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 Twas two nights before Christmas..... and all around Glasgow airport nothing was stirring........ not even a mouse..! Aye Right! When I arrived at Glasgow airport for the flight to London for Soccer AM the place was buzzing! I couldn't believe it! Where are ye all going I felt like shouting out! Carole Anne, Hazel and I checked in for the flight........ via.... The Business Class......... one may add..! I think I was sleeping with my eyes open on the flight all the way down, we were all the same. Totally exhausted! Once at London, a short bus ride took us to our plush hotel and we checked in for the night.
We were going on Sky Sports' 'Soccer AM' as two Soccerettes. Mike, the Manager from our fitness sponsor JJB Fitness, had put us forward for the show. Massive thanks to Mike for that, we really appreciated it so much. Originally all three of us were to go on. Then the show's producer decided only two of us so Carole Anne appointed myself and Hazel to do the task. Felt bad and a bit disappointed as we wanted Carole Anne to go on too, still at least she was gonna be there to support us and keep us right. Hazel's 'party trick' was that she could fit inside a suitcase, so she had to bring one with her to prove it! Lying in our hotel room that night, we thought we'd try Hazel in the case to see if she would fit! Ha.. Ha.. yes she fit in easily and I zipped the entire case right round. Considered leaving her in there all night, but I let her out as I needed to borrow her fake tan.
9.00am on Christmas Eve and we arrived at the Sky Studios. It felt so weird... It was Christmas Eve! We had no pressies wrapped up. I hadn't even finished my shopping! Rocket, one of the guys from the show greeted us and took us to the green room where the other guests had already arrived... including Anthony Costa (formerly of 'Blue'). There was a TV set up showing what was happening on the live show. We introduced ourselves to the other guests and then Rocket took us into the studio to see what was going on. It was so cool. The studio itself is pretty small. Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain were on the sofas broadcasting live as we tip-toed in. The footie team on the bench were 'Carlisle FC'. We couldn't help but notice one of the player's shiny red satin footie shoes.... n i c e!! I was just waiting on him clicking his heels the together and giving it 'there's no place like home, there's no place like home'.
Four main cameras were swinging around with cameramen attached and a small crowd of spectators were all gathered intensely watching the show. The banter was so funny, all the crew get really involved and you can just tell they are such a close-nit team. We stayed until the first ad-break and then went to get changed into our uniforms.
Once in the uniforms the nerves were really kicking in. My stomach felt really strange and my palms were sweating! Deep breaths I kept telling myself. As the show continued Rocket took us through what was going to happen with Tim, we had make-up topped-up and put footie shirts on top of our Rockettes tops. As we have danced for both Celtic FC and Rangers FC, we decided we'd wear one each. I was in the blue and Hazel was in the green.... 'round one'.... ding ... ding..!! Just kidding!
It was time for us to go round the back of the studio for our grand entrance. Hazel looked a bit pale with nerves and I was praying I wouldn't go into my big loud nervous laugh. Carole Anne kept applying the lip-gloss for us. It was that 'lip plump' stuff and after the third time I put it on I felt like Mick Jagger..... and....... oh my... my lips were stinging..! They musta been bright red!
Next thing we knew we were standing behind the double doors for our entrance... Rocket filled the door way with smoke and we were on!! Door flew open and Hazel and I stood there waving through a smokescreen. We counted 1-2-3 and then stepped through. We both couldn't stop laughing as everyone in the studio 'whoooped'.. and cheered. I was feeling really quite nervy at that point... then I spotted Carole Anne's big cheesy smile behind the camera and I felt better. Tim started by introducing us, asked our names, what we did for a living and generally threw jokes in our direction. I was trying to speak slowly so I would be understood, but my lips felt twice the size and at one point I thought I was slabbering! It was so funny standing there listening to him. Then it was Hazel's turn to get in her case. In she popped to everyone's amazement, folded herself up and Tim zipped her closed. It looked like a wee vanity case sitting in the middle of the floor. Well done Hazel, next time we're going anywhere you'll not need a seat doll, the luggage compartment will do you eh?
After our slaggin... oh I mean interview... with Tim, they showed video footage of us dancing at one of the BBL Finals. It looked great and lasted pretty long too. We were well chuffed with that. Then Hazel and I were to do a short dance. As we took our position the music kicked in – but half way through the track. I was glad our backs were to the camera as the shock hit my face it musta gone white! For a very long 5 seconds I stood there thinking 'what on earth are we gonna do'..! I wanted to swing my head round look at Carole Anne and shout 'help us, what will we do?'... but it was 'do or don't' and we just had to kick into the routine with a cheesy grin on our faces! The entire time dancing I couldn't hear the music at all, the Carlisle FC guys were clapping really loudly and outta time I may add, I glanced at Carole Anne and she glanced back as if to say 'I know but it's fine'... on hearing the ending of the track coming up I burst into the end section and BOOM it stopped! OH DEAR... we wanted to cry as we were so disappointed! Still smiling away, Tim and the crew were clapping and cheering away – thankfully Tim said we did great considering someone started the music wrong and it was very quiet! So at least anyone watching would have realise why it was a tad mixed up – and Hazel and I were a bit out of sync.
The catwalk was next. I think this part of the show is hilarious. Hazel and I walked the catwalk with Tim twice. He is so funny, really sees himself as a supermodel and that swagger... he defo needs a licence! Mind you I don't know who I'm talking about, the first time I walked the catwalk I gave a cheeky wink at the end!! Don't even know where that came from – somebody slap me!! The third time we did the catwalk one Carlisle player and Anthony Costa joined us too. It's just totally pointless but is so funny!
After the next ad-break we were to go outside for the free kick at the Wembley stand. Carole Anne came over with her 'lip-plump' and I was ready to rugby tackle her. I could actually see ma lips if I glanced down! :) She was just making sure we were OK. During the 'Wembley Stand' section of the show we were to follow Helen around the entire time. Kinda felt a bit strange as when she was speaking on camera I didn't know where to look – so I took to reading her script that she was holding. As the Carlisle team took their penalties we whooped, cheered and waved and they eventually got the total they needed to win an 'Easy T-shirt'. Back in the studio we had our own wee seat to enjoy the rest of the show.
What an experience! I thoroughly enjoyed the entire day. Everyone was just so friendly. Carole Anne took pics of us all with Tim and Helen and Anthony Costa and some fans etc. By the way that Helen could well join our squad, her high kick was brilliant. I was like... 'aye right Helen sit down now hen, your geein us a pure shown up'. We even got to sit on the sofas and have some photos. The day ended with us all going the 'Grasshoppers Pub' with all the crew. Rocket was delighted with his autographed calendar we had brought for him. Ma wee pal Adrian Coll (Clyde 1) called to see how our day went and I put him on the phone to Tim Lovejoy. Adrian was on air at Clyde and Tim and Helen agreed to go on air with him and speak about us being on the show. I cringe to think what was said :) – I'm sure it was all nice!
Big massive thanks to Mike at JJB Fitness, our fitness sponsors at the Glasgow Fort for putting us forward for the show. Thanks to Carole Anne for asking us to go along and for being there for us on the day, you kept me calm, even Aawix didn't come out!!
Over 'n' out... 10 - 4, Kat xx
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