couple of weeks, when I came back from London, they have asked me all kind of questions
Why are you smiling?, Who is that man? What does he do? What are you singing?
He looks quite nice.
Nice???? EXCUSE ME but are you blind!!! He is gorgeous. HE IS THE GO!
As you can see I am spreading the Lee madness around.

Gosh you're all so talented - think I'll be a backing dancer and I can do the oo'ers and the aah'ers (are they the harmonies??) as well.

Well, Loppy language has slipped into my other life again. Just been to the hospital to visit a very old and very dear friend of the family (she was knocked down by a wagon two weeks ago and had to have her leg amputated which I didn't share with you because everything's been so up and exciting here lately and I didn't want to bring the mood down - however, I am delighted to share with you that, although she has a long road ahead of her, at the grand old age of 83 she is now doing fantastically well and thanks to her fighting spirit things are looking promising). Anyway, sorry, I digress, but whilst were at the hospital loads of other visitors arrived to see her so Ploppy & I wandered off around the ward to talk to some of the other patients, most of whom are lovely old dears and love a good natter (and a bit of flirting with Ploppy!!). I stopped to have a chat with one such lady and (after telling me that when I'd had enough of Ploppy I should send him in her direction and she'd teach him a thing or two!!!!) she was telling me about her grandchildren of whom she was very proud "unlike some of the kids today" she said. Having none of my own I don't feel fully qualified to comment (even though I may have an opinion) so, without thinking, I told her that I had no dollops or scollops - yes I used the exact loppy words!!!!!!! She went very quiet and then said "really, that's nice dear"!!! Oops!!

So, Geri - I have cleared a space in my diary from now until, well, forever, ready for my visit from the GO for him to give me my kiss - you did say you were going to arrange that didn't you?????? Perhaps, we could make that a fundraising event at one of the fests - we each pay for a kiss from the GO and donate it to our/his supported charity!!! Form an orderly queue!!!!!!

Karen I am standing behind you in the queue.

Karen -- given how much the cap raised, what do you think a kiss from the GO himself would go for?

Carol -- glad you're not bored with the songs yet, because I'm working on something special just for you.

Mimble blurble blub ... Gasp ... bucket please!! (yes my Cd was waiting when I got in from work this evening). Will be back later when I've had chance to listen to it again & am able to write coherently!

Yippeeeeeeee my CD arrived just after I got home at lunchtime. Guess what I've been listening to all afternoon? Apart from listening to Steve Wright. Actually youngest scollop sent me a present from iTunes last night cos he thought I was being brave about no CD yesterday. Isn't he lovely, so I've got it on loop on laptop.
Loving the poems/lyrics everyone.
I've entered the comp. to win a signed CD and tickets to MMJ.Just got to win now.
See you all later.

Just listened to the Steve Wright show. Well the part with Lee anyway. It was really funny.
I was laughing out loud imagining their faces while they were attempting to sing.
Steve called Lee a good guy. Duh!

Carolyn thanks for the link. I am taking the chance to Kathleen.

I love the lyrics Geri. Happily singing along too. And Anne, I am just doing my bit to spread the Lee Mead Love as Donna phrases it. You will all have to excuse me for not putting any notes or cards in with anything today. I am on such a tight timescale now that I thought I might not get them off if I did that as well.

You know I strongly suspect that if you stumped up £2,500 each Lee might well be prepared to give you each a kiss. Hey - where did that queue go??? Of course as the organiser I would have to test the prize first. Cant have such generous donors shortchanged.

And no apology necessary Scott, just did not want my nomination missed.

Karen, so pleased your friend is making a good recovery. You have to be tough to reach that age. I used to love working with older people. But I bet that old lady now thinks you are bonkers - and not just slightly so!!!

Thanks everyone for all the links. So much Meady goodness out there now. The feast after the famine.

Just for you, Carol:

Alone and awake I've looked at the stars,
The same that smile on you;
And time and again I've thought all the things
The loppies were thinking too:

I have dreamed of a man who’s called Lee,
I have dreamed that he might kiss me;
I have dreamed every song he’ll sing when
He’s standing close,
So close to me.
How he looks with his hair so curly
I have seen and enjoyed the view.

In my dreams he loves me so
He kissed me cheek, it’ll do for now
Shows me what it's like to be loved by you,
I would love to be loved by you.

Blog been busy today - still catching up - and listening to the CD at same time. Love it al but so far "when I need you the Most" is my fav - but need to listen lots more times to make an informed decision!

Carol - i have to say my ploppy fairly well trained But do you do classes in total neglect as have to be honest and say that ploppy has had to endure more than his fair share of neglect since found loppyland. On other hand - he is not complaining - so perhaps suits him too!!

Auds - did you get overcome by all the silver reflection at CiN as have not heard from you and just checking you are OK.

Shirley - only thing about cloud 9 is that it can be a rapid descent back to normality! Are you descending to normality carol or just staying on cloud 9.

I did wonder when Gillian asked about people on video wanting to remain on when put in public domain - whether we ought not to post our photo site's address on this site but just have it via email given that this is a public site.

Anyway better go and disturb the poor neglected ploppy's peace and say hello - he is not long back from work.

I sent an e-mail out to the loppies a few days ago about an idea I had for a project designed to help Lee realise how wonderful we think he is. If you haven't received the e-mail can you contact me? And if you have received the e-mail can you respond as soon as possible? It'll really require a combined effort if it's to work, and it'll be fun, too!

Errr Shirley haven't you already tested the prize? And if kisses are going for that price, I'm just wondering what to sell - and thinking probably Ploppy!

Hey Anne, when did you get to the front of the queue?

Karen, so glad your fiend is doing OK - and yes, I find myself having to bit my toung so as not to refer to 'my Ploppy' at w*rk.

So have we all got our CDs now then?

I would like to thank all the lovely people who have posted links over the last 2 days. I'm sorry I have not said so before. I have been really busy. Funny not really been able to concentrate at work either.

Watching Heston Blumenthal at the moment. I think he could even convince me to like fish pie - tonight's dish.

Jane you know I am a perfectionist and quality control is so important!!!!!!!!!!

Fi, you are right, but mercifully after a snooze this afternoon I am feeling my normal cheery self.

I think Auds was housesitting for someone, so maybe she does not have internet access there. She is OK, we have been texting today

Jane - You have a Ploppy worth £2,500????? Now I accept that maybe Carol does but surely he is exceptional????

Oh dear, and I forgot to say thank you for the gift tags, from Fi (and cheque thanks Fi), Carol and Jane.

Finally got around to listening to Lee's radio interview. Wasnt it lovely. Lots of Lee giggles. Like them.

Just had to let you know about my Ploppy. He works in Sainsbury's and when hewas on checkout this pm served a customer with Lee's CD in her basket. He got into a conversation with her and told her all about the Loppies!!
Also when I got to school yesterday two of my colleagues couldn't wait to ask me if I'd seen Lee on CinN and SCD and wasn't he gorgeous?One of then said his rear was worth an award!! So 2 more Loppies there.
Can't decide which track I like most of all cos they're all fabulous. I think When I need you the Most just has a slight edge.

For Anne and any other Dutch speaking Loppies out there, here is a link to a fan website in Dutch: http://www.lee-mead.nl/ I'm trying to learn Dutch so this will give me something interesting to practice on! Nice to know there are at least a few more Lee fans on this side of the North Sea.

Just having a play, should be working. Thought lets have a look for birthday surprise tickets. Guess what there are tickets available in row D of the stalls for 11 March? I wonder if Auds would like them?

http://www.photoshot.com/search.jsp?submited=1&&&page=search.jsp&no_providers=1&no_collections=1&no_orientation=1&sorting=sort_rel&cid=&gid=&rf=&iset_id=&story_id=&tid=&al=1&rights_managed=1&royalty_free=1&photography=1&keywords=lee+mead&color=1&black_white=1&search_method=1&illustration=1&searchInResults=results Some really lovely photos from yesterday.

Wrote a long message and then my **** PC crashed for the umpteenth time.

Thanks for the Photoshot link, Shirley. London Lite reports that Lee was "getting crushed by female fans as he signed his debut album at HMV Oxford Street". Ummmmm now where was I yesterday ... I don't recall a scrum, does anyone else? I don't think so!

No prizes for guessing what I'm listening to.

Geri, I haven't received an email from you.

London Loppies - I'm thinking of booking Joseph for one evening after work (not Friday) August/early Sept and wondered if we wanted to arrange a London Loppy visit to Joseph? Let me know if you're interested.

Not sure if anyone's posted this but in case not - anyone booking tickets for the new period note that Lee is on holiday end July for a week and second half of Sept for 2 weeks. The info is on the main See site but not the Joseph site See booking page!

It does strike me somewhat surprising that Lee is having 2 weeks off 15 Sept - 4 October when he is finishing on 18 October. Makes me wonder if Joseph and Lee will extend further, maybe to Jan 2009?

DK which is my favourite track yet. I love them all and everytime I play the album I love it even more.

Diana, e-mail on its way to you; let me know if you don't get it again. And thanks to all who have responded so far. It should be a great surprise for him. I'm thinking of making it a Valentine, if you all agree.

Diana- I'm up for any evening.
I never once thought you ladies would scrum.

Some delightful photos indeed Shirley including that fab tongue in cheek Rockstar pose.
Jackee glad to see the Dutch can get the CD from bol.com where it gets 5* Fantastisch.

Did you see on the Yahoo web intro that us women only have half the brain serotonin of a man? We need all the cheering up we can get, I'll try that one on Ploppy when he can't understand why I need so much Me Time (that would be Lee time).

A scrum. How undignified. Definitely not a scrum. Well you have seen the photos and Gillian's video. Do we look like a scrum? Honestly. Still I suppose that sounds a lot better than trying to make out that there was no one there.

Me, myself and I are heading off to bed. Tired we are. Sweet Meads all.

Geri, several people have contacted stageloppies to say they had no email and I have forwarded the messages to you. I haven't either, not even at stageloppies:))

Knew I'd forgotten something from my original comment - I picked up the photos I ordered of the Famous pics - oh boy!!!

Gillian, I do apologise for your being bombarded. Not sure what happened to the original e-mail; I suspect I've got CO gremlins again (I wonder if I can get a pill for that?)

Well Shirley perhaps £2,500 is a bit optimsitic - he does cook though!

Jackee - I love the idea of practicing Dutch on a Lee fan site. Now, I keep trying to learn French - a Lee site would be such motivation - Le GO, Le Ploppy - it could work!

Diana - thanks for the info on Lee's holidays

Time for bed
sweet Meads Loppies

Definately don't remember a scrum, but wouldn't have minded being in a scrum with the GO. YUM!
Karen what an amazing friend you have, but must say having an old sloppy I realise that they certainly made 'em tough then. Must have been going through the war.
Geri I haven't heard but hardly suprising as only recently sent my email to stageloppies, would love to be included so have asked Gillian to forward my address if thats ok?

Bonjour Jane E - je parle le franglais tres bien et je crois que le derrier de l'annee c'est tres bon! Geri - loved, loved the lyrics - did get an email but sorry forgot to respond! However je suis un "oui" as opposed to ennui. Thanks for all the links ladies - the system in the office keeps stopping me looking at other sites, but fortunately not this one so I have to play catch up very quickly when I get home and then about now when I come back home from rehearsal or wherever! We had a post K&I meeting tonight, to pay in money, collect in books etc., but you will be pleased to know I was eulogising about the GO yesterday and how brilliant he sounded etc. etc., oh yes I might just have dropped into the conversation that he KISSED ME! Off to bed now, so Sweet Meads all!!

I think we are slowly coming down to earth again after the last days exitement. I know it's time for this Loppy to go to her bed and read her book. So, my lovely Loppies, good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Carol, loving the punning en Francaise. Vous etes une Loppee humerous! Glad you liked my little homage with a K&I theme. Just had your name all over it.

Bedtime for this loppy, too. Back to the dreaded w*** word tomorrow. Sleep well.

Morning all - rise and shine! Time to open the Bistro - bit dark outside but at least it is not raining, however, I have told the BHB not to put up the outside tables and chairs today, so we shall all be eating indoors!
Forgot to say, Karen, sorry to hear about your elderly friend, but hopefully she is now on the mend, also Auds are you still with us??? Finally, Ali - heard there is another poultry farm which has been affected - do hope your Ploppy is ok.
Right, time to pull out the sun awning (ever optimistic) and give the BHB a hand in the kitchen. I am expecting my final orders from the current owner before she leaves for sunnier climes!

Morning, ladies. Carol, unhand that man, you had your kiss now let others have their turn. Good morning, BHB, scrambled eggs and toast with the usual Irish for me. The Scandinavians are conspicous by their absence, I see. What's that, BHB, you heard they were all glued to their CDs listening to a certain album? Well, that's no excuse not to show up for breakfast. And you have rather a pleasant voice, BHB, can you give us a song as you work -- Make It With You? Yes, just the ticket. I'll be right here with a glazed look on my face...

Good morning Loppies,

so the Bistro is ready for business I see - and BHB singing while he works, what a happy chappy he is!

Geri, if you wouldn't mind putting him down for a minute, he'll probably singing better if he's not being squeezed so tight!

Auds, as you can tell, we're missing you!

TaDaaah!
I'm here, I'm here.
It's been just horrid not being able to get on the blog. As Shirley mentioned I've been housesitting - with NO computer access!!! Back home now, so you'll see a bit more of me. I have been keeping up all the goings on.. and there are so many things to respond to... but so little time..

But there is one thing to address.. to those Cloud Niners!!! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggghhhhh. HE kissed YOU. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw that footage of you Carol.. You did well to remain standing. I spoke to Shirley after her experience.. and surprisingly she was quite coherent. Shirley, do hope you've perked up today.

There's so much to say, and so little time.. but thanks for missing me. What a brilliant weekend it was. Meeting so many new Loppies, living the buzz of the CiN performance and then witnessing the debut at the BBC studios.

So, after being missing in action, I think I am in need of a bit of one-to-one attention from the BHB this a.m. Lots of steaming hot coffee and a lovely croissant, but mostly just a lot of attention... Hmmm, that's lovely thank you my Handsome One - so you've had a very busy weekend as well? Yes I heard you did a bit of singing.. Oh, you make me blush, but yes, go ahead, sing for me and to me... Oh, you do have a lovely voice, sound very similar to another young man who's album I've recently got my sticky mits on. There's not a single track that I dislike. Not even the plinka plonk version of a very familiar show song.

Good morning all beach Bunnies, did anyone notice at some stage yesterday we had the Sony bunnies at the top of our Blogg - thought it most appropriate, but they have gone again.

Right special breakfast menu coming up. (Can one have an Italian Bistro - sounds like a contradiction in terms) Anyway here goes.

Calazione Magnifica - Scrambled eggs with grilled mushrooms, sauteed mushrooms, tomato and toasted ciabatta. Comes with Coffee, or tea and a fruit juice of your choice.

Uova e Pancetta - Free range fried eggs with grilled pancetta on toasted ciabatta

Uova e Funghi - Free range scrambled eggs with sauteed mushrooms on toasted ciabatta

And for those who dont want a full cooked breakfast we have Italian specials too

Mussle con Yoghurt - Muesli with natural yoghurt, served with jugs of honey and woodland berry compote

Frutta di Stagione - Fresh fruit salad with natural yoghurt

and my personal favourite

Breakfast Bread Tin - Freshly baked croissant and toasted breads served with butter and our Italian fig jam and honey.

Enjoy ladies. The BHB has loved working on something a little different - he chose all the dished himself you know. (With a little advice from yours truly of course.)
And remember that for 3 weeks from Saturday you are not going to be able to get a thing in my precious BeachCafe/Bistro that does not have enough alcohol in it to lay out a bull elephant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome back Auds - wasnt Friday night awesome. Good to have you back home here too. I finally sat and wrote a coherent review last night and sent if off to both feedback@lee-mead.com and to Donna, so hope that you might get to share it soon. I think some of you might just recognise the breakfast menu specials - wasnt Carluccio's excellent!!!!

Oh, how rude of me... meant to also say welcome to the new Loppies on site; Anne, look forward to meeting you in October; Carol, I'll join you at the after show show on the 28th.. got a seat up in the Gods, but have my binocs. Aren't Shirley2 and Carolyn going that night as well - I thought I saw Carolyn offering 2 great stalls seats for no show friends of hers.
Oh, also been loving the talented efforts of lyrics/poetry from Geri,Vali and Debbie.

Oh Ladies. Some stunning photos from the Variety clubs awards linked on the nl Lee site - http://www.lee-mead.nl/ it does not change the main address as you go through so you need to go to Neuws. Click on the very last option of the page 'hier'
And the photos there are STUNNING. AAAAAHHHHH So much beauty, so early in the day.....

Talking of Carluccio's - my abiding memory of that breakfast will be of 6 or 7 pairs of eyes transfixed on a tiny mobile phone screen watching a certain performance of NYNY then Raise Me Up. And aside from the singing all that could be heard was the odd sigh or swoon, until it stopped. And then I swear there was utter silence as we each drifted off into our own little world (nano seconds of course) with the GO.

Auds, you memory does not decieve you. Its all true.

Oooh those photos are gorgous. Thanks Shirley. I think these are where they came from - another site to watch for photos!
http://www.contactmusic.com/photos.nsf/latest?open&page=9

And more: http://www.contactmusic.com/photos.nsf/latest?open&page=11

Morning all. Sorry I'm late. No excuse really, just a bit lazy this morning.
Auds,- how nice to see you back. Yes, you have been missed. If you could let BHB go, maybe he can serve me the Mussle con Yoghurt, please sweetheart. What is that, BHB? They all want you to sing? Never mind, just humour them. They can be a bit rabid at this time of the morning if they don't get their way. You enjoy the singing bit? Well, never let it be said I stopped someone doing what he wanted to do. Maybe soon we'll call you BHB, the Popstar!!!! (Best keep him amused, or else he might disappear into London completely.)
Shirley, I'm impressed with yours and BHB's cooking this morning. When your Locum takes over, will we be permitted to bring our own foo?. I don't think I can face alcohol at this time of the day.
BHB,- before Auds grabs you again, a leaded coffee, please.

Eva, maybe if I should stipulate that she also provides a limited range of non alcoholic dishes as well?? Non alcoholic specials maybe?? I know this will be difficult for her, but the BHB has a very good repetoire of different dishes now so she could let him prepare them for you. Would that help?

So Carol, rather than the RotY it's now the DdlA is it? Sounds like the people who take large lumps of money from us each year for the privilege of driving our cars on the road!!!!

Morning Everyone!!

Thanks for the menu Shirley - I am now really hungry after just having toast for breakfast - can I have Calzone Magnifica please?!

Apparently Lee is in this weeks Star Magazine and over on another forum they have typed it out -

http://www.leemead.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=1594

They have asked some quite personal questions but his answers are as usual rather dignified!!

Morning (again) - Shirley what is this suggestion of Eva's that there can be food WITHOUT ALCOHOL? Does such a thing exist?? I am planning some very special menus whilst the Pink Haired One is Away - I have of course to spend time with the BHB to ensure that we agree the menus in advance etc. etc. ect. Auds nice to hear you are safe and well (worried for a while that watching K&I had sent you into a decline!).

Hi all-just to let you know tickets no longer available for the 28th November just incase anyone was wondering,gone to a good home. Yes Auds- Shirley 2 and I will be there-middle of row B :)

Glad to hear it Carolyn. If I had been in the UK I would have grabbed your hand off for them. Have a wonderful time and give the GO a wave from me.

AliB thanks for the link - (I have forwarded it on to Donna) and hope you enjoyed your breakfast special. It looked lovely when one of the Loppies had it for breakfast last Saturday.

~Just running 0ut to post the last of the cds now I have everyone's addresses. See you soon

Auds - shall I book the chauffeur for us for next Wednesday?

Shirley - it sounds lovely - I wish I could have a breakfast like that every day!! I only usually have marmite on toast!! I saw you all briefly on Gillians HMV video last night. The video took two (yes two) hours to download and I got up to the bit where Lee is going to do the signing and lost the internet connection!! The video is really good and I will try and see it again on a computer with broadband!!! Wish I went - I love the grimace on Lee's face when he sees himself on the big screen!! Soo funny!!

Welcome home Auds!

Ali B - I agree about the grimace - it's so cute and endearing.

And thanks for the links guys! Those photos are gorgeous - think I might have to check them out again. I'm just going to borrow my colleague's fan first!

Morning all, just waitng to go out for lunch again! retirement is a wonderful thing, friend driving too so maybe a little alcohol involved.
Am actually really hungry now after reading the breakfast menu! With food like that I might shock you all one day and get up early.
Ali and Jane isn't that look great, but he really was very relaxed and messed around quite a bit, abd oh dear now I'm coming over all unnecessary again, must pull myself together as both my lunch friends think I have completely lost it, and have to try and talk about something else over lunch, life is hard.
Wonderful pictures, thanks for the links. Now to concentrate on anything else is even harder. Catch up later.

OK, back again. All cds safely posted. Gift tags still needed from Geri, Donna, Nicki and Lindsey. Geri I know you said yours in is in the post, and I have emailed Donna and Nicki this morning. Must do so for Lindsey too.

Just spoke to the BBC ticket office yet again. Getting to know them quite well. Seems that we dont actually have to wait for tickets to arrive. As soon as they say that I have an allocation my name is on the list and you just check in when you arrive. Just as Gillian and I did at the Gala. So at least I dont have to worry about getting the tickets sent on somewhere else. I gather they phone to say you have an allocation so as long as they do that by Friday I am OK. I have said I am going to be staying with my (fictional) daughter until Christmas and that I will give them her mobile number on Friday, so some lucky lady is going to have to pretend to be the daughter to a slightly dippy old lady who has been hassling the ticket office. They are making things awfully complicated by not allocating 2 weeks ahead as they said they should. Oh help. Sorry for rabbiting. I think panic is starting to set in.

Those of you who have met me will understand these. I bought 2 nice new notebooks when I went to buy the CD mailers, and then today bought myself a lovely new BIG handbag. Now guess who's a happy bunny.

Oh yes, and as Pauline2 said that look was just so funny and gorgeous. We all noticed it at the time and cheered him. But when he says he likes working with an audience it is easy to see, he feeds on the audience reaction. And boy does he get a reaction. But he was chatting away all the time, and definitely relaxed and happy. Cant say that we were relaxed but we were certainly happy.

LEE ALERT LEE ALERT
Just watching Good Morning. They have Lee on in a minute as a surprise guest star for the lady they are doing a treat for

Lee on This Morning at 12.15pm today!

LEE ALERT ON THIS MORNING 12. 30

Oh bless. And a bonus advert too. Isnt he so kind.

Short and sweet (his appearance that is, not the GO himself!) but lovely as ever, roll on next week when we get a chat and a song

Ohh how annoying - I tried to ring my Mum to get her to video it quick and remembered that she and my Dad have gone to Worthing for the day!! Details please!!!

Oh wasnt he sweet. What a kind guy. Very brief AliB. The surprise makeover guest has a a very disabled adult son to whom she is a full time carer. Lee was firstly shown on a monitor saying sorry he could not be there, but would see her soon, and then they bought him out. He gave her tickets for tonight's show. And then Philip and Fern were saying to Lee about him coming back properly a week on Friday for a chat and to sing. But in the ad break just before that they ran the advert for Lee Mead. Good product placement someone!!

I'm just coming down after all the recent excitements, Oct.fest, signing at HMV and last night The Show. (As I write this 'This Morning' is on and I'm sure I heard the words 'Lee Mead' pass Fern's lips but I didn't hear what she said, strange that ears pick those words up at 1000 yards)

The show was as enjoyable as ever and Lee as wonderful. Last time I saw it I thought there was somehing wrong with Lee's mike for his ADWD as he enters and far too much dry ice, but it was quite different last night, he was in fine voice and visible.

OMG HE'S ON TM NOW!! They did a makeover for a woman who's been caring for her son with muscular dystrophy for 32 years and then Lee appeared and gave her tickets for tonight's show. He was so kind and lovely. Also said he'd be on the show next Friday.

I'm in a bit of a dither, now where was I?
Oh yes, well ankle absolutely fine lots of running and jumping around. I thought I noticed a bit more business with Pharaoh which might have been introduced while Lee was not so mobile.

I do like Dean's Pharoah but I still cannot hear all the words, even with Lee's occasional sibilant sssssssssssss one can hear every word.

The theatre was packed and very enthusiastic audience on their feet for mega mix, it was a great way to spend a wet November evening.

I was with friends and we didn't wait for after show but I'm still high on my encounter on Monday, what a few days it has been.

I've finally caught up with all the posts since yesterday, my you are a chatty lot (as Jackie will tell you that is rich coming from me!!) haven't looked at all the links yet though.
Carol - ploppy's farm is still clear, thanks for asking. We live just outside the zone but you don't have to drive far before you see the signs. In Diss they have fenced off the mere to stop people feeding the ducks, it has proved to be a controversial decision according to the local press.
Geri - I got your email via Gillian,will get my thinking cap on.
And now I'm off at a tangent - anyone know where I can purchase a Nintendo Wii in time for xmas? I know it's a tall order but I've tried the internet and can't find one, getting desperate now!!!!

Shirley - Ooh thats soo sweet and kind of him to come on the show just for a few minutes!! Thanks for the report!!

Maeve - thanks for the report and how lucky you were watching This Morning!!

More pictures on Loppy album
From Eva

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

Oh Martin,- I'll repeat:YOU ARE A STAR. I only posted them 10 minutes ago.

Martin - thank you for the piccies. CiN Loppies - just seen the Loppy ears in all their splendour!! They looked really good.....mine will of course be pristine for the Stratfordfest!

For the second day running I have broughtthe CD into work and have it playing now, lunchtime. So busy listening and surfing, I forgot to start on my sandwiches.

Ali, you talkative - no!! What time did we get to sleep on CiN night?? Great stuff on the pictures Martin and glad you liked the one with the Loppy ears Carol!

Can't believe I missed This Morning, ah well, real life intervenes all the time! BTW Ali, have you tried all the usual places for a Wii like Woolies, Game, HMV etc? Might strike lucky!

Back from a busy morning shopping. Nothing very exiting, exept for one, no two items. On my way to Tesco I suddenly remembered two more friends who I am certain will be very pleased with what I bought them. What? THE ALBUM of course. So that brings my total number up to 7, included the one for myself. It was funny, when I came to Tesco and went to look for THE ALBUM, I thought it was placed rather badly,- way down near the floor. As I was standing there, one of the staff came by. I stopped her and said that THE ALBUM deserved a better place higher up (It was amongst the newcomers). She looked at me rather strangely, and I patiently explained that this was going to be the album of the year, it was absolutely wonderful etc. etc. In the end she just shook her head and went on her way. Some people!!!!!
Carol,- strange as it may sound, non-alcoholic food actually exist! I feel better now Shirley has explained that BHB will use his talents just for me. On the other hand, being personally served every morning by BHB with food made by his own fine hands, might make me just slightly faint, so maybe I will need a quick pick-me-up.

Eva - well done - 7 copies!! I have only managed two so far - one for me and my Mum is buying it today!! Well, I have tried very hard to find any midweek album sales information but have come up with nothing. All the sites on Google are very very old so unless there is something in the news his chart position on Sunday will be a total surprise!! I am soo hoping its top ten and even top five - I think Leona Lewis will be too tough to beat and there are so many big albums out at the moment but I never underestimate LOPPY POWER!!

The bistro sounded very tasty this morning. If I may suggest the temp for the next few weeks sticks with it but with the addition of bucks fizz or bloody mary served by a waiter in a loincloth and gold boots I'll be in often.

I've just checked out the videos from Monday at HMV. I couldn't access them yesterday for some reason. I think he has been choreographed for GMYAS because he was going little moves very similar to CinN but playing them down a bit. I liked it when he did a little twirl in ADWD and then realised he didn't have his coat on and he giggled and looked round at someone and said "should have brought the coat."

Gillian, I also spent the lunch hour listening to Lee, only I had to work through but it made it a lot more pleasurable. I did have to make a conscious effort not to sing out loud.

Ali B I saw something about the midweek chart sales last night/this morning. I think it was on the LM forum. Will see if I can find it again.

Eva, loved your Tesco story.

This Morning is on YouTube (thanks to altpem on LM forum)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp-qzqc9F2E

Here it is. Lee is top 15. Sorry, meant to post link when I saw it but was catching up on the blog and links and forgot it.
http://www.leemead.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=1544&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20

I know the official singles chart is announced Sunday pm on radio 1. Does anyone know when the album chart is available?

Diana - thank you so much for both links!! I am due to go in for an appraisal at work now and all i can think about was how good Lee looked on This Morning - so sweet!! Top 15 is pretty good too! I am sure by the week-end it will get in the Top Ten!! I dont know when the album chart is out though.

Diana,- thank you for that link. It had me crying again. First the show, then the ST interview and now this. I never used to cry like this, but for some reason Lee makes me well up at the strangest time.
So he is no 15 at the Mid week chart! I should go back and slap that woman at Tesco and demand she put him in his rightful place. He wasn't shown in the chart at all!!!!!!!!!!

Still catching up with all the links from yesterday and today, thanks evryone.
What a fun interview with Steve Wright, loved them all imitating Phil. Sco. and CO'S diction, would have liked to see their faces.
Lee sounded really happy and relaxed.

Aw I missed Good Morning! Drat this having to earn pennies!

Maeve thanks for your review, glad to know the ankle is back on top form!

Martin thanks for the photos, and thanks Diana for the links.

No 15 isn't bad at all! - Tesco's should take note, Eva!

Drat - I missed TM too as I was down in Worthing as well. Still thanks for the youtube link, he was lovely to the Mum

I've noticed there's a couple of rather rubbish clips from the HMV signing on Youtube, from someone further back, and probably using a digital camera on 'movie', so although I wasn't going to put mine up, I don't really want what is there now to be all there is!! I'll take out all the Loppy shots, and just stick with the songs, and Lee's chat and photos.

Just for us, I will hopefully this weekend make a mix from GMYAS with my stuff, the video and the vid on the Joseph site mixed but I haven't time to do that during the week. Just putting my uncut footage up is much quicker.

Gillian - please put it up on youtube as it took me two hours to download at home and then the internet connection cut!! It was excellent!! I wish I was there and thank you for capturing it all!

Evening all - I have been blogless today - it seems that when I am sat at my desk at work I am actually supposed to do some work - can't understand that!!!! And Jane - I agree this earning money malarkey does rather get in the way doesn't it!!

Carol - need I say that I am wholly in support of your alcoholic food menu.

Thanks for all the links - more gorgeous photos to drool over - my photo album is getting increasingly full and my system keeps telling me it needs to expand it's memory!!!

Eva - loved your Tesco story. The woman obviously has no taste!!

Hi all so glad you all caught TM one way or another , sorry my time was wrong but was panicking as saw he was on at 12 when my friend was due to pick me up. Rushed to dvd, set it,(priorities) then booted pc, they take soo long when you are waiting, finally got to post just as doorbell rang, answered door rushed back finished post in rush then sent it and started to shut down pc Pheww!! was scared you'd not get it.. should know better. Anyway now watched it myself.... lovely lovely as always.
Lunch went well, managed to get the GO into conversation 5or6 times thus confirming their opinion that I have lost the plot!! and guess what, I don't care cos you all understand don't you?!!

We understand Pauline2! You've not lost the plot - the rest of the world just hasn't caught up with it yet!

Karen - can't we get jobs where we're paid to be Loppies? That would be a fun career move!

Lost the plot Pauline2, perish the thought!!!As Jane says - we are trendsetters. Some of my friends have decided I am a Lee groupie. Not quite sure about that one. Now in the 60s being a groupie had a very precise definition which I would find deeply offensive, and would not be accurate. But nowadays it seems to be used to describe a fan, so dont know.

WOOOHOOO just been on radio2 website and Lee has made B list on playlist for next week. This means double the amount of play and I would guess it also means he is selling well. YAAAY.
Groupie!!!!! I think it means same thing to me Shirley, like you not to sure, though must have an inner slut somewhere as not totally repelled!!!!!! Sorry I'll crawl in the gutter and bury my head in shame.

My friends think I'm a groupie too. Like you Shirley, the word had rather unpleasant connatations when we were somewhat more youthful. Now I'm happy to think it means a devoted fan.... I cant bring meyself to think of anything else without coming over all hot and embarressed!

Karen-Just checked out the Loppy photos from last Friday, honestly my blouse was purple. (almost matching knickers, but no one saw them.)

Again thank you for all the links. It is an evening job catching up what Lee and the Loppies have done during the day.

I have been to the Dutch Website. It is still very young and new and is written pretty much as a personal account.
There is no forum so there is not much interaction possible but maybe that will come.
She has a couple of beautiful pictures and screenshots. If you want to check this out you will need to click on Media (media) and then on Zien (see).
At least it is a good way to learn some Dutch.

Auds I am also really looking forward to seeing you all in October. O god, that is still almost a year away!

Watched the video from the signing again. Really strange to see that Lee is signing my CD.!! Well he could have been.
I saw Shirley standing at the table and Lee signing away. Magic.

Karen,- it's true. Jo4's blouse was purple. I don't know about the knickers. We stopped her undressing before she got that far.
I have been busy with Geri's project. Have to admit to not being artistic in any way, but there is a lot of love in that work,- that's the main thing.
Anne,- I am so impressed with Lee's Dutch website. His wonderfulness really is spreading!!
Shirley,- just relax. Back in the 60ties we were the right age to be groupies. Today we're the right age to be dedicated fans, slightly loopy ones, but still!!

Don't know if this has been posted, got a bit overcome with all the links over the last couple of days
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=p8lgOFK4C0E

My 'as it comes' video of Gonna Make You A Star at HMV is now up on youtube

Link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjQg1_fxjB8

The other one is still rendering/processing, but you've seen that anyway.

Hi all. As Karen and Jane E said work does just get in the way of loppydom - and life it has to be said.

I have computer to myself as I believe there is a footie match on tonight. Knew something was up when came home and scollop had peeled potatoes, set table and done homework without being asked (nagged). Didnt tell him he could have big TV anyway tonight as lets me on pc!

Ali - good news that outbreak not on your farm but not good news in general for farmers but hope you continue not to be affected. Re Nintendo wii - saw on Tv that loads in Germany - an excuse to hope on Eurostar - and beyond.

Am off to catch up on all links from today and yesterday - thank you everyone. Quickly looked at TM clip (thanks diana)and thought Lee was great but couldnt get over how slim Fern is. Havent seen daytime Tv for about a year now and so hadnt realised she had lost so much weight.

Just got home, have almost caught up on posts.. but HAVE to comment on the TM footage. What a G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. O.N.E. he truly is.. did you hear him compliment Pam "You look lovely" he says (0.53). There is no reaction - but she did well to remain standing I thought.
Right, back to checking more links.

That is lovely Gillian. Thank you. That little speech at the end when he says how proud of his record is lovely. No one could ever doubt that he is genuine about that. And how right he is in his instincts. How many of us have said that there is not a duff track on there??

...had the bliss of the GO singing in my ears all the way home (blotting out the football fans very nicely), (sighs). Just doing some ixxxng from last week ..... Ploppy was watching the footie but has given up in disgust! Just going to ixxn my outfit for tomorrow's dinner at the Wellington Arch. Feel really tired today (think the excitement has finally overtaken me), so may (I said may) go to bed early tonight...

Hi all, helacious day at w***, then had to do the mummy thing because scollop decided to come home for the evening. Only had two hours sleep last night, so expect even less sense from me than usual today.

Eva, can't wait to see what you've created. Maybe we should post pictures of each piece on Maggie's site so we can inspire one another?

Love your video, Gillian. Have you sent it to the OLMS yet?

Welcome back, Auds, we've missed you. And Eva, you've been very quiet lately. Where's Sonja?

Nice to see how well HIS CD is selling. The public seems to share TW's opinion that "The right man was selected." And isn't it great that he's up to the B list now -- obviously will be on the A list once the silly thing is actually released. Well, should be obvious. OK, have a glass of red waiting for me (medicinal, to help me sleep. And obliterate thoughts of homicide directed at my boss.)

Lovely Gillian. Wish I'd ben there, shame about that work thing.
I've sent my 2 pics from Fri night to Martin. Took ages as Hotmail server was busy, so had to use plan B.
My little one has just decided that he likes GMYAS, so when I played Gillian's video twice he was sitting watching, so cute, GO, not my little one.
Hi Auds-good to see you back, safe time, I hope all was well.
Got to do some homework tonight, so I'll be away for a while. Somehow didn't get many emails done at work today, had my headphones on listening to a CD. Had it really loud, to cut out the rest of the office.

What would we Do without Youtube? Congrats Gillian, great footage, brilliant with those big chaps in the way. Hi Auds, missed you lots.
I am a Blissful Loppy too today thanks to Shirley. Mwa Mwa. What links today, thanks all.

That video is great Gillian! Ploppy came in while I had it on and actually managed to watch it without sarcasm - maybe there is hope yet!

Is that glass of red working for you Geri? I've got a friend called Mr Gin&Tonic and he's helping me forget about my 'orrible afternoon at w*rk.

So Shirley - how do you think that trainee relief manager is doing? Will you be happy to leave the bistro in her hands?

Geri, I sent it to OLMS monday night, got an obviously standard acknowledgement that same night, about 11.00pm, nothing since.

Your videos are brill gillian - even tho i am having probs with sticking on You Tube tonight it is still great to feel the atmosphere of the day secondhand.
Good idea re headphone Jo4. I think i might invest in some for work as never get time for break so cant look at websites, blogs etc but could listen - vg idea. Also would help tonight - drown out scollops anguished cries as he watches the football- think he is even regretting having no homework to do!

OLMS must have got a deluge of e-mails lately, with the launch. The sound quality of yours rather shows up the frontline equipment used. Red faces?

Gillian, your youtube vid is just excellent - i've sent that and the TM one to my ChicagoLoppy.. and have told her to check out Donna's site to see the ST Relative Values interview. Sara has two boys, and I believe she has the same values as Jo - so perhaps her boys will turn out like our GO.

So, what I have managed to do, having put THE ALBUM onto my lovely little iPod, I have it playing all day long in my ear - ever so quietly, but just enough so I can hear HIM clearly and everything else that is going on around me. Soon will have a wireless (work)phone headset in one ear, the GO in the other, and I won't know whether I'm coming or going. "Going" might be the order from the boss if I really mess stuff up - Like "Oh, sorry, can you hold on just a tick, HE's singing my favourite song right now - perhaps you should call back later"...

and I'd also like to add.. (guess I'm back with avengance - and by the way, it's almost worth it to have all those little "missed you" notes... aaahh) that after listening on continual loop to THE ALBUM - including the ADWD songs and GALA songs - there isn't a duff one amongst them.. my favourite new song tho is TWINYTM.. as much as I love him whispering to me that he WTMIW(M)Y. He gets to use that diaphram ... I just imagine the pool of sweat glistening at the base of his neck..
Hmmm, may I just enter the gutter for one iddy biddy moment - No actually, I won't.. it's a thought I'll keep to myself a little while longer.

Auds, you tease! And on that salacious note, this wiped-out loppy is off to bed. Sweet dreams, one & all, and to all a good night.

Jo4 - I believe you that your blouse was purple but I guess I will have to take your word about the knickers as Eva's clearly not willing to vouch for you on that one!!! And we never did get the story of why you started doffing off as soon as you heard the GO's voice in the hotel room!!!!

Auds - I am loving the image of you sat with a different set of headphones in each ear whilst you get carried away and join in with the GO and end up serenading your clients.

Gillian - I have played your video over and over - it's just so good to see him being completely natural and enjoying himself - you've done a great job. Oh and I agree with what somebody said earlier about the bit where he looks up at himself on the big screen - bless!!

Auds! Are you being a naughty Loppy? Tsk! Tsk!

I don't think I really want to contemplate Jo4's underwear! Though I'm sure they're very tasteful!

Time for bed - well perhaps a bit of ADWD first - still loving it Carys!

Nighty night Loppies

OK irxxxng finished, so am off to bed for Sweet Meads - continuous loop is a great thing isn't it Auds!! Night Night all.

Karen- I did respond to Eva's hyped version of my reaction. # Jo4 said on 17 November 2007 at 9:30 PM: re Eva's report of me taking my clothes off. Factually I undid my coat, as I was ready for the dash to the theatre. It is true I had to do it after he had been on TV for a few seconds, the 2 things may not have been related. Alright I was lying on the bed at the time, legs were not truely functioning. No drink, I don't usually.

Funny I've had problem with my legs over the last few days. How I've managed to miss cars breaking in front of me I don't know. Legs seem to be very wobbly when I'm driving. What's changed, oh, new cd in car, could that be the cause? Be very afraid anyone on the M4 tomorrow morning.

Auds- glad you are back to 'normal'.

Right - someone keeps turning the lights off.. oh, it's my eyelids that keep dropping. Better get off to bed.. make sure the iPods on recharge... check; CD in player in bedroom.. check; Poster ready for a quick kiss (note to self.. must remember to only kiss laminated photo) check;
OK, ready for the off. Night night Loppies, sweet meads to one an all.
Ahhhh, it's nice to be back.

I'm off too, got to sleep before tackling the drivers tomorrow.
Nightlee night.

Good night all, and Sonja is fine. Just that her computer has died again. Even replacing the piece of cardboard has not fixed it - so it must be serious!!!!!

I have to try and remember not to have anything to eat again in the morning. That fasting blood test I did a week or so ago - they did not put enought blood into one of their little bottles so I have to go through it all over again. GGGRRRRR.

Sleep well and and Sweet Meads.

Jo4,- I'm so glad you cleared up that confusion about you undressing, or not as the case might be. All right, all right, I'll stop going on about it. But it was tempting to elaborate a bit,- even you must admit that. I'm glad I'm nowhere near the M4 tomorrow morning.
Actually,- tomorrow is going to be a day of total leisure if I have my way. Laze around a bit, no h*******k, playing THE ALBUM 10 times or so, read a bit and enjoy myself. That is the plan. If I know myself well enough, it will be up early as usual, remember something that HAS to be done, someone that HAS to been seen, and before I know it the day is gone. Well' we'll see what happens.
For now it's good night from me. Sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Oh Dear. Just read on Donna's forum that Lee had a serious wardrobe malfunction in the matinee today. How embarrassing for him.

Well as usual I make it on to the blog just as you're all going to bed! Thanks for all the lovely links today.

Ali, have you tried Play? They've got several listed, some used but quite a few new too. Bit on the pricey side though as it's a sellers' market at the moment.

Morning Beach Bunnies - rise and shine. Very dark and uninviting outside this morning, BHB is going to show me one or two non alcohol breakfast dishes today (for the whimps amongst you) just one or two mind, ready for the next couple of weeks. Tomorrow morning you will have to remember to wake yourselves up as I shall be staying in hotel in London tonight.

Morning, all. BHB, I'll just nod off quietly in the corner here -- another bad night. No coffee, just sing softly to me and let me get a little kip. zzzzz...

Good Morning - How I hate these dark wintry mornings -

Bet you're looking forward to being in warmer climes Shirley! - Oh and thanks for letting us know that Sonja is OK. Must be serious if the problem can't be fixed with a small bit of cardboard!

Tip toe round Geri (sorry you've had a bad night) - OK Carol, I'll try this non-alcoholic stuff, just for once you understand!

Good morning all. Glad you are embracing the non alcoholic food Carol - The Food Carol - not the BHB. Sleep well Geri. Hi Jane, I can highly recommend the Breakfast Bread Tin, unless you fancy something cooked.

I have asked Donna to add LII to our Glossary. Lee Induced Insomnia - the ladies who have won the Lee goodies are suffering from it too. I haven't quite decided whether or not it is infectious. It very certainly is contagious!!!!!

In addition to the Italian food I am sharing one of the drinks(????) that I had on Saturday morning
Bicerin - A traditional drink from Torino - espresso coffee, Florentine drinking chocolate and cream. Served in small jugs for you to mix yourself.

The ? over the drink is because it is so rich and thick - even when mixed - that you need a spoon to eat it with. Wonderful stuff - just have a side glass of water if you are thirsty.

Having started bending my mind towards packing you would laugh. The first things I have organised - apart from the diving gear - are chargers, leads, cables, all the electrical and electronic gear I need to survive in the digital age. And the new handbag I bought yesterday? Well the deciding factor was that it had to be big enough for me to carry my computer through security in. An obsessive?? Me??? - You bet!!!!!

LEE ALERT LEE ALERT

BBC Breakfast 8.50 They are going to have Lee on Live. Oh be stil my beating heart.

yaaawwn... and stretch.. Morning all. wow, up early again - it's not so much sleep deprevation but blog deprevation that has me here this a.m. wonder how long I'll keep it up?
That Bicerin looked good I have to admit, but it's a bit early for me to eat chocolate - ah, now Carol, one of those lovely fruity thingie dipped (steeped) in alcohol would do nicely..
Now, who's got the BHB - oh isn't that sweet, he's serenading Geri (wasted of course as she's asleep). Come over here young man, over where there's an appreciative and awake audience.. oh, that apron needs to be tightened up a bit, here let me do that for you. Wouldn't want any exposure (??? can't believe I'm saying this). I heard that something similar happened just recently to a star in a show in the west end. Tightie Whities saved the day..

Two more pictures from Jo4 on Loppy album

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

Thanks for the heads up re Breakfast, Shirley. Will try to slip away from my desk and watch on the staff TV. I wish they'd advertise the guests a day or two in advance so could set the video.

Shirley, how much do I owe you for the October ticket? Sorry if you've already said the price but I've not had time to read the blog properly since I got back. I need a week at home to catch up with Lee stuff.

Thanks Martin you are a star. Have we made you an honorary Loppy yet - you would have to wear the ears of course......

Diana - they are £45 each. And yes, wouldn't it be nice to get a little warning. We know what we are catching, but of course we dont know what we are missing.

Good Morning Two more Pictures from Shirley on the Loppy Album.

Shirley: who says my ears are not like that anyway? not sure the pink would suit me though.

Shirley - thanks for Lee alert - Ploppy just yelled from lounge that Lee is to be on at 8.50am - I rushed on here to inform you all to find its here of course. What a pleaseant happy feel the start of the day has now!

Morning Everyone!!

Just found out about Lee on BBC Breakfast and phoned my parents from work to set the video and my Dad said in a rather droll voice 'I know - the video is in already to press record!!' I have them well trained!! Its quite annoying though really as we had no idea he was going to be on so werent prepared at all - his website should be updated much better. Anyway, full reports of his appearance please for those of us not near a telly!!

Auds - I thought that too when he says to Pam on TM 'You look lovely' such a sweet thing to say to her. I dont think she could take it all in.

Possibly some new songs in the New Year and another album !!!!!! Wow!

Why didn't I think of ringing my parents to tape Breakfast - I'm an idiot! Pity BBC haven't introduced the one hour later repeat like Channel 4. Just hope someone puts it on YouTube/makes it downloadable. Didn't Lee look gorgeous ... but then he always does.

Martin - thank you for the photos - I am sure you will look very fetching in the ears (which of course are not pink but black and red!). Hopefully Donna or someone will have saved the Breakfast interview somewhere for us poor Loppies who are out earning a crust or two to pay for our addiction! Jane E - not sure about this non-alcoholic food, but feel we have to look as if we are going to serve it while Shirley is away (some hope!). BHB primed with my special recipes!!

Just in at work.. and note that to those Loppies I emailed last night - apologies for double send (if it happened).. CO hex still lurking.. server played up & kept telling me my messages hadn't been sent.
Back to the coal-face.

Its up on youtube already!! Heres the link -

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKojs06GgMM

I have watched it (with the sound off) and he looks yummy - is that the same shirt he wore on This Morning yesterday?? I also rather liked the picture of him against the brick wall in the background!! Can't wait for lunchtime when I can actually hear it!!

oooh, and he said MIWY was his favourite.... BUCKET!!!!!! QUICK.

Arrrggghh! Not again!! Why does Lee have to keep appearing suddenly on Daytime TV while I'm chuffin' w**king? Anyone would think he had something to do in the evenings!!!!

Thank the gods for U-Tube - and Ali B for the link. Can't wait to get home and watch it!

Shirley, I think I suffer from bouts of LII. As you are the expert on this condition, could you persuade the doctor to sign me off?

Oooo Diana, new songs in the New Year? Brilliant!

And thanks again Martin for your efforts on behalf of Loppydom! What a kind Ploppy you are!

Quick, This Morning Comp for Makeover, £1500 Debns spending spree plus Malmaison Hotel and JOSEPH tickets. Call 09012 93 55 55 before 12pm

Question what is John's Fashion Competiton spot called?
a Beat the stylist
b Thrash ditto
c Clobber ditto

Proceeds to Carers charity

Calls cost £1

Hi all if anyone is out there "This Morning are running a comp today with lots of goodies AND an overnight trip to London staying at Malmasion with tickets to Joseph. It's for their Xmas charity so entirely non-profit.
No to ring is 09012 93 55 55 and press A for answer. Good cause Go NOW before 11.30.

Sorry Vali snap!! Think they just said 11.30 so to be safe!

Sloppy said last night MIWY and Pib are her equal CD favs, do you think he could come back on SCD for the final and do MIWY for a rumba, oh pretty please. Collective swoon of entire female audience.

Thanks Vali and Pauline2. I've entered.

Another thing Lee said this morning was that he really wants longevity in his career -this in response to Dermot asking him if he was daring to look 2 or 3 years ahead yet. Guess we want what he wants then. And we're the ones who can and will make it happen. Liking it lots.

OHHHH Ali B thanks for that link. I was really bad and shut my office door to sneak a peak. At the end they asked if there was anyone he'd like to work with. One of the interviewers suggested Robbie and he said that wouldn't be bad. Not bad! That would send me into 7th heaven and many miles beyond.

I think his mention of Tom Jones a couple of times as someone he was especially pleased to meet has a lot to do with the impressive longevity of his career. Blessed with a golden voice and has made the most of it, still cool, in fact even more so than in the 60's.

Just said TM comp closes 12.15

Too late! Too late!! I was tied up (not physically you understand) doing boss's expenses so didn't get a chance to come on line until the competition had closed!
Now tomorrow morning you will have to get yourselves up for the Bistro, as I'll be in hotel tonight.
Shirley in case for any reason I don't get around to it again have a WONDERFUL holiday - I shall do my best to maintain the levels of alco, erm, excellence in the Bistro every morning!

Just heard and saw the interview in full - really good - I really hope my wonderful parents got it on video as it has a bit of the GMYAS video on it too! More evidence that he is still the sweet man he always was is that at end of the interview he says 'thank you for having me' exactly the same as he said when he was interviewed by BBC Breakfast just after he won ADWD!! By the way my parents are also trained to save for me anything they see about him in the papers too!! My Mum should also have bought the album so it will be interesting to see what she thinks of it!!

Poor Lee's loin cloth incident has been reported in The Sun today!! Its a tiny article that says 'Lee Mead flashed his bum to the stage shows audience etc' and he had 'a wardrobe malfunction as his loincloth fell off during the production at the Adelphi Theatre' This is the best bit though 'A source said "The crowd loved it" I bet they did!! Apart from the end bit which is true I don't think he 'flashed his bum'!!

Thanks Ali B

Yes, me again. Some nice backstage pics of CIN on the offical Jo site here -

http://www.josephthemusical.com/news/newsitem_cin_pics.php

More pics on Loppy album from Gillian

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

Actually the pics were from Auds, I just passed them on from stageloppies email.

Managed to catch GO on breakfast this morning (thanks for the heads up) as Ploppy took big dollop to school.

Have just picked my mum up from train station and as she was getting into the car I said "don't sit on Lee" - she picked up the cd case and said "oh, he looks rather nice". Did I ever tell you what good taste my mum has?

Will have to do a proper catch up much later - dollop's school is having a meeting tonight to discuss the school's future (small village school with just 50 children that they're talking of merging with the next village's school and making a school that's 3x the size of what we have now - not a popular option with the parents).

Just in case I don't get back on before you go Shirley, have a fantastic holiday and come back all refreshed and ready for the next lot of GO goodies at Christmas.

Shirley - precious package has arrived!! Thank you, thank you, you lovely Loppy you!

Fi - your mum has much better taast than mine (Lewis fan indeed!)

Eva, thank you my dear! I've just got my little mits on your pressy! I've sent an e-mail to explain why I've only just got it!

Hi Geri, thanks for the cheque, I've just got it!Cheers me dear!

Hi all, thanks for the virtual snooze this morning, and letting the BHB serenade me. If only I could move into the virtual world of Lop for real! Won't even tell you the kind of day I've had, except to say I'm glad to be home and in the company of such sweet and intelligent people (my boss being neither!)

Glad you got the cheque OK, JaneE. Good old snail-mail beats the "e" variety for some things!

Wasn't that interview wonderful? Am I repeating myself -- I seem to say that after every one recently. He just seems so much more relaxed and at ease in his own skin now (enough to flash the audience, anyway!) Thanks for all the posts, everyone. Every day is like Christmas when you have Lee stuff to come home to!

Message from Eva!

She's not going to be able to play on the blog tonight, but she sends everyone her love!

Good evening. Just popping in to let you know that the Octoberfest tickets arrived today. I am afraid there is zilch possibility of my getting them in the post to you before I get back next month.

I have been onto the nice young man I seem to have been chatting to on a daily basis at the BBC ticket office, but to no avail. They are stil not allocated. I am going to give them Sonja's mobile number to contact (I have told them I am going to be staying with my daughter until Christmas to explain why I am needing to change my contact details) so hopefully even if I do get an allocation at least it wont be wasted, but I can do nothing more now. Going to keep the lovely little signed and numbered photos Lee did for me, and use them in a fundraiser for Mushroom next year sometime. He has signed them so carefully and tidily I cannot waste them. Drat the BBC. They have cost CiN £200 by messing about like this.

Hi all - thanks once again for all the links.

Once more he was so lovely on the BBC interview wasn't he? Those eyes!!!!!!

And Geri - you're so right - after a crap day at work (and I seem to be having a lot of those lately) it's nice to know we've got Lee and the Loppies to come home to!!

Hi all seems to me there has been crap days all round, went to sloppys' this afternoon to find her not at all well. So rang 999 with great trepidation she is carted off to hospital to find (after 4 hours) that she now has a bladder infection and packed off home with a stack of antibiotics. A lot of other stuff involved, but really horrible afternoon. Came home with CD on full blast now have very large glass of wine and watched interview again read the blog and feel much better. Bless that man for his recouperative powers!
What is with the beeb and these tickets.. every time I get an email I hope ....then zilch oh well never won anything yet so don't suppose this will be different but want to know now!

There are two lovley pictures on the dutch website www.lee-mead.nl of all the josephs with McFly.
You can find it by clicking on ZIEN and than on the ADWD screenshots.
I never saw them before.

Sorry to here about your horrible afternoon, Pauline2!Awful when a loved one is poorly! Wine and Lee and a bit of Loppying, definately the best cause of action.

I have fingers crossed for both you and Shirley - or rather Shirley's Danish daughter for those Tickets.

Just in case I don't have chance to say so later - have a fantastic holiday Shirley.

Shirley-aren't you off on hols soon, have you done packing to your satisfaction now? I'll say it now, as I might forget later, have a lovely time and a bit of a rest!!
I had a long trip to work this morning, different site, so had plenty of time stuck in traffic, bliss.

Mine nothing like That Bad Day, so sorry Pauline2, know what that's like, hope things improve PDQ for sloppy.

We went to Tes*o megasupermarket tonight to get xmas bubbly drink bargains and can confirm no GO CD stocked as reported earlier, what is going on? MB and JB CDs sold out, doubt if they had many of those ifp. It feels like a personal insult doesn't it? Couldn't find anyone to harangue. No drink bargains left either, a fiasco all round.
Here's hoping lots of Loppies get to go to the BBC prog.

Pauline2, so sorry about your sloppy. A good dose of Mr Mead does help when you're down/having problems.

I went to the dentist this afternoon and thought about listening to himself while the hygenist dug around my mouth but decided I'd better not as I'd not hear her speaking to me. It would have made it a lot more bearable though. There was a little boy there having his first filling. Poor thing clearly didn't want to go into the dentist's room.

Vali-ditto went to the large(ish) Tesco near me and no LM CD to be seen. I was in a rush, so didn't have time to go and ask for it.

Hi, it's me again. I hope you all don't mind me posting just occasionally as I don't have a chance to read the blog until quite late every day - late for me, anyway.
Jo4, I know exactly what you mean about traffic jams: very irritating normally, but this week I haven't minded them one bit.
Carol, I think it was you who suggested the PTC (Ploppy Training College)? I'd like to nominate my Ploppy as an instructor there. He is very tolerant of my little fixation and has spent the past few days turning my not so fabulous photos from the HMV event into fantastic-looking compilations and put them into an album for me.
Shirley, have a great holiday and enjoy the warmth. I've heard forecasts of snow for my area (Norfolk), not sure whether to believe them, but just a bit of brightness wouldn't go amiss at the moment.

Just watched the BBC news interview ahhh.
Elisabeth-Yes it's strange hoping for red traffic lights on the way to work.

Sorry, Pauline2, I meant to say I hope your sloppy is improving. Glad that Dr Mead is helping you recouperate.

Ooooo Shirley, the package arrived safe and sound thank you thank you thank you. Oh isn't he lovely. Loved the interview.. yes he is so much more relaxed in his own skin, and that such a lovely thing to see.
Sue, thanks the cheque arrived today. I was glad to be there for you.
Pauline2, sorry to hear of your 'bad day'. Goes without saying, lots of loving Loppy thoughts coming your way.
So the Scandi contingent are off line... not enough cardboard to go round I guess. Or perhaps they've just locked themselves away listening to the GO without out interruptions, even from the Loppies.

Hi all just in after meeting friend for meal. came home to find cleaners (they only come once every 3 weeks) had not been and i have guests arriving tomorrow aarggh. Have i got down to h.......k - no. checked links - thanks Ali b for Youtube - great to see it. he is so much more relaxed and confident compared to his first breakfast interview after ADWD.

Eva - thanks for your early Xmas pressy. Ploppy was concerned it might contain details of 25 million bank accounts- but i told him that much better than that!

Shirley - have a great hol.

Pauline2 - hope your sloppy gets better soon and that tomorow a much better day.

Well only good thing about all the h.......k to do tonight is that I know i can get a good long listen to the CD - better get started.

I've been looking at the photos for the first time - many thanks Martin & Maggie. I took quite a few on Monday but haven't had a chance to look at them yet, partly because the battery ran out. I'll forward any good ones (I hope there are some - my after show photos have been very disappointing to date).

Scott, tsk, tsk -- Loppies, if you haven't already done so, check out Scott's review of SCD #7. Passable???

Happy holiday, Shirley.

Come back soon, Scandaloppies!

Elisabeth, I'm in Norfolk too email me via stageloppies for a chat! You'll have to join us East Anglian loppies next time we meet up?
My local Tesco didn't have the cd either, sis asked why I was looking as I've already got one, I patiently explained that we were keeping an eye on availability and chart position, she obviously didn't get it!!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTcpDoQWss
sorry if this has been linked before, but I've been a bit busy.
It's very ahhh, good music too, we must get the CD.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4MRxFtVA_Po
clips, not certain about the music

Oh Scott, you joker you!!

SCOTT!!!! - did you not read the escapades of the Charge of the Loppy Brigade - watch out, you could be next!!!!!!!

Auds and I have told Scott off and threatened him with Eva. Come back Eva, you need to discipline 'Scott dear'.
Fiona-You hope he was joking!!! I suppose he can't be too bad, afterall he's put up with us for months.

I'd love to, Ali. Can you remind me of the address? I've been backtracking but can't seem to find it.
Thanks for the links, Jo4 - so helpul for all pressed-for-time Loppies.

Scott - you are not slightly bonkers by any chance?

I'm sure Eva will have one or two things to say when she reads that review. Naughty Scott! Winding up us poor Loppies!

Only just managed to catch up, w--k you know, and now I need to go to bed, to recuperate for more w--k tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for the links, what would I do without you.

Shirley, have a good un, you deserve a rest. I need a frame for a very special CD, no I'm never going to play that one, I'll play my other one instead.

Auds, good to have you back.

Eva, thank you for my pressie.

Gillian, think I've already said love the video, but love the Concord one as well. beautiful beautiful bird. I was there to see her take off for the very last time, me and loads of other perfectly sensible looking people in floods of tears.

OH, SCOTT!!!! How could you say such a thing about 'our boy'

One tired Loppy hopping off to bed!

Sweet Meads all

Aw, poor Scott. We know your tongue was firmly in your cheek. Still, to fend off any Viking attacks, you might want to consider some form of conciliatory gesture -- a front page feature on the luscious Lee, perhaps?

Right off to bed. I see Scott is into living dangerously. On your own head be it. Sorry I wont be around to see the revenge.

Pauline I hope your Sloppy responds well to the antibiotics. Try and get her to drink cranberry juice as well. Amazing stuff for clearing bladder and urine infections.

Sue one of the BA Concords is on Barbados, and we see it most days. Very beautiful plane. I was collecting my Ploppy from Heathrow the day of its penultimate flight and it came in so low over the car I felt I could touch it. And there were thousands of people there to watch it in.

Thanks to you all for your best wishes. I might be about a bit tomorrow, but lots to do.

Take care all. Good night and Sweet Meads.

Anne, thanks for pointing out those two McFly photos. I'd not seen them either.

Scott!! "A PASSABLE cover" - really! You'd better watch out else you'll have a bunch of more than "slightly" mad Loppies on the warpath.

Just to let you know that Scott has been told off good and proper on the other blog. Did he really think he could get away with that?

Shirley, hope you have a fabulous holiday. And have a good flight.

Shirley - have a wonderful holiday - hope you can "visit" us while you're away. Take care and have a safe journey.

Thank you Jo4, lovely first vid. Couldn't get on here for ages and then I find Scott has been winding us up over the GO. Your little joke I know but I rely on you for telling it as is in a mad world. Is it last night's football that's got to you Scott? There, there, it's only a game :(

Thankyou all so much for your thoughts, got a lump in my throat now!! Will get cranberry juice Shirley, trying to get sloppy to drink anything but tea isherculean task, but will try.
As a lot of you know my past occupation I can say used to see concord at Heathrow all the time, only aircraft that for years everyone used to stop and watch take off and land, beautiful bird and much missed.
Sure I'll get the chance to say again, but just in case have a wonderful time Shirley, give my love to Barbados and check in here when you can as we are sure going to miss you!
Scott I'm rising above such comments.. how very dare you!!
Nightee night people, sleep tight.

We're thinking of you, Pauline2 and Eva, all the others who are ailing or have ailing family or friends to worry about. Hope the glasses of wine and positive loppy-thoughts will help.

OK, I've had a total of 5 hours sleep in the past two days so I'm off to bed with hopes of doing better tonight. With luck will see everyone well rested, happy and healthy on the beach tomorrow -- while we plan our strategy for Scott's chastisement. Nothing radical, considering he's been so good to us. Maybe three hours uninterruped CO on headphones...

We can't be too nasty to Scott, afterall he does give us a home. We could make him washer upper in the bistro, afterall the waiter has been looking very tired recently, keeps saying he has lots of other work to do.

NOT A GO video (or Cliffy Nicki and Debbie) but soo cute
Talking cats
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3U0udLH974

Meant to add, hope all sickly Loppies and relations get well soon.
Happy hols Shirley, try to pop in to see us if you can.
Nightlee night all.

And it's bed for me too. Night night

Where is everybody this morning? Never mind, BHB, I had a lovely sleep & I raring to go! You need a hand getting the bistro set up? Oh, you're doing buffet style today so you can get a little rest? Well, you are looking a bit peaked. Gorgeous, mind you, but a bit tired. Why don't you lie back on that hammock that just magically appeared and I'll bring you something for a change, what'll it be? Egg-white omelette with spinach and feta cheese, glass of orange juice and some coffee -- coming up.

By the way, there's an interesting, if rather sad, interview with that lovely GO who looks a lot like you in the Mirror. I found a link: http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/entertainment/music/2007/11/23/lee-s-broken-dream-89520-20140203/

Good morning Loppies!

And morning Geri, glad to see you - thought I might be opening up then this morning, what with our relief manager having a morning off! (Thanks for the link)

And I haven't got a hey to the bistro or Jo4's talent with a hat pin.

You put youy feet up BHB! Don't worry, apparently a chap called Scott has volunteered to help in the kitchen. Something to do with avoiding the wrath of a Viking apparently.

Hah. Caught you all red handed. Breaking and entering now is it?? And the BHB isnt peaky, he is just nervous. Says he has to meet a very special lady tomorrow at his evening job and he doesnt want to disappoint her - fat chance.

Right I am taking the day at a run. Might be back early evening when hopefully all ready and waiting to go and meet Ploppy. But other than that THANK YOU all for your good wishes. I have finally mustered a good deal of excitement about going away to B'dos and meeting up with lots of family and friends. But mostly being back in the Caribbean which still feels like home sweet home. And within minutes of arriving I will be speaking BROAD Guyanese. Precious (but unsigned) cd coming and will be doing my very best to convert one and all. The even more precious signed copy stays safely here.

Anyway bye bye all Beach Bunnies, Lush Loppies, EA Loppies, Yorkshire Loppies - ALL LOPPIES. See you soon and I will try and get a photo or 2 onto Martin's photo album. Take care all and LoveS

I'm here too but unfortunately I can't stay. A four letter word beginning with W keeps getting in the way. But it's Friday! Thanks for the link, Geri. As you say interesting but rather sad.

A quick pop in before dashing off to that place where I have to go in order to support my addiction..
Lovely large cup of hot hot coffee please BHB. What's that? There's an ASBO person in the kitchen this a.m. chained to the sink - oh that's nice, he's doing the washing up. Well in that case, I'll have scrambled eggs, mushrooms, bacon, tomato, baked beans.. let's see what else requires lots of washing up afterwards. Oh a fresh fruit smoothy.. Have him prepare that, but don't tell him he needs to keep the top of the blender whenhe switches it on.
So the boss is off on holiday soon - don't worry, we'll be well behaved - we're Loppies after all! Perhaps...
Oh, I forgot, I was just popping in quickly... it's just that once I get close to the BHB it's hard to leave...
But, must ----- (dash, geddit?) Lovely day to one and all..

Morning all! Back amongst the living, albeit a bit shaky. I don't wish migraines on anybody, not even you, Scott dear. I see they have set you to do kitchen duty!! Good, although I did say I forgive you yesterday. Maybe this will make you stop and think before you open your mouth (or engage your keyboard) in the future!! OK,- we'll take the cuffs off, but the washing up you will do until the Bistro closes later today. Your editorial duties will have to wait. (I bet you never knew what a can of worms you opened with your remark. Ha!)
Good morning sweetheart. How are you? Busy, busy, busy, I see. It's funny,- this young man who keeps popping up in newspaper and TV interviews look rather like you. Anybody remarked on the likeness to you? They have and you are really chuffed. Well, as long as you don't let it go to your head, that's all right.
Please, may I have some toast and a big mug of leaded coffee. Yes, I still have to go easy on the food after that migraine, but I'm really hungry now. Oh, BHB, a small rosebud on my tray just to say you're happy I'm feeling better. Let me give you a hug. You are just what I needed.
It's cold here today, so better wrap up warm. I was going to have a lazy day yesterday, and in a way I did !!! Today is going to be busier. Have some bits and pieces to get in the post, and some h*******k I'm afraid. Having some nice friend coming for Sunday lunch, so the house needs a going over.
Scott dear,- do you want to come and do the washing up on Sunday? No????

Morning my little Beach Bunnies - glad to see you all managed to get up without your early moring call! Elizabeth I shall be contacting your Ploppy re the PTC shortly!
Had a really nice evening - dinner was at the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner, which was very unusual. After dinner entertainment was Robert Powell and Joanna David who did readings on "Saints and Sinners" - very good, except - brace yourselves here Geri and Karen - Robert Powell did the "Now is the winter of our discontent" with subtle amendments, but in the Sinners section!!! I nearly stood up and heckled! Anyway I feel in need of a large orange juice this morning before I tackle anything stronger, and just a little toast!

Oh I may be abit late but have a fantastic holiday Shirley!!

Interesting interview in the Mirror - I always kinda thought that maybe Lee ended it with Kerry as I couldnt really imagine why she would end it! On a different track has anyone else set up a Google Alert for Lee? Its really cool you can set up a 'Lee Mead' google alert and anytime there is an article about him on the internet it will send you the link to your email!! Unfortunately I think it will also send articles on any 'Lee' and any 'Mead'!!

Reading my daily paper doesn't often make me laugh, but this morning I had a chuckle and I thought I would share it with you:
In an interview with Dustin Hoffman, the actor ponders getting older (He is 70), and tells this story:
"I remember when I hit 60, my father-in-law said to me,"How do you feel?" I said, "Well, I accept being middle-aged". Father-in-law,"Middle aged? How many people do you know who are 120?"

Elisabeth - send an email to stageloppies@hotmail.com for me and Gillian very kindly passes it on and from then we can email each other direct.
Eva, glad to see you back
Interesting article in Mirror. I hope Lee never has cause to feel scared by the Loppies, I think several of us have demonstrated this in personal encounters with him and long may this continue. I do hope he manages to find a balance between his work life and private life as it must be a very lonely existence otherwise. At least he has a supportive family!

Geri, thanks for the link to the interview, rather sad, but I suspected he ended it too, as he doesn't seem afraid to take the tough decisions. And in the ST artcile his mum said that he would want to marry and have children so I guess if he thought he wasn't in the right relationship to do that why would he continue.

Shirley, hope I'm not too late to wish you a fantastic holiday. All that lovely sunshine and those beaches, jealous, no, not me!

Oh and Ali B I think you might be able to put "Lee+Mead" into the Google alert to force it to pick up both words. Vague memories of database search engines from long ago!

Thanks for the link Geri, I do think it's sad though, maybe the interviewer just caught him at a low moment; he did appear cheerful and happy at HMV, once all the PR work for the album dies down, some of the pressure will be off, for a while anyway.

Thanks for the google hint AliB, I'll try that.

Glad you're feeling better Eva, I know what migraines are like, they steal days from your life.

Shirley, we'll miss you very much, hope you can stay in touch while you're away.

I agree - that interview was rather sad. And yes, I do hope he's not scared by the Loppies - but I think we behave ourselves, don't we?

Glad you're feeling better Eva - take it easy!

I think the Mirror gave the interview more of a 'sad' slant than it really was just to make a better story out of it! And they probably asked him more questions about the downside of things rather than the good things! You know what the papers are like!! Jackie thanks for the tip about the google alert - I put his name in speech marks to try and get the two words together!!

Here is a link to the official album chart. Obviously this is last weeks.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/albums.shtml

It says it is updated every Monday but we should know the top ten albums by 7.00 on Sunday night! The top ten album chart is also updated on Ceefax but I can't remember the page at the moment!!

Sorry this is the official official top 100 album chart and may be updated Sunday afternoon (it annoyingly doesn't say when it will be updated!!)

http://www.theofficialcharts.com/top40_albums.php

Hi all, glad to see you are feeling better Eva,ghastly things, migraines, thankful I don't suffer them.
Agree with you Maeve Lee certainly looked extremely happy and relaxed on Monday, and although I think he is a good actor, I'm sure he was being really genuine. Papers have to have a slant.
Little story, went into Sainsbury's yesterday, thought I would check out the album. Found it at 21 and sort of tucked away, only 2 copies left, so feeling devilish moved 1 of copies into recommended..... well I do!!recommend it that is. Today I go back (did I tell you I live in there?!) and 7 copies placed in the recommended section! Loppy power. YAAAY!

Pauline2 - Well done! I have solved the mystery of why I couldnt get a copy in Tescos on Monday - they had sold out!! I know this because my Mum bought her copy in the same Tescos on Tuesday morning!! She said it was on the bottom shelf all on its own so she grabbed it. They must have put a few more out Monday afternoon and then they had sold out again by Tuesday afternoon. When i went again Tuesday night they STILL did not have any!! Stupid Tescos is all I can say! Pleased to report that my Mum loves the album too and my Dad likes it as well!

Go Pauline! I would have done the same.

Oh well done Pauline2!!! That's it Loppies this weekend we hit all our local shops and make sure THE CD is in a prominent place! Yes, I endorse he was looking very relaxed, happy, gorgeous (going off into daydream) and winking!!! Did I mention that he winked at me and, oh, what else...................

Review of THE ALBUM in today's Daily Express:
3 stars and: " Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead, comes up with a debut album that neatly sidesteps the usual pitfalls of XFactor - Pop Idol albums. He avoids all those conventional covers and pulls out some unusual choices, including David Essex's Gonna Make You a Star, the Stones' Paint It Black and a new song by Gary Barlow, When I Need You The Most. They're all performed with ease and verve, including his obligatory Joseph cover Any Dream Will Do."
Could have given him 4 stars, but at least they reviewed him with a photo (the only one on the page).

Have you seen LMAS latest? Says Maria and Joseph tickets ballot winners were told sometime ago!!!

Also who is for/against putting LMAS website on Donna's LMAS CiN 'cheque'now on LMAS for inspection. Donna wants to know, I'm agin but you might not agree.

Well done, Pauline2. And thanks for the links Ali B and the Google alert. I've set one up so let's do a test - Lee Mead

There are some great reviews of Lee Mead (the album I mean!) on Amazon. Don't forget to check the music press for reviews. Nothing on NME online at present.

http://showbiz.sky.com/showbiz/home

Sky Showbiz link to Lee interview clip from Variety Awards see under Neil Sean meets Patsy Kensit pic

It seems others have different story on BBC tickets, still hope.

The Google Alert works, although I've not got notification about this page yet. A so so review from News of the World.
http://notw.typepad.com/showbiz/2007/11/lee-mead---lee.html

Diana - it won't work for this page - I think its because WE have typed his name in a comment box - its not embedded in a proper article!

I've just got my photos back from Monday and they are actually quite good (for me.) Sorry I'm not digital so can't share.

Can anyone help with a question that is bugging me. I played the album to my mum and she thinks How can I be Sure has previoulsy been done by Dusty or Cilla!! I'm not sure if it just sounds like something one of them has done. Anyone know is it a new song or not?

Shirley if you haven't already gone have a fantastic holiday.

Alison - 'How can I be sure' is an ancient song by David Cassidy!! Its from the seventies so actually probably was covered by Dusty or Cilla. If you go on youtube there is a vid of David singing it!! Be warned though its very very cheesy!! Its actually my least favourite song on the album but it has grown on me I especially like the bit where he sings 'as pretty and lovely as YOU'!!

I think it was Dusty

Hello Ladies. Just flying through. Packing nearly finished. Cleaning started.

Earlier I rang the BBC about MMJ tickets and was told they had been allocated and posted out on Monday. I told the woman that was rubbish as I spoke to them yesterday and was told no allocations had been made at all yet. She assured me that whatever the case I had not recieved an allocation. Having just read the comments on LMAS I thought I would just ring again and check. Spoke to a chap called Colin. No MMJ tickets have been allocated yet. They will be telephoning people this afternoon and on Monday. Damned glad I checked - I have now given them my daughter's (Sonja)phone number for them to contact. If I had stuck with what that wretched woman had told me earlier and I had got an allocation they would have been missed. Very annoying.

Thanks all for the links. Hope I might get a chance to peek at a couple later. But that Mirror interview was frightening as well as sad. Fancy thinking it would be alright to follow Lee home. Beggars belief. Hope they read it and feel ashamed. Said she sanctimoniously. Back to the cleaning.

I cannot believe what a complete **** up the BBC has made of allocating these tickets!! It can't be that hard surely!! Out of all the Lee fans on various sites not one has heard they have got tickets yet! Its really bizarre. Surely someone will get tickets - its like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - if you get a golden ticket you are very very lucky indeed!!

Ali B, How Can I be Sure is NOT an ancient song. I was an avid David Cassidy fan in my early teens and can well remember having it blaring out the stereo. In fact I think I saw DC perform it at White City (this was an athletics stadium in west London which was also used for open air concerts etc). I do prefer Lee's version though. I think Dusty Springfield sang it as well but pretty sure Cilla didn't cover it.

I wondered if the alerts would pick up this page but it implied blogs were included.

AliB - I was just going to write the same, its a total farce. I cant believe they can't administer such a simple thing. As you say, by the law of averages, some of Lee's fans must be lucky but its very late to let people know.

Re the CiN cheque I am FOR putting Donnas web address but I dont feel that strongly if others want it left off

Diana - sorry 'ancient'perhaps the wrong word! Is 'not that up-to-date' a better phrase?! (I'm only joking!!)

Anyway, our boy is busy again this weekend -

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/search/display.var.1848992.0.our_lee_is_back_on_home_stage.php

That review from the NOTW seems to be just a rehash of the digital spy one referred to on the LMAS forum. Several of those loppies went and made appropriate comments!! I'd guess either the NOTW can't be bothered to write their own review, or the same chap writes for both.

Lush Loppies - I keep forgetting to say that in the photo gallery on the GO's site - the one where he is in his first white costume from Joseph and is obviously in his dressing room - there are several bottles of red wine on top of the unit......I rest my case.

Thank you for de bugging me so quickly. Diana you did tell me on Monday there was a David Cassidy song but I wasn't sure which one. I'm relieved it wasn't Cilla.

Oh Pauline -good on you! When and if my Tescos start stocking the CD I will try to do the same!

Ooo Shirley, it must be nearly time to jump on that big silver plane! I can't believe the confusion over those tickets.

So, it's Friday night, it's off to the pub time. Pity I'm designated driver - so you Lushes I'll be letting you down!

Have a good evening Loppies!

Making a brief visit.

Not recently been a faithful loppy
Not able to indulge my hobby
Had a nasty hacking cough
Feeling very cold and rough
Just caught up with all the blog
Read the Mirror interview - sob
Still like 'How Can I Be Sure' the best
Loved visit on This Morning - top guest
Without you lot I feel bereft
Stil, think there's a drop of mulled wine left

I rest my case (oooh! there's more than a bottle...)

Shirley - if I haven't missed you... have a brilliant time, and I hope we 'see' you occassionally...
Lots of love...

Alison - meant to say - FIVE WEEKS TODAY!! Whoo Hoo!!

If I don't get another chance before you go-have a great time Shirley !
Went last night to Joseph(this was the supplier paid for visit-complete with slap up meal before for those who can remember from a long time back) great seats too wasn't sure where they would be.The Go was on form as usual that voice gets better every time I go,don't know how but it does,I think he gained a few more admirers too from the group I was with :) No aftershow though so that was a disappointment and no explanation either-just locked the doors at 10 and turned the lights off :( Is that happening now ?

Whoo Hoo indeed. For tonight there is a pizza and a bottle of red wine with my name on and I'm having an evening in with the TV- Victoria Beckham on Ugly Betty and then I believe Daniel Craig on J. Ross. My boss is on leave from 29th for a week and a half so I'll get your email from stageloppies and email you then.

Alison - thats fine. Hear from you soon!!

Carolyn - No aftershow!! I wonder why?? Its the first I have heard of it! I expect a few people will go this week-end so will hear what is happening.

FOUR ALBUM DEAL!!

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/search/display.var.1856311.0.living_the_dream.php

Ladies, you didn't really keep Scott locked in the kitchen all day? That's no way to treat the landlord!

Carol, he didn’t! Bloomin’ cheek!

Pauline2 – now that’s what I call Loppy-power, all right! Well done, you! Tesc-eau, here I come! (By the way, hope things at home are getting back to normal).

There's another little bit of Lee-ness on the Echo site: http://www.echo-news.co.uk/display.var.1856311.0.0.php

Debbie, sorry you’ve been poorly,
You need some sun, so just ask Shirley
If she will take you to Barbados
To spread the Lee-word! You'll amaze us
With your vigour, health and zeal
As you share the Mead-appeal!

And before I head off for dinner, I had to share my naughtiness. As you know, I've not been sleeping and have been whiling away the small hours with ADWD. After repeated watching, it occurred to me there are a number of, shall we say, questionable comments from the panel. Here are some of my favourites (yes, I have a dirty mind!):
JB: You show me your bricks and mortar & I’ll let you know…
DVO: You were a little stiff
ALW: You really got my mojo working
JB: Andrew sent me to find out who’s got the full package…

I wouldn't be surprised if Lee has had to call time on appearing outside after every show. I am surprised it has gone on so long. The winter cold is not good for one thing, just after a hot time on stage and neither is the extra mental effort of personal appearances after every show when all he must want to do is unwind with his friends or just quietly go home. Also, dare I say it, boundaries, I think he has more than 'repaid' all the support on ADWD and I hope most fans have read that report about him being hassled so much and will give him some space. Having re-signed to do more shows and no holiday for over a year, he's got a long haul. We don't want him to burn out. Phew, what I mean is, whatever is right for him is AOK this Loppy will just be ever so grateful to see him on stage in Jan.

Thanks for that Geri
You or the mulled wine are making me merry

http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=244177&contentPK=19024569&folderPk=108134&pNodeId=244211

Review of Craig and Keith in Joseph for wc21 Nov in Bristol. 'Tactful' is what I'd call it.

Sorry you've been poorly, Debbie. Did you receive an email from me?

Have a lovely weekend ladies.

Sorry, Debbie, no manners there at all, after seeing Carolyn's report worried for GO imagining him sat there 'crackered' and them saying 'No you are Not going out there again'.
Sorry to hear you haven't been well, nurse Geri will sort you out. Pauline2 saw some Cranberry with Aloe Vera in B**ts now that would sort out two problems at once and gently.

And if you saw the Sky video, there were lines of fatigue down his cheeks.

Thanks loppies! And no I didn't Diana.

Best go and do dinner for dollops and friends now. Cheating with pizza but guess that's allowed when you're spluttering everywhere. With that lovely vision I'll be off.

Thanks for that Vali, will see what I can do.Sloppy is a bit better today so here's hoping.
Poor old you Debbie, but glad to see you going the right way about getting better. Mulled wine lovely.. and seasonal too!
Maybe Lee was off recording something else last night? Although I agree he needs to look after himself, and if they have called time so be it.
See Carol, always knew the man had taste, have heard him say 2 or 3 times recently that he likes a drink, but doesn't go too mad, just like us then!!
Geri, glad to see someone else noticed a few comments... all said innocently I'm sure!!

Just had heart attack, email came through from BBC....... no it's about the Good Food show. Phttt(is that a rasberry? You get the idea anyway)

Another album review - this time a goodie
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/mb4h/

Evening all - the Mirror interview was rather sad and a little alarming about the plonkers who followed him home. There is a line you simply do not cross. It makes me feel proud that Loppies know where that line is! I did think when he was with Kerry that it was nice that he had someone to go home to, not just at the end of a hard day, like the rest of us, but to help him come down from the high of performing to crowds of adoring fans every night! It makes me feel sad to think of him going home to an empty flat and being lonely!! Aw!!

Eva - glad your migraine is improving.

Debbie - nice to have you back and I love your get well remedy - drown the blasted germs in alcohol - works for me!!

Ali B - ancient indeed!! Just my era, thanks very much! Reminded me that we have a poster up in the kitchen at work inviting us to join a gym club for, it says, veterans which it goes on to qualify as being "over 40"!!!!!! So now I'm a veteran and ancient. Think I need to go drown my sorrows - pass that mulled wine over Debbie.

Vali - thanks for the link to the Craig/Keith review. The Yorkshire Loppies are going to see them next week so we'll give you our review. For some reason, I am not counting sleeps for this one (although looking forward to seeing Jane & Louise).

Geri, Geri - I see you are leading us into the gutter again!! I have to say though, a welcome return - okay I confess, I have missed it a little!!

Karen, I knew the minute I put some naughtiness here you'd show up soon after -- you're my kind of girl! And if I might continue to be naughty for a moment: The LJ have a comment from someone who witnessed the "wardrobe malfunction" and described Our Hero as "Not so little Lee"! Whatever could she mean? Why do I want to watch NY NY?

Cough, cough, splutter, sniff, wheeze, hack, sneeze, sniff, sniff. I'm off to bed. Will love you and leave you until my nose stops streaming and I stop looking like one of those pink-eyed bunnies. Good night all.

Evening Loppies - should be at choir practice but we had several people cry off - all caught Debbie's germs I think, so Ploppy has just ventured out into the (bitter) cold to get us some fish and chips! Haut Cuisine here!! Thanks for all the links - I can't view any from the office and so have to wait until I get home! Like the BBC review not that idiot on Digital Spy!

Hm Geri - I can't think what she meant either but yes I could watch NY NY too, and go look at the picture in the Boyz magazine interview too!!!!!!

Geri,- I see you are leading us back to the gutter, - you Irish harlot, you!!! Now we know what you get up to when the rest of us are sleeping innocently in our beds. If I wasn't so tired when the clock shows 11pm I'd join you!!
Debbie,- my philosophy when it comes to colds and alcohol is that combining them might not neccesarily mean that the cold goes aways, but it certainly makes the time you are forced to stay together much more pleasant.
I've been reading a lot of reviews today, and I think that the consensus is that it is a very good album. There is the odd grumble, but the rest is very positive.
I had a look in the local Sainsbury's today, and THE ALBUM was there,- only one left, which I pointed out to a member of staff. She said she would put more albums on the shelf!!

Eva, hope you're feeling better. What with you, Debbie and Sonja, the loppies are a feeble lot at present. Speedy recoveries to everyone. In the meantime, take a large dose of Mead aurally (by ear), and imbibe as much alcohol as necessary until you are feeling no more pain. Might not cure you, but at least you won't mind so much being sick!

I tripped over a piece about Lee's album yesterday from Thailand. I didn't post it because it was a rehash of other stuff, but now I'm worried -- if he's famous in Thailand, will he get the rest he needs on his hols? I have a sudden fear of him lying on a beach getting golden (pause while I get the bucket ready), and some idiot coming up & demanding an autograph and an hour-long chat!

Also, if anyone cares, there's a new vid on YouTube -- scenes from Grey's Anatomy with You & Me in the background. I'm not posting the link because you can find it if you search Lee's name by date added, and it's not particularly well done. For instance, his voice is cut off at the end. Cheek!

Pauline-good plan to move the CDs. Yes, they come highly recommended.
Sorry lots of people have the sniffs and snuffles. Get well soon.
I've left a little comment on the News of the World CD review. It says it is moderated by the author, so will have to wait to see if he passes it. I wasn't rude.

I have just watched Have I Got News For You and I'm still giggling. Ann Widdecombe was this weeks presenter, and it was hilarious. I disagree with a lot of her politics, but I like her sense of humour. She was the scool mistress and Ian Hislop the unruly pupil who supposedly lusted after her.!!!!!
Later tonight it's time for QI, so Friday night is a good tellynight.
Geri,- I'm sure GO will be fine on his holiday. He'll probably go somewhere he can be private, away from the hoi polloi. He certainly deserves it.

I'll add my 'Get well soon' wishes for all Loppies affected by lurgies.
Many thanks for all links to reviews. Although I read them with interest and they are, no doubt, important in terms of influencing sales I'm sure Loppy word of mouth will play its part, too. I've been listening to the CD at home, in the car and on my ipod when out all week and, like many others, I have my favourite songs but agree that they are all fantastic. I got ridiculously excited by the prospect of 3 more albums (I think it was the Echo article that mentioned it.). So let's hope that the CD continues to climb the charts and we have more albums to look forward to.

Elisabeth,- amen to that. I have just signed on to the Google Alert. Thanks for the tip, Ali. Time for QI.

Scott dear,- they are all in a tizz over at Donna's site. Someone read your article about SCD, and noted the "whippersnapper" bit. I don't think you are very popular over there. Oh well, such is the cost of suffering for one's art, eh?

I just put a link to my thailand videos, for those that don't know the place,it cam be very peaceful, but it's being moderated as I forgot and put 2 links. Here's one http://gilliangvideo.co.uk/thailand.htm

Has anyone else been having problems getting the blog to load tonight? It seems to be taking a long time to get started.

Carol, there's a comment at the lovelee's site that I think might refer to you. It's about the blonde lady who gets a spontaneous kiss at the HMV event. Here's the link if you want to check it out:
http://www.leemead.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=1584
& the comment was posted at 11:34pm on the 20th. The site also has a scanned copy (shh) of the Echo article. It's the same as the one on-line, but seems to have a bit more meat on its bones.

Geri-the link said the blond lady patted his cheek, when I last looked at Carol's K**s, looked more like a grab than a pat. But that could be due to the green haze I view the clip through.
Gillian, just read how they are so steady, poor old roro looks like she was very excited, I would have been in pieces, so all did very well with the videos.
I'm off now
Nightlee night

Well' I'm off to my bed and my book. Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

I'm having some very scary system problems -- the dreaded blue screen of death has hit me twice. Will hope to fix whatever the problem is and have better luck tomorrow. Night all. Sweet dreams.

Morning, morning Beach Bunnies - this is the Deputy Bistro Manager here, so rise and shine. The BHB and I have been working on new dishes as I told you and this morning you get them chance to try them out - we have scrambled eggs a la russe (made with vodka instead of milk), we have boosy bread (made with wine instead of water), we have muesli for the healthy ones amongst you, topped with rumtoft soaked fruits. The BHB and ish hash had a losts of funn preparing and tashting readdy fors yous.
Oo I do think that is me the comment refers to - a) blonde, b) most definitely a lady and c) I was about five from the end! Now, now Jo4 you know I am ot the sort to grab! I like to think of it as a spontaneous caress - and I didn't even realise I had done it until I saw the Gillian's video!! Just off to take Sloppy to Heathrow to pick up a coach to Southampton, so will catch up with you later. I am leaving the BHB in charge whilst I am gone - please treat him gently as he is feeling a little tired at the moment - in fact as he was up early preparing the food I think it would be nice if he were allowed to sit and the rest of you gave him breakfast for a change!
Scott forgot to thank you for the score sheet yesterday!

I was going to say: Morning all, but there is only one lonely boy snoozing quietly in the window seat. Never mind, let him sleep. As Carol said,- he has been very busy lately. The food is laid out, so I think I'll help myself to some of this scrambled eggs and some Coffee Doctor. It's freezing outside, minus 2 when I got up, so I need something to warm me. The Coffe Doctor will do that. I just have to be careful because it's strong stuff.
The scramled eggs were delicious. I think I'll have some more and a couple of slices of bresd too. Hmmmmmm, they taste a bit differently, can't reallly say why, but different they are. Dear me, I'll have some more Coffee Doctor too. Tralalalalalalala. It doesn't seem quite so cold any more. In fact I'm really warming up. BHB WAKEY WAKEY, WE ARE HAVING A SING-A-LONG!!!!! Sssssshhhhhh, don't shout ! No, not you, me (or should that be I?) You are going to sing and I'll be along! Hehehehehehehe, that was a joke! Hehehehehehe, yes, it is funny. Pew, I think I have to sit down. Do you want a cuddle BHB? You don't like intoxicated women?????? Who is intxth,intoca intoxed, intoooo, bl...y h..l, I'd better lay down. I don't know what's going on. That coffee wasn't THAT strong. No singing, BHB doesn't love me any more !!!! I'll go into the corner and cry my heart out. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

Oh dear BHB - do you think we overdid the vodka in the scrambled eggs? Can't seem to wake Eva up! Never mind I'll have another portion I think and you just sit there whilst I serve you with some more muesli. Cold outside? Not in here!

@Eva: If they're in a tizz, maybe somebody ought to ask them to check their legs, and see if they've been pulled recently...

Just rushing in for my normal (that means no alcohol) fruit platter and diet coke. What have I found only a few people sleeping and a very strong smell of alcohol. I'll just give the waiter a little kick (I know gently, his ankle has just got better). Hello BHB you do look tired, what you've had a very busy week working here, your evening job and doing special promotions for your new venture, you've been on TV and saw lots of mad women on Monday. Well that's nice (thinks: better humour him, he has these delusions). I'll just wait here while you get my breakfast, shift over Viking warrior lady. Steady BHB don't spill my coke, looks like you've been drinking.

Hi Scott you've come back to do the washing up again? Well there is a lot and the waiter seems to be worse for drink due to the temporary management.

Morning Loppies!

Oh dear, everyone seems a little worse for wear this morning! Oh, sorry Eva, I didn't see you there! Surely you can't be comfy sleeping on the floor like that!

Hi Scott - good to see you back in the bistro! Are you waiting-on today?

Can I have a nice cup of tea BHB? On second thoughts I'd better get it myself - slide over Jo4!

Hope our poorly Loppies are feeling better this morning! Shame it's such a miserable grey one here

Scott dear,- good morning to you. You're up early. Well, I think someone put them right on Donna's site. It was just so funny reading their righteous indignation about this Scott Matthewman who obviously didn't know what he was talking about.( Which of course you do, oh Mighty Landlord!) I have been taking Masterclasses in grovelling from JaneE. How am I doing, JaneE?

Hi Jane, good to have someone here who seems to be awake. The new 'boy' Scott doesn't seem to be very keen on his work here. I've had a look on the web and there seems to be a chap of the same name who has his own web site, it says he does a bit of writing. So we have one who thinks he is a star in the West End and another who writes, perhaps we should look for different staff-just kidding. Think what the owner would say when she comes back if we changed the waiter while she was away. Actually it doesn't bear thinking about.

Geri-Hope the blue screen of death didn't get you completely.
Carol-Are you sure it wasn't a grab? And fancy not even knowing that you'd done it, overwrought perhaps?

Got to dash now, 'ponies' to see, I'll find my thermals, looks chilly out as the frost is still on the ground. I should be back for SCD, afterall one of the Loppy judges will be missing today, sunning herself abroad!

Morning all - move over you lightweights and let me at the breakfast!!! BHB you look a little down what's the matter darling? Yes I know you went to a lot of trouble for these ladies and all they can do is sleep - very ungracious - I'll make it up for it though. Scrambled eggs with Vodka and bread with wine (very biblical Carol!!)washed down with Irish coffee sounds just perfect to me. Will set me up nicely for the day. Yes you can thank me with a kiss BHB and I promise not to grab your cheek like the blonde lady (well not the one on your face anyway!!!).

Morning - computer still playing up but so far this morning seems to be ok - but for how long.

http://www.potatoparade.co.uk/default.aspx?userid=9fd543df-7a08-4069-bff2-ca75d7b147f9

Well grovelled Eva, top of the class!

Erm Carol, you can't remember caressing the GO's cheek???!! Had you been on the vodka-eggs for breakfast?

Morning all! I'll have anything going in the cafe this morning. I want to try out this new management seeing as she crept in and nicked my job. My scrambled eggs are the best - MINE! AND they never stick to the pan. You've got that poor waiter scraping out the bottom with an ice pick.

Eva, we taped Have I Got News For You but I'm sure it's a repeat because when I saw Ann Widdecombe doing that show it was Paul Merton she was flirting with (unless she's just a strumpet).

I hope Lee gets a good rest on his hols too. But who are the hoi polloi - the local police?

Btw Cloud 9 - I've just got one thing to say to you - "Hey, You! Get offa my cloud"!! Yes, seeing as I've next in the queue for The Kiss of all Kisses it's high time you came back down to earth. You can bungy jump down I'm A Celeb style.

Another thing I've noted with one or two songs on the album are that they sound similar to Ronan Keating. Now I've never been a fan of his but when you know it's Lee it's not so bad. Just to listen to him singing brings you closer to him (in a non stalkerish way OF COURSE!).

I'm feeling a bit more like my old self (old? what am I saying?). I can thoroughly recommend mulled wine. Must be the cinammon.
You know you're feeling better when you get up 'early' (8.30) and have the urge to clean the oven for the first time in a year. Must be something to do with having the mother-in-law over for Christmas. I'm just guessing...

PS Hope you're feeling better Sonja. xxx

A belated good morning, all. Finally got the system working (for now). There's a problem with Windows & I can't seem to pin it down to fix it. Any techy advice gratefully received! OK, back to the books. I have a tutorial today & don't want to look stupid. No obvious comments, please!

It doesn't matter what you LOOK like Geri, it's what's inside that counts. Obvious enough?

What can I say Maggie? BRILLIANT!! And thanks v much. I've sent one to Lee.

Maggie thats really great, loved it!!

Scott dear,- forgot to say, my legs are properly scarred.
Debbie,- I think Ann Widdecombe was in a flirty mood yesterday.(Scary thought!!) She was giving Paul Merton some sideways looks, but the repartee was definitely between her and Ian Hislop. Never mind,- it was funny. Btw,- when are you planning to get that BIG KISS??
Maggie,- thank you for the Potato Parade. I love it.
Ali,- the Google alert is working (in a way). This morning there was a link to the Mirror that is a couple of days old.
Jo4,- wrap up warm. I know the sun is out, but it really is brass monkey weather out there.

Just watched the potatoe parade - well done Maggie, that was fun!

Glad you liked the potato men for poorly loppies - found it on another site and they had sent one to LEE and also one to Donna
Just a reminder for Variety Awards - Sky 3 at 8pm tonight and Sky 1 on Sunday at 3pm.
See Lee in his tux…. OOOOOOOHHHHHHHH can’t wait

Aha Eva! Ve hav vays!
Just thought. I hope you didn't mind me sending thst to Lee, Maggie (not that he'll prob ever see it) seeing as it was your idea. We could all do it and one of them might reach him.

Diana, I wondered if you have my new e-mail address? Let me know if you don't.

Right, best foot forward and out of the dressing gown. Ooh, a bit chilly. Maybe I shouldn't bother.

See you all later.

Loved your potato men, Maggie! I giggle a lot, but not much makes me really guffaw as that did! Particularly loved the eyebrow action!

Well, good thing I checked the university timetable before schlepping down the road to my tutorial -- they've rescheduled it till next week! Silly uni!

Btw in Woolworths yesterday Lees Album was sold out and had the sticker, only available to order - but how many had they in? As I have read that some shops have had only a handful in (also our Tesco hasn’t’ got it either same goes for Smiths)

Morning all, quick hello as busy day today. Off out to a Christmas dinner and disco thing tonight, makes me realise how close it is. This year I was going to be better organised, not a chance, think my fixation with the GO might have something to do with it!
Loved the potatoes Maggie. Have seen the ones on Donnas' site. Thinking of whom, she must be so excited right now, hope she remembers to breath!
Glad to see you are feeling more like yourself again Debbie. Hope you are feeling better too Sonja. Lots of loppy love to all feeling off colour.

Can the Ali who lives in the Norwich area please send an email to stageloppies please, as I have a message to pass on to you, and there are 4 of you, I dont know which to send it to.

Gillian if it helps - her surname begins with a D

Maggie - that was brilliant!!! Jane E I think I was so stunned when he sponaneously kissed me (did I mention that) that I really didn't know what I was doing....it was only when I saw Gillian's video (kiss kiss for Gillian) that I saw what happened!!
Well sorry all the now hung over breakfast Bunnies, perhaps we won't be so liberal with the incohol next time - Debbie I am away next weekend (1st, 2nd, 3rd), so you can take over as Deputy, Deputy Manager of the Bistro for those three days!!
Oo I bet Donna is about 10 ft off the ground by now!
Went into local Sainsbury - they had three CDs - one in the wrong place, so I moved it back! On their chart he was no. 14 - I was tempted to put him in the No 1 spot which was empty, but there were too many assistants around!
Scott....and you thought we all had senses of humour did you??

Thanks Maggie, message forwarded.

Pauline2 - A Christmas Party!! Eek! Already! Hope you have a good time.

No Lee CD in our local Tescos and no little lable on an empty space for it either - ggrrrr!

Carol - have you made some room on Cloud 9 ready for Donna? I expect she'll be joining you up there any moment!

ok - that's it! Tesco is now officialy off the list of supermarkets to visit! Jane E I vacated Cloud 9 earlier as you will see - although I have kept a little bit with me! - so that it is all ready for Donna!

Carol, as we go into the "local Sainsburys" most days, I will consider it my Loppy duty to make sure the CD is in the right place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! especially on Friday, ready for your Saturday visit.

Hope all poorly Loppies are feeling better today.

Debbie, I forwarded the email I sent you to stageloppies so hopefully you'll get it this time.

Geri, sorry to hear you're getting blue screens; I've been getting them for months. After hours on the phone and having my PC wiped 3 times, Dell are finally sending an engineer to look at it next week.

Checked the shops this morning - HMV no 32, Virgin 28 and Woolworths 9.

http://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/events-and-reviews/25

Just the one review of Lewis Bradley in Chicago and beyond in Malvern.

What a horrendous day it is here - it's bouncing down. Just been out shopping and got soaked. The only thing that's going to make me feel better right now is listening to The Album. Talking of which, Woolies had it on a stand saying "Recommended for Christmas - Lee Mead". I wish!!! Now if Santa could see to it that I had Him wrapped up under my tree on Christmas morning I would be a very very Happy Loppy!!

Having got that link on, hope all the poorly Loppies and sloppy are cosy and warm today.
Had a lovely time last night on Gillian's website visiting Maui, Bali, Capetown (loved sailing in the yacht), San Fran, Las Vegas etc. Just wonderful. Also found a lovely Youtube of a stage King and I, she's wearing your ivory silk ballgown Carol. Then wandered off to SCD best of, Argentine tango and ice skating tango.
Thinking of Donna today, is Cloud 10 available for a while?

Hi Everyone

Dont know if this will work from my home computer but here goes. In regards to Lee not doing the aftershow the other day, we can all rest easy as according to someone on Donna's forum, he was whisked off on a motorbike by the BBC!! So all is OK again!!

Ooh it does work!! Just thought I would add that also on Donna's forum its says the that th MMJ tickets are being posted out early to middle of next week and that they were allocated by 'Lucky Dip'!! I wonder if that means that those of us who got the nasty email may still be in with a chance?? Yes, I know i am clutching at straws!! Good lucky everyone!!

I also did my Loppy duty in HMV this morning and went is specially to check that he was there! He was, although he was on the bottom shelf!!

Gillian, we've been to Thailand many times and it's one of our favourite countries. We particularly love Phuket, though you have to be a bit careful this part you go to. I hope Lee does go to Thailand for his January holiday. There are plenty of places he can go and have privacy.

Eva, we watched Have I Got News last night too. It was very, very funny.

Gillian, email received thankyou, and thanks Maggie for pointing out which Ali I am!!
Elisabeth email sent in return, check your inbox!
All poorly loppies hope you're on the mend?
Eva, pressie arrived safely, thankyou so much mwah!

Loppies, I just sent an e-mail to Fascination Records & asked them about their marketing plan for The CD. The final straw was finding it in the local HMV in the musicals section in a category named, Any Dream Will Do! I mentioned that to the record company & added that many loppies were having problems finding Lee on the shelves -- so to speak. How about we get a campaign going to have them support this album as they ought? It won't get to number 1 if people can't find it. Loppies of the world unite!

Diana, if I can keep the system going a few more weeks, there's a ruby-red laptop from Sony that would really fit in my stocking!

Vali, there's a comment beneath that review which describes Boo-Hoo as very poor & "second rate". Gosh. You think?

I have now managed to get the Sky + to camcorder/computer sorted, I just took all the connections out, plugged them all back in firmly, and it works!!! So I will now be able to make DVD mark 2 - working title 'Living the Dream' perhaps?? :)) - after Christmas, from proper tv quality clips:)))Also got my CD cartridge in the car sorted, so a copy of 'Lee Mead' is in there, plus a replacement for the Joseph Journey one, which I wore out!

Nominate Lee's album for BBC2's Record of the Week. Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/dermot/recordoftheweek.shtml

Glad you're recording situation is now sorted out Gillian. Has Ploppy been forgiven for dismantling your player in the first place?

Errr Geri, did you actually use the word 'Loppies' in your letter to Fasination?

Reminder to keep voting daily in the two internet forum polls. Lee is catching up in Sexiest Man on TV. http://polls.theinternetforum.co.uk/poll2/index.php?dispid=73

Uh, no, JaneE, I just said Lee's fans were hearing reports throughout the UK of difficulty finding the album, and cited Tesc-eau as one of the worst offenders.

Hi there! Finally back on the blog after another day of computer nightmare. This time it was the printer playing up. Was printing happily away when it run out of black ink. So I inserted a new ink cartridge and restarted, but no........ suddenly everything was printed red!! The printer CD wouldn't let me open it without installing an old version of Acrobe Reader which my computer refused to install and so on and so forth for hours. I have now hopefully managed to sort it, but why is nothing ever simple ????? This wasn't how I planned to spend my Saturday.
Geri,- I have nominated my record of the week on Radio 2. Thank you for that link, but I can't use the automated e-mail link on the Fascination Records web site. A window pops up telling me "the default mail client is not properly installed", so can you give me the e-mail adress, please, and I'll happily do my Loppy duty.
Ali,- glad the present arrived safely.
Gillian,- looking forward to your new DVD compilation. It will certainly be better than my amateur trials.

Eva, I had to copy the e-mail address into my e-mail program because it wouldn't go directly from the Fascination site. Here's the address: info@fascinationrecords.co.uk

I've done my Loppy duty - thanks for the links Diana & Geri.

Oh Eva, you sound just like my Ploppy - his favourite refrain - WHY IS NOTHING EVER SIMPLE!!

Have very nearly had to commit Ploppycide this afternoon, Ladies!! After battling the elements and then deciding to recover by listening to The Album, just as the first notes of PiB started, Ploppy decides to replace the plinths in the kitchen - plinths that have been there for months waiting for him to put back after having the floor tiled - plinths that needed planing - with his electric planer - VERY LOUDLY!!!!!! After nagging him for months to do it I asked him if it was necessary to do that right now. Why, what's the problem he says. How do I tell him I can't hear Lee for his stupid planing!!!!?? So, on the lines of why is nothing ever simple why do Ploppy's always decide to do the things you've been asking them to do for ages right at the time when you don't want them to do it?

Karen,- I'm so glad I only have the computer to fight with!!!!
Geri,- thank you. I'll go right ahead. I feel like bashing some heads together after the day I've had, but I'll do it very politely and tastefully !! Is that possible ?

Karen, if you commit ploppycide and get arrested, you can demand a jury of your peers -- loppies. They'll take less than five seconds to acquit!

Rhyming loppies -- there's a golden opportunity available right now: ALW is seeking a lyricist to write the Phantom sequel. I say we combine forces and offer to do the job -- provided the GO is guaranteed a leading role!

Here,here Karen! And if you need an alibi - honestly mi lud, she was in Loppyland at the time!

Ploppy and I (I've sort of forgiven him now) are off out for a curry tonight, so I might not be back till tomorrow.
Have a nice evening everyone!

Geri, Love the idea. Are you a Gilbert Becaud fan at all? Something like 'A little love and understanding?

Geri,- when you start the rehersals with GO, can I be the gofer, please, please, please? I promise no smelly fish, only good Coffee Doctors and croissants and hankies for GO's sweaty brow when he needs it after a day's hard work and a cooling hand to hold and.......I'd better stop there!

Vali, I LOVE Gilbert Becaud! So we need a sample of our writing ability to present to The Lord. To get us started, here's a P2 version of All I Ask of You:

No more talk of Jason,
Forget the C.O.-one
He’s bland, no one will hear him
You need someone endearin’;
All you need is Lee Mead
A man of force and might
His voice -- sweet and beguiling
Will make your show spell-binding...
(next verse to you, Vali)

Eva, of course you can be a gofer. The Loppy-lyricists will find jobs for everyone -- right, gang?

Oh dear Geri - jobs for everyone? - I feel the gutter beckoning again!!!

Hi I'm back after a very chilly day. Lovely ride though. I had a nightmare when I got in the car this morning. CD player would not work. Driving without GO, I haven't done that since June, how do you do it? (Mind I might drive better.) I ejected the CD and reloaded, phew all was fine. Might have been the cold.

I'm off to the other blog, for SCD, so see you later.

Karen,- behave !!!( At least pretend)

I'll see you over at SCD.

Sorry Auntie Eva - blame Geri, she always leads me astray (not that I take much leading!!!). Back to SCD.....

Karen-I promised Shirley some months ago that I'd be good, so no comment. But about Ploppy actually doing what you asked him to do months ago, you'll just have to be pleased.

...although you could send him to the PTC by the sound of it - still working on the curriculum! Tried to vote on the BBC website link - typed all the info, hit the send button on the site and I get a message saying Cannot Find Server.............will try later!

Right, please let me know if I've missed any Loppy duties for today.
1) Voted on sexy man poll
2) Sent email to record company
3) Checked Donna's site (Donna, that person floating 10 feet in the air)
4) Not done any h*******k
5) Just about to write cheques for tickets bought for me to see a certain show
6) Listened to CD
7) Hummed 'When I need you the most' for 2 hours when riding

Oh and
8) Voted for CD in Radio 2 link

Have done my Loppie duty, thanks Geri for linking to BBC Record of week, also voted for sexiest man on TV, world ,Universe etc.

Finding Google alert working OK but not very alert as most of them so far seem to be several days old.

Just off to get some supper before watching our boy (in DJ ) get his Variety Club award on sky3

Just seen HIM arriving at the VCA

Hurray - managed to vote!! Have also cast my SCD scores! Jill I shall hold you to that - at least Sainsburys had three copies for sale! I'm sort of hopeful that there will have been a big demand today as it is the first Saturday after the release and it may be that this will be the first chance people have had to get to the shops!

Got dragged away form the pooter in mid thought there Geri, lovely start, hows about

Say you'll star Lee in your new production
Everyone will talk of it and then
It will become your greatest hit for ever
We all know the best is yet to come,
The follow up to Phantom One

I luurrvve a man in a tux and boy does HE look good in a tux. Pass me the fan!!!!

I am crying again,- with pride this time. I have just watched GO on Sky 3 singing ADWD and accepting his prize. Oh, bless,- he looks absolutely adorable in a tux. He can escort me to a gala anytime.

Kind people on LMAS have promised to post it on Youtube asap, just wishing and hoping.

No Sky, so I await YouTube

Lovely pic on LMAS of Donna, Jacob and Lee CiN Cheque presentation. Lee meets his 'Mistress'. Note bucket!!!!
Back to read account.

Vali, great pick-up! Are we the Lerner & Loewe of the Loppies?

Don't get Sky-3 (grr. Stick. Short end. Me.) Thank the Lord (not that one) for YouTube! Eva, can you tell us about his speech, or are you still sobbing into your herring?

Maeve, I think Google alerts should more accurately be called Google-afterthoughts!

Jo4, you're a credit to the loppies. All duties performed to perfection.

Karen, I think you & I are the only two gutter queens left (somehow that sounded better in my head). So I'll leave you in charge of costuming for P2. Go wild, only no silly masks on our boy's face. And the curls stay intact -- well, stating the obvious, really.

I was just watching Lee & two other blokes singing Maria & it reminded me of the Three Bears in Goldilocks -- one showed too much emotion, one showed no emotion, and one was just right... Guess that makes GN Goldilocks, then!

No Sky here either. But hopefully the husband of a friend at work has recorded it for me. When it comes to the GO I have no shame.

Am off to look at LMAS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18jT1ZfpThE

You might've seen there's a new Kaz Miller to Stronger. That poster who talks it down on the online CD reviews is not hearing what I'm hearing.

Thanks, Vali, for the tip-off about LMAS. Have just read Donna's tale of her fabulous day - almost makes up for not getting Sky. Isnt't it lovely to have it confirmed, almost on a daily basis, how gorgeous Lee is both inside and out?
I wonder if anyone watched the dreaded X-factor tonight. Scollop and dollop like it, so we switch it on after Strictly and I just caught the tail-end of one of Sharon's comments re Rhydian, the one who also auditioned for Joseph: something about the Lord messing up by not putting him through to the final 12. Is it just me, or does anyone else think we may have had a narrow escape? Rhydian does seem to be popular and who knows what could have happened if he had been on the live shows?
Just one, well, two more things:
Karen - much as I understand your motives, violence never solves anything and we wouldn't want to see you in prison. Enrol ploppy at Carol's PTC I say.
Gillian, thanks for forwarding my email. Sorry I forgot about the multiple Alisons on this site.

Just seen Donna's account, ahhh. Kaz YouTube, ahhh. Before I collapse off my chair, need to get the packed lunches ready for tomorrow. Very early start Sunday.
Keep an eye out for the Sky stuff on You Tube for me. I'll be back in a bit.
Geri, glad you approve of my Loppiness today. No 5 now completed. Never thought of Maria song in that way before. You are right.

Aaagghhh - have just had to rescue laptop from being soaked in red wine - knocked glass over!!!

Geri - I am happy to be a gutter queen and also will take my costume duties seriously - no masks to cover HIS beautiful face and nothing to cover HIS beautiful locks and nothing to cover his beautiful..... erm where was I???

Elisabeth - I know you don't condone violence but I plead extenuating circumstances on the grounds of diminished responsibilty - aka - Ploppy stopped me listening to the GO - OK I'll take your advice and enrol him in PTC (prefer Ploppycide though!!!!!)

Geri,- Report from Sky 3 : He didn't say much, really, just gave us his devastating smile and said"Thank you very much". I think he was a bit overcome, the love. I'm sure it'll be on YouTube in no time.( I have stopped crying now.)
Jo4,- that list is really impressive. Do you tick it off every day?
Karen,- I think we have covered Ploppycide before. The same goes now as it did then,- I'll represent you in court. Does anybody know a Loppy judge? 5 minutes? We'll clear you in 3 !!!!!
I am completely shattered tonight. I think it must be the combination of rage towards the Computer and then the utter bliss of seeing GO on the Telly. I'm not used to all these emotions. I am usually leading a tranquil and rather boring life. Boy, have things changed!
I will, however, say good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy. If you don't, pop in to the Bistro, and Carol's cooking will cheer you up in 5 minutes!!!!!

I've just sent some of my HMV photos to Donna and Martin (via stageloppies). A decided improvement on my aftershow show pics.

Donna sure had a wonderful afternoon.

Having listened umpteen times to the album, I think You & Me is probably my favourite track. Having said that, I might change my mind tomorrow. I do so hope it's high in the charts tomorrow - and stays there too.

Loppie Health Alert! -- If you have high blood pressure DO NOT read the NOTW review of John Barrowman's album. Trust me on this.

sky tv
thanks to Kaz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTSkFLI8wgw&feature=user

Just watched it, looked nervous at start, with a dodgy note near beginning, but then all OK.

Had to check out NOTW review after Geri's comment. I think Simon Ward needs some of the treatment we've dolled out to CO.

Thanks for the link Jo4. YouTube here I come.

Just read Donna's account - just confirms what we all knew! I wonder when she will come back down to earth!!
Off to bed, so Sweet Meads all - your early morning call will be at about 7am tomorrow, so you can have a lie in!

Diana, I agree with you, I was just going to say that, except I was going to suggest the retribution given to the Irish chappy. Or the fjord trip.
4 stars for JB and 3 for GO, that man needs to be sent somewhere. btw have a look at the comment from barry on the bottom of review of the better cd. He said he bought it for his wife who liked GO and she didn't like it. She was protecting his feelings I'm sure. When barry goes out she has a secret listen. See I'm so cross haven't corrected the upper case errors (or checked spelling).
Going to look at some GO to calm myself down then must sleep for early start.

Sorry forgot to say, thanks for the warning Geri, didn't work though.

Thanks for link Jo4,
Good old KazMiller she really keeps us all in touch with the latest performances.
Good to see BK so enthusiastic about Lee, 'first of many awards'

Weren't they lovely pictures of Donna and Jacob with Lee? A fantastic account of THE meeting, thanks Donna.

OMG... have just watched the VCA vid - and MY BOSS is in the audience!!!! I haven't told her of my obsession (would you??) so naturally she didn't impart this news to me - and as I don't manage her weekend diary...
oooooo, isn't he just too beautiful in a tux! Looked like he was suffering from dry mouth at the beginning...hence the ever so slightly not up to his usual standard start..
AAAhhh, and Donna's day! Yet more proof of what a gorgeous one he truly is. Oh, and Donna - you looked fabulous. Well done.
Right - time to hit the sack.. may pop in tomorrow, if I get back in time from all my socialising.. (Christmas cheer has begun)

Auds-You'll have to ask her about it, in a calm sort of way.

Hi BHB, I have my hair clip, credit card and jemmy, what sort of lock have they put on this week? The door's open, well, we'll have to leave a note for the new management. Let's go in, put the lights on, heating is still on too. Oh, good BHB you've got the kettle on, a nice cup of tea please. Did I see you on TV last night (better humour him) of course I did. And you are in the Sunday mail magazine today, well when the new mangement gets here perhaps she will have picked up a paper on the way and you can check. I'll have to go now. Leaving you in charge to get the breakfasts ready BHB. I wouldn't bother to start cooking yet, wait until someone else comes you don't want anything to overcook. Have a rest they might be ages.

Morning Beach Bunnies - strange the place is all lit up, oh hello BHB, someone was here earlier but left, something about feeding cats, horses or something?? Never mind, we'll soon have the breakfasts underway. Have this nice recipe for hot chocolates, which I thought we might try... nice and warming for a cold Sunday morning. Basically melted chocolate, lots of cream and a big slug of white rum. Yes we can put sprinkles on the top! Sugar? No I don't think it needs any. OK we can taste the little bit of boozy bread left from yesterday, I've made a fresh batch at home for today (bread machine is a wonderful thing). We'll have kippers on the menu today (not that I like them but my Plopoy does) - they have been stepped in brandy first so that might make them palatable. Soon have the place ready and then we can sit and look at this Mail on Sunday together - there's a chap in it that looks a lot like you. Oh someone has already commented on that??

Morning all. I must say I admire you BHB (and Carol, of course) who are here on a Sunday morning. I am hungry today, so will have a good breakfast. I don't know what happened yeasterday morning, but I fell asleep and woke up with something resembling a hang-over!!! I don't know how that happened, but I'll skip the Coffee Doctor this morning, just to be on the safe side. I need a clear head today,- have some friends coming to lunch. You know one of them BHB. It's that dippy Finnish lady with the big smile. I know you are a bit of a hobby chef, so you can give me a few tips. But first I'll have some of that hot chocolate. I don't normally drink hot chocolate in the morning, but since I'm staying off the coffee........ Mmmmmmm,,- that's an unusual taste. Like it. That bread you served yesterday was delicious. Two slices, please. Kippers??? I don't normally eat fish for breakfast. The others have told you I love smelly fish? Don't listen to them. OK, I'll have one, but I'll finnish the chocolate first. Even I can't manage choc and smoked fish together!!!!
About this cooking. I have put the roast in the oven on a slow roast. I find it tastes so much better then, and comes out juicy and tender. Is that your experience too? It's beef today. You'd rub it with crushed garlic, pepper and thyme? Good idea, I'll do that.
The fish was nice, but I'll rather have another slice of bread and more chocolate. I'm feeling rather happy this morning. Do you think it is because I watched GO last night? You were there too???? In a tux???? BHB, you are not turning into one of those stalkers, are you? I'll have some more sjocklade ! What was that? I said chocoholade ! Whassamatterwithu??? Don't you understand Englicsh? Argh.... Don't cry ! I didn't mean it like that!!! Give me more to drink and I'll sit here in the corner and sing to meself.

Well Donna had a marvellous day yesterday. She utterly deserved it.
I am however very curious what that exclusive will be.
Anyone a guess?

I have to laugh at all your attempts to promote Lee in the shops.
Especially Pailine2 in putting him in the recommended section.
This is Loppie Power at work.

I am off to watch Lee in tux.

Ladies, save your hard-earned money!
I've just rushed out to buy the Mail on Sunday - well, we need a TV guide after all.
No sign of Lee anywhere (unless he's hiding in the financial or football section, which I somehow doubt).

Mm, must say the cuisine at this bistro has been fabulous lately! Well, hello, BHB, why are you tiptoeing around? You don't like to waken sleeping giants? Oh, sleeping Vikings! Aw,doesn't she look sweet snoring loudly like that! Naw, she won't frighten the customers -- just throw a blanket over her. Self-service again today. That's OK, you go lie back on the hammock; I'll help myself to that chocolate thingy.

Lots of Lee loveliness yesterday -- wasn't Donna's report wonderful! And that clip on YouTube (thanks, KazMiller). I see the "Wardrobe Malfunction" made it to the papers. Wonder if someone told them or if they've been reading our blogs. Here's the link:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/3am/2007/11/23/lee-mead-left-red-cheeked-89520-20149121/

Good Morning Loppies!!

Oh, Gosh, sorry (whispers) good morning Loppies - Eva asleep again? Dear me! Geri, would you mind getting me some of that chocolatey thing, while you're up? Oh thank you very much!

So, BHB, tell me about this award cerimony you went to last night. Were you in the audience? Did you happen to see Auds's boss?

Wasn't Donna's report lovely? Gave me a lump in my throat again! He's such a genuinely sweet guy!

Elisabeth - thanks for the warning re Mail on Sunday. I disagree with you, though about justifiable Ploppicide. If you'd met mine, you'd know what I mean!

Point taken, Jane E. I guess I'm very lucky to have a tolerant ploppy.
Living with a mocking scollop and a friend / neighbour who adores JD is another matter entirely.
But hey, it's a lovely bright day here, perfect for marking assignments- not. Might 'see' you all later.

Well Elisabeth, I can't accuse Ploppy of not being tolerant. It's just his habit of refering to our boy as... no, I can't even type the words, you'll all be way too offended!

No need to tip toe around me anymore. I am wide awake and angry. Not with any of you, but with the newspapers and Lee's off. site. What is going on here? Last Sunday it was Sunday Express he was supposed to appear in and this Sunday it was Mail on Sunday. What happens. Zilch!!!! Wasted money two Sundays in a row. I didn't read the blog before I went out to get some veg and the papers. I wish Lee's off. site would keep a proper update. I might just fire off an e-mail to ask what is happening.
However I bought THE ALBUM no 8 this morning. I had a mail from my friend in Spain asking if I could get her daughter-in-law one for Christmas. Done now. It was the last album on the shelf, which of course I pointed out to a shop assistant. I think I just might be appointed the Nightmare of The Supermarkets in the South East. It was placed at no 20, but JB was placed at 41. I think they update it tomorrow.
The lady at the till remarked when she saw THE ALBUM:" He seemed to be a bit full of himself at the beginning, but I like him now". I should think so too !!!!!!!

Morning everyone. Elisabeth, think I forgot to say welcome to the blog having met you last Monday.

I’m still not with it. I totally forgot about the washing I put on before I went shopping yesterday. I only remembered when water started pouring out the dispenser drawer when I went to do another load this morning as the machine was still turned on. Doh.

I have checked the Sunday Express, Mail on Sunday and News of the World – virtually nothing. Express has a review of touring Joseph which mentions Lee and has pic of Craig and Mail has ad for Joseph extension. I’m debating contacting the agency but don’t want them to stop letting us know of forthcoming mags/appearances. But that’s Best, Sunday Express, Mail on Sunday, Inside Soap they’ve got wrong (though could be the publication that pulled article sometimes) yet they didn’t advise us of BBC Breakfast or This Morning last week. Even if BBC Breakfast was arranged at late notice, it could have been added to the site the day before.

Feeling very grumpy, just wasted £1.50 on that rubbish paper M.on S. What's going on?

Feel like dropping in to the bistro for some of Carol's boozy bread and hot choc,with white rum, yum yum.

Morning all

Carol that hot chocolate sounds delicious. And served by the BHB -heaven!!!!

What a tease Donna is - ooo an exclusive!! Wonder what it is!!!!!

Well Ploppy's off golfing so loads of time for uninterrupted album listening. Bliss!!

I have sent an e-mail to Lee's off. site asking what is going on with all the wrong information. Don't worry, I was very polite! Now we'll just have to wait and see if they answer.

Morning!

Just had a few minutes to skim through your posts.
Diana - still not got your e-mail.
Karen - think I'll be joining you in prison. Ploppycide nearly committed yesterday. He was doing more bathroom renovations so thought I'd ease the stress by putting THE CD on. All I got was "I don't like his voice, it's too musical theatre and he's....."(not sure if I can bring myself to tell you...) "c****y"!! I tell you, I nearly gave him a short back and sides with the tile cutter. I had to restrain myself in the interests of getting the walls finished. Still, he got his come uppance when he attempted to put in the new radiator, cut through a pipe and water came at him like the Niagara Falls. HA! I was desperately searching for that bucket but I think Carol still had it. The downstairs loo is now a shower too.

I've yet to read Donna's account but it sounds intriguing.

Got loads to do today whilst the rest are out so had better go. Keep up the good work in the shops loppies and if I can brave T**** for my shopping then I'll check they've got their CD's in the correct order ie Lee in the no 1 slot.

Byeeeee!

Chocolate at the ready Maeve!How annoying for everyone that bought the papers - well done Eva for flagging up the problem.

Well it looks like there's going to be three of us in court for Ploppycide - Debbie, it sounds like yours and mine are just the same. Perhaps we should introduce them!

I hope you'll all forgive me if I get serious for a moment. There's a chilling article in today's Observer about a 13 year old girl who committed suicide after being tormented on a blog. She thought she was communicating with a 16 year old boy but in reality, "Josh" was the 48-year old mother of her friend.

I mention it because I thought we should all remember the Loppy Constitution. We have a few new members since we drafted it and, if you don't have a copy, please request one from the stageloppies site. Sorry to be the voice of gloom, but I felt it was important.

Geri,- yes, it's easy to forget that although some of us have met up, we still don't know a lot about each other. Common sense and a bit of care goes a long way, though.
I just had a mail from Shirley. They have safely arrived at their destination, and there are all the sun and sea they want, although Shirley woke up with one of her heads. I'm sure she'll update you all on the blog soon. I just wanted you to know that they are safely there.

Hi all, do you mind if I type this very quietly? Great night last night, I think you'll understand if I say "C'mon Eileen, YMCA,500 miles and Amarillo". Hmmm yes, what is with this music? You will gather a little alcohol might just have been taken!!
Been to Donnas' site as wanted to read her news, lucky lady, to have such a great time, but that wasn't really in doubt was it. she really does deserve it with all her hard work.
Note to self in future, always check this site before wasting money on poxy papers!
Yes Geri duly noted, and you're right these things are important.

GOOD AFTERNOON PAULINE2 - Ow! stop hitting me! yes I know I'm evil for shouting at someone with a hangover!

Eva, I've got an e-mail from Shirley as well, sounds like a beautiful place she's gone to!

Hi Shirely! Enjoying your beach? Missing the damp grey weather over here?

Thanks for that reminder Geri. It's worth while bearing in mind

Afternoon ladies - glad you liked the hot chocolate! Just what's needed on a winter morning (also had email from said Shirley sunning herself overseas!). Scoured MoS from cover to cover - nada! Big sulk! Debbie as a penance I think your Ploppy should undertake the washing up duties next weekend when you are in charge of the Bistro! As long as he doesn't cut through any pipes of course - don't think Shirley would appreciate coming back to find the Bistro has been flooded! Currently working on the menus for next week......just got some irxxxng to do! Find if you have a certain cd playing in your ears it doesn't seem quite so bad!

Yes Geri, I saw that in Observer too, almost beyond belief that a 48 year old woman would do such a thing to her daughter's 13 year old friend.

On a more cheerful note did you like the picture on back page of Ann Widdecombe as new England Football Manager!

Good morning all. So thrilled Donna had a lovely time with Lee yesterday.

Yes still morning here, and having been reduced to left over Padthai for breakfast I would love some of Jo4's fruit salad and diet cola please BHB. Your alter ego had a special visitor yesterday? Yes, heard something about that in another place! Seems she rather enjoyed it too!!!!!

Not been to the beach yet Jane. Head rather fragile, but Ploppy has been in two different pools already. We are off to the supermarket soon to lay in stocks. Asked Ploppy if I had forgotten anything of list - Rum. OK, and anything else? More rum. Think I get the picture. LushLoppies, can he join you please??

Got him to take a picture of me on the deck - just to make you all jealous - as if Donna's UC&P wasnt enough to turn us all permanently green. I am emailing it to Maggie. Oh and the spuds are wonderful. Thank you

Thanks to you all for your reviews of SCD. I am relying on you to keep me up to date for the next few weeks. A bit like ADWD, when I only just got back for the final, and of course it was my extra votes that defeated the dreaded McT. Now there's a thought to give us all nightmares. Hopefully in January Lee starts to earn some sensible money. Sad that despite already earning £shed loads for the noble lord he can still only afford to treat his parents to a few weekends away. I guess they had to plan for the Jo winner to be crxp, and all the first 6 month money went into paying for the excellent supporting cast so they could carry the likes of BooHoo, and not expecting to be sold out all the time.

Very proud of myself. Had sucessfully downloaded Lee Mead onto me MP3 player so listened to it all the way over. Word perfect now I think. Moody's playing in the background now - Justin singing Forever Autumn. Just for a change you understand, but it still really gets me.

So our first guests arrive tomorrow, internet working perfectly - I might just survive 3 weeks away in the sun in the middle of winter. Just maybe!!!!!

Ouch, thanks for that Jane, still have improved a bit now so maybe it helped!!
Went to watch my recording of awards last night, perfect picture... no sound.GGRRRRR. I hate when sky does that. Is it just me or does anyone else have the problem? So now going to try again at 3pm.
Oh Shirley it all sounds too awful for words, but do bear up and I'm sure the time will pass!!!!

Hi Shirley, glad you got there OK. Impressed with the MP3 skills. Relax and have a restful time.
I dashed out with the dog this morning in the almost dark. Quickly skimmed MoS when I got home, but couldn't see anything. I was in too much of rush to be sure. Very disappointed now. A small silver lining, newspaper comes in very handy for the tribe. No I don't roll it up and hit them with it.

roro has done a YouTube for Stronger as well
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=H2PlWyAZKng

Hi Shirley - oh dear, it's a hard loife but I'm sue you're up for the challenge!!

Well Ploppy's back from golf so just off to dish up lunch. Have been listening to The Album all morning and, after much deliberation, have decided my fave, apart from PiB, is Best is Yet To Come. Love them all though!!

Shirley - great to hear from you - make sure you lay in plenty of supermarket stock. Re income, I'm sure Lee is earning sensible money already. Connie was reportedly on 2K a week when she started in SoM and I cant see Lee's fee being very different. Presumably it will be upped considerably in Jan though from whatever it is now and again in June. Enjoy the MP3 and the dulcet tones of the one and only.

Hello Shirley, just wonderful to hear from you. Is there the possibility of a DJ playing 'When I Need You The Most' some starlit evening for a smooch? That's what I'm planning for my next holiday. Virgin now have GMYAS video upfront on 'Jukebox' subscription - hooray - played it for 30 mins this morning. So addictive.

Heard on R2 that some 'Hollywood Stars' are being paid £100,000 for 6 weeks panto. Yup, roll on the fruits of Lee's success.

Foot! Looks like I miss the Strictly results - Sloppy on coach coming back from Southampton and the M3 is currently closed. She was due in at LHR at 5.50, but is now a least half an hour late, if not longer. Haven't got to terms with the digibox and the video so no hope there.....may have to rely on you all for your verdict!!
Shirley of course your Ploppy may join the Lushes - sounds like he has all the right qualifications! Have fun over there .....

All that you know and ADWD clips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeP1absWs6E

Hi Shirley, glad you can make it into Loppyland and welcome to the Lushes Shirley's Ploppy! Ahh! Forever Autumn - that's mine and my Ploppy's tune. (Mind you he's still in the dog house!)

OK must try to catch up with last night's SCD before tonight's comes on. Carol, how do you cope without a video?

Afternoon all. Lunch guests fed and sent home happy, I hope.( I must remember to say "thank you " to BHB tomorrow morning for his cooking tips.) Isn't it nice when people you have met separately and like very much, enjoy each others company when they get together? Well, that happened today. Sonja was her usual sunny self, and my other friends seemed to like her very much. There was none of those embarassing silences when strangers get together and really have nothing to say to each other. My friends are slightly bemused by my new "hobby", but there wasn't too much Lee-talk today Sonja and I know when to behave !! She is still in computer no-mans-land. I think she has given up on it now.

About an hours time until that week end job at SCD starts, so since the house looks spic and span, I can lean back in my chair and listen to a certain gentleman sing to me. Bliss!!!

I can't get in to YouTube. A note comes up saying "server unavailable". Anyone else with the same problem?

Yes Eva I've had that too, I just posted the link above and then went back to get another one and no go. I'll try later.

Hi Shirley, great to hear from you. Hope your head goes quickly.

Vali, is the Virgin Jukebox you mentioned cable TV or online?

Don't forget to check the album charts - not sure when they are updated online.

He's entered the BBC album chart at #16!!!!!! He's ahead of Cliff -- sorry, Cliff, but Yippee!!

Just checked the charts: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/albums.shtml
I was hoping for top 15 but it's just missed.

I couldn't get into YouTube either about half an hour ago.

Me too Diana - top 10 would be even better but 16 is fantastic for a new artist. Lets try and get him into the top 10 though Loppies!!

Right, off out for the evening - back later, when you've all gone to bed, no doubt.

Have a good evening all.

Lee has come in at nr 16!!!!. How good is that.!!!
Congratulations Lee. Way to go.

Just in case its not reached here yet Lee is on SITT on Monday!!!!!

Well done Pauline2 - I was just coming on to say that! You beat me to it!

And no 16, not bad at all!

Yes fantastic no.16 was too excited to say!! Lots of good tv next week with good target audience so we want more!!

Calling Jo4, calling Jo4 - five minutes to Hamster!

Thanks Jane, just turned over from news and was about to call you!!

Another Happy Sunday night. Good results in Strictly , GO will be on telly again tomorrow and has reached no 16 in the first week. I'll do a supermarket check tomorrow, and trust me, I'll be telling them if they haven't moved him!!!!!

Hi all - just returned from visiting relatives - live 2 hours away but as in ploppy's car got to listen to CD 3 times - love all the songs and cant choose a fave.

Pauline2 - you beat me to to it also re SITT - but even ploppy said - gosh he is busy these days and hope he will be ok for his show - and esp on Dec 10th - how many sleeps Maggie - 14!!

Donna's account of her day is brill - wonder if she and son still on cloud 9.

off to another conference in London tomorow - and so likely to miss SITT - must remember to record it. Conference at Trade union Conf centre - so not expecting champagne again but...

Must dash as need to get ready for tomorow and then watch Cranford - absolutely brill. Makes me think that for all our busy, hectic and very techy lives are we any happier or better people - but too philisophical for this late in weekend and after 3 glasses of wine so will just watch and enjoy.

Yes, 16 that's 10 places above John Barrowman who was 22 last week. Well done Lee.

Help Pauline, what's SITT?

Great to hear from you Shirley, hope the sun sand and sea will soon have you feeling tip top.

Hi Maeve sorry but most people on this site use abbreviations and I'm catching the habit!! It's Strictly It Takes Two which is the spin off of Strictly on BBC2. On each week night at 6.30 and we all seem to think tomorrow is the night ...get watching!!

Hi, Maeve, I think SITT stands for Strictly It Takes Two (weekdays BBC 2 at 6.30).
Are we actually sure he's on on Monday? It seemed to me that Claudia was just announcing the highlights of the week - and I wouldn't argue that Lee will be THE highlight.
Diana, thanks for the welcome and it was good to meet you on Monday. I'm very impressed you've got your finger on the pulse of the album chart; I've never looked at it before in my life but I agree with all of you that No 16 is pretty impressive.
Jo4, thanks, as ever, for the links to YouTube - seems to be working fine for me. If the past few days are anything to go by I thinks we're in for a few more visual treats set to the various album tracks. Bring them on!
Shirley, glad to hear you arrived safely. Enjoy the weather and pop in when you can.

Getting slow in my old age. You beat me to it, Pauline2.

I have just returned from Aidensfield, and would you believe, they nicked the villains!!
Now I'm off to Cranford on BBC1. I do get around!!!

Diana my Jukebox is actually called Music On Demand, part of our package on Cable. Lee's GMYAS is now on the quick menu of charting songs. 'Lee Mead' at 16 that's good, it could have sold even more in it's first week if supplies were there methinks.