He achieved cult status on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! with his madcap stories and hilarious antics which made him an overnight sensation with ITV viewers. Now, the man with a maid improbably named Vaginica Ceaman, has an ITV1 show dedicated all to himself.

Starting on Sunday 22nd April This is David Gest – a six part fly on the wall documentary series – gets an exclusive behind the scenes insight into the American music producer’s incredible life, unearthing the truth behind the tall tales and providing the only up close and personal glimpse into the man who has intrigued the nation.

Since he left the jungle in December last year, David has taken up residence at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London with the ITV cameras accompanying him as he goes about his day to day mad cap life. Read more & comment »

Since he left the jungle in December last year, David has taken up residence at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London with the ITV cameras accompanying him as he goes about his day to day mad cap life.

“I decided to stay in the UK because I lived here from ’92 to ’94 and I loved it, and the reaction has been so incredible, the people are so warm, so why not stay where you’re loved?” says David. “I also like clotted cream.”

Speaking from his huge superstar bed David says: “I’m not a diva but I’m definitely someone who you need to have extra mileage points for to get into the club.”

Loyal body guard and all round right hand man, Imad, has been part of David’s entourage since he was married to Liza Minnelli. He takes care of David’s every whim, even pointing out David’s pimples.

“Imad has a heart of gold but the waist of a whale,” says David. “He was Liza and my security guard and he’s a very good friend and very protective of me.”

As the camera crew follow David around his vast hotel suite, it’s not long before they’re causing him grief as they tread mud across the plush carpet whilst he’s on the phone to his agent Jane. Read more & comment »

Grease Is The Word judge, David Gest is due to launch his new reality television show on ITV this week called: This is David Gest.

In a recent newspaper interview with The Mirror, David revealed that he suffered at the hands of his father throughout his childhood.

He told The Mirror: “Dad and I never developed a bond because of all the beatings. He didn’t attack me every day, but would hit me for really silly things like eating an extra slice of cake. Read more & comment »

In a very frank interview with the Mirror, David Gest has revealed that he hates his looks and will have a deep insecurity about them until the day he dies.

He says:

“I always thought I looked terrible and have never liked my looks,” admits the 53-year-old multimillionaire music promoter.

“I was probably an idiot for having plastic surgery but went ahead because I was incredibly unhappy. But if I could live my life again I wouldn’t do it.”

“My mother told me people said I was beautiful as a boy, but I didn’t hear those comments and don’t remember them,” he says. “Even today, I can’t bear to look in the mirror – it’s too painful. Read more & comment »

Grease Is The Word Judge, David Gest, has defended himself against claims that he is a control freak.

“I know it’s been written many times that I am, but as anybody who’s on my staff will tell you, or anyone who works at ITV1 will tell you – I do what I’m told,” says Gest.

“Yes, I’m a workaholic. I’ll work 14 or 15 hour days to get a result and I’ll do anything I can to make something work. But I’m also not afraid of sending myself up and making a fool of myself.

“I love doing that and, anyway, if I really was a control freak I wouldn’t have lasted one minute out there in the jungle.”

He achieved cult status on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! with his madcap stories and hilarious antics – making him an overnight sensation with ITV viewers. Now, the man with a maid improbably named Vaginica Ceaman, has an ITV1 show dedicated all to himself.

A six part fly on the wall documentary series reveals the man behind the shades, slick suits and tall tales – This is David Gest.

Since he left the jungle in December last year, David has taken up residence at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London with the ITV cameras accompanying him as he goes about his day to day mad cap life.

“I decided to stay in the UK because I lived here from ’92 to ’94 and I loved it, and the reaction has been so incredible, the people are so warm, so why not stay where you’re loved?” says David. “I also like clotted cream.”

Speaking from his huge superstar bed David says: “I’m not a diva but I’m definitely someone who you need to have extra mileage points for to get into the club.”

David has been spotted out and about with a huge red wig promoting the new show in London….strange….

