Dana Wilkey – The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills | Exclusive Interview

Frost Magazine have got an exclusive interview with the gorgeous Dana Wilkey, star of hit American TV show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Dana has recently bought a home in London’s Chelsea and is filming her own reality TV show, Rich and Ditched. The show is about Dana and her Irish millionaire businessman boyfriend, Philip Marley, setting up home in Central London and being ‘fish out of water’.

 

Dana has a huge profile in America and when she isn’t starring in  TV shows, she is a party planner for the Hollywood A List.  Her clients include Pierce Brosnan, Anthony Hopkins and  Bruce Willis.

 

What made you move to London?

I moved to London because I was looking for a fresh start from my Beverly Hills, CA saga.  It’s been a rough 6 months.  I have always loved London, have businesses there  and my new boyfriend and have good friends live there so it seemed like a natural progression of things.

 

What is your favourite thing about London?

My favourite thing about London is the currency!  To make money in the pound is the best possible situation to be in for the current global economy… oh! And I love the shopping and the level of your private clubs like Arts Club.
Why Chelsea?

Currently Chelsea seems like the hot spot to be in so I would of course want to live there and join the fun! Also I love the convenience of Kings Road and the fact that most of the brownstones have been redone with lots of modern touches that you don’t find in other more posh areas.


What is the premise of the show, Rich and Ditched?

I have been ditched by my friends in Beverly Hills and my ex fiancé.  I am moving to London to start over and hopefully FINALLY fine my prince charming.  I have 5 people that are both married and single that are all living in London but pretty much all came from some other country that I hang out with and well let’s say the sparks fly on a bunch of fronts…cultural conflict, relationship issues, American fish out of water in London syndrome and the usual cattiness you see on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!

 

How much has The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills changed your life?

It has changed my life for the positive and I continue to support the show and fans whenever possible.   If you try to shoot and be honest without a filter it can be a fun experience even if you look like an idiot in the final edit.  You must get over all your fears to be on a reality show so it can be an experience that can help you grow as a person also you meet so many amazing people through the opportunities it can provide.
Why did you leave?

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills shot some of this so I don’t want to disclose this until I know for sure what will air, but let’s just say my life over the last 6 months has been like the worst movie of the week you can imagine and now I want to have a chance at the Disney ending.

 

How do you feel London will differ from Beverly Hills?

On the down side, the differences are the weather obviously, the systems are more cumbersome and SOME of the people can be really judgemental and reserved compared to what I’m used to.  On the upside, London at the wealthiest levels make Beverly Hills look like the poo so that should make for some good parties, shopping is similar and the average person is so much more global which is so important!

 

What party planning tips can you give us?

I need more info on this question…for what type of party and what budget?

 

What is the best party you have been to?

Monaco Grand Prix ball with Wycliffe and U2.
What is the best party you have planned?

I rented the RM Elegant, which at the time, was the 17th largest yacht in the world during the Cannes Film festival. I then outfitted the yacht rooms with different vibes of décor and lighting.  You had to have a credit card to get on the yacht even if you were invited to the events so it was super exclusive and the talk of Cannes that year. I had Bruce Willis, Bret Ratnor and Petra Nemcova, etc on the yacht that year.

 

What are your plans for Christmas?

I am doing a winter wonderland theme with complete lighting and build out at my house.  I am famous for my Christmas decorations and lights in America. I will host a dinner for about 14 people in my movie theatre in London that will be especially decorated for the Holiday.

 

 

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge unveils Natural History Museum Treasures

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was guest of honour at the grand opening of the Natural History Museum’s new Treasures gallery this evening. Treasures displays 22 of the most extraordinary specimens that have ever been on show at the Museum, and opens 30 November to the public.

The Duchess, who wore a green Mulberry dress for the evening, commented:

‘The Natural History Museum has a very special place in the heart of this nation. William and I are just two of millions of people who have passed through these doors, and marvelled at the spectacular wonders of the natural world, housed in this beautiful gallery. I care passionately about what this museum stands for.  Being here tonight, seeing some of nature’s finest treasures, reminds me just how precious and awe inspiring the natural world is. That is why the opening of Treasures is so incredibly exciting.  If it were ever needed, there is now even more reason to visit this wonderful museum.’

The Duchess met curators and viewed four star specimens in detail:

  • Archaeopteryx fossil – the most valuable fossil in the Museum’