This Is David Gest will air on ITV1 Network Sunday 22 April 10:15 PM to 11:00 PM

It’s started already. Judges feud usually don’t start until the audition stage has passed, but David Ian has already laid the boot into David Gest, I wonder how long it will take for him to retaliate?

Mr Ian has called into question Mr Gest’s place on the show saying:

“At times I find David extremely irritating. Once during filming I just got up and walked out. I’d had enough. If I didn’t have such an important role in the whole thing I wouldn’t have returned.”

“I’ve been exasperated with all the judges for not concentrating as much as they should. I audition people every day. I’m struggling to work out why David and Sinitta are there.”

“He is one of the most ‘different’ people I’ve ever met. He’s nice enough, but has some very strange, mad moments. I just hope he starts to concentrate more, or the toys might be coming out of the pram.”

And so it begins……..

David Gest re-emerged on our TV screens on Saturday night in his new role as judge on ITV’s newest reality show, Grease Is The Word.

He was surprisingly nasty to some of the contestants, so much so that apparentlyu the producers have asked him to tone down his criticisms.

A source told The People: “He’s taken great joy in humiliating the contestants and he’s really upset some of them.

“It’s not an exercise in putting people down and it’s not the David Gest Show. The other judges are getting tired of it. He’s well overstepped the mark.”

I’m A Celebrity contestant and music producer David Gest, has admitted that he is nervous about judging on ITV’s newest reality TV show, Grease Is The Word.

He stated:

“When Simon [Cowell] said he wanted me to do this I was overwhelmed and humbled, to be honest with you. Inside I knew I wanted to do it, but I wasn’t sure because I didn’t know if I would enjoy being a judge. I’m very nervous doing something like this.

“I’m like two different people. When I’m on stage I am a certain character, but when I go home I’m not this kind of person. I freaked this morning when I had to go out in front of the crowd, and once, when I had a party in LA, I actually stayed in my room.”

David also gave some advice on what NOT to do if you attend a similar audition.

“When a contestant gets rejected and then they tell you they’re not leaving, I find that repulsive,” says the music producer. “I’m the judge and they’re the contestant and they have to take direction.”

What is David looking for in Sandy and Danny?

“Prepare; be natural; make sure vocally you can hit all the notes and stay in tune. Dress the part and when you’re performing, show confidence. Confidence can only be a plus, not a negative.”

Phew! I’m just back from a whirlwind trip to the Grease Is The Word launch party in London.

Those guys at ITV know how to throw a party – from the pink carpet outside the venue as I arrived to the T-shaped stage, everything was Grease-themed from the get-go. Even the London Eye has been coloured pink for the event (and will remain pink for the next few days).

The Preview

We were treated to previews of the auditions and the ITV2 show, Greased Lightnin’. If you’re a fan of The X-Factor, you’re going to love GITW (yes, I had to shorten it!).

All the golden elements of reality TV contestants are here: complete wackos, talented unknowns and…drumroll…. a failed 90’s pop star hoping for a career comeback. That brings back memories of Peter Andre and Andy Scott-Lee and the cast of Re-born In The USA… We love 90’s pop stars – we were there first time round!

The ITV2 aftershow, Greased Lightnin’ looks set to be a lot of fun as well, providing the usual opportunities to get closer to the contestants and find out more about them.

Judges and Presenters

After a few drinks, the presenters (Zoe Ball and Holly Willoughby) and three of the judges (David Ian, David Gest and Sinitta) were brought on stage for a Q&A session. Holly looks much cuter in the flesh, by the way.

David Ian came across as very business-like. He said “We’re looking for Danny and Sandy for the live show and rehearsals will start immediately after the final.” He also revealed that they are auditioning for the rest of the cast simultaneously, and that some auditionees who didn’t make the show are being considered for other roles. So there may be more than a few unknowns in the final stage show which will be opening at the Piccadilly in August

When asked if he was worried about GITW going head-to-head with the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do, David replied that he thought it was fantastic for the theatre industry that there are two primetime shows centred on casting for West End shows.

David Gest thinks that Grease has stronger songs than Joseph, and will triumph because it’s more popular.

Judge Rivalry

Expect tensions between David Ian and David Gest (who’s swiftly being renamed DG). I’m not sure how authentic the verbal sparring is between the two, but a few insults were traded on the night!

It looks like Sinitta is taking the role of ‘fair’ judge. She said that she thinks David Ian is the toughest judge, but from what I saw, David Gest was being the most blunt a la Cowell.

Having said that, if I’m A Celebrity turned David Gest into a household name, his role as a judge in GITW will seal the deal. The entire room was guffawing at some of his comments to awful auditionees.

The Grand Finale

To finish off the launch, there was a performance of songs from Grease by the cast of the West End show, including Hayley Evett of Pop Idol fame as Sandy. A very nice end to an exciting evening, and thanks to the nice folks at ITV for inviting us along!

DAVID GEST BIOGRAPHY

David Gest has transformed his public persona since appearing on ITV1’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2006. Before this he was acknowledged in the UK for his work as a hugely successful showbiz impresario but was most notably recognised for his high-profile relationship with ex-wife Liza Minnelli.

The combination of his gung-ho attitude and his collection of endless A-list stories and risque anecdotes in the jungle have cemented his reputation in the UK as a charming eccentric.

David has earned many accolades over the years through his work as a producer. He has produced over 100 shows all over the world. He was responsible for the highest-rated musical special in TV history when he teamed up with close friend Michael Jackson to produce, Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years. He has most recently produced The New Year All-Star Soul Spectacular, which was a sell-out success across its five UK dates. Read more & comment »

“When a contestant gets rejected and then they tell you they’re not leaving, I find that repulsive. I’m the judge and they’re the contestant, and they have to take direction.”

Having produced for the likes of Michael Jackson and Liza Minnelli, David Gest certainly has the ability to nurture talent. Determined to find the perfect Sandy and Danny, he has confessed that his one challenge will be tearing his eyes away from Sinitta’s legs in order to concentrate on the job at hand.

What role do you think you’re going to take on the panel?
“I’m going to do what I do for a living which is to find the best people for the roles of Danny and Sandy.

“If they’re good I’ll say so and put them through, and if they’re not I’ll say ‘Look, stop wasting your time and mine’. I have to be straight with them. It’s my job. We’re not here to play around. We’re here to cast people in a role.”

What made you decide to become a judge on the panel?
“First of all, when Simon Cowell said he wanted me to do this I was overwhelmed and, humbled to be honest with you. Inside I knew I wanted to do it, but I wasn’t sure because I didn’t know if I would enjoy being a judge. I’m very nervous doing something like this. Read more & comment »

The Daily Star has reported that John Travolta, the best known Danny Zuko ever, is hotly tipped to be attending the launch party for ITV’s Grease Is The Word tomorrow night.

Now I really am furious! Brad and I were invited to the party in London, but I opted out and Brad is going alone. I had no real desire to meet David Gest, Sinitta or Zoe Ball…..but John Travolta? I would have paid money to shake his hand or maybe even dance the Greased Lightnin with him. Gutted!

Grease Is The Word is due to hit our screens very early in April on ITV.

The show will follow a similar format to the BBC show, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, and during the course of the show the producers hope to fill the roles of Sandy and Danny Zuko for Grease the stage musical. Read more & comment »

It has been reported today that the music producer David Gest is in negotiations with ITV to replace Louis Walsh as a judge on the X Factor. David is already working with ITV as a judge on the upcoming show Grease Is The Word.

An insider told The Mirror: “Talks are well under way and ITV chiefs think David is just what the show needs to give it a new kick. It’s just a case of sorting out money and scheduling.

“David was a real hit on I’m A Celeb… so they know how popular he is. Simon Cowell wants someone who would bring fresh humour to the show. David is such a character.

“David is someone who knows what he’s talking about. He has strong views and isn’t afraid to speak his mind.”

I think the producers are on the right track with this one. David would be a fantastic addition to the show, he would have the spark that Louis was missing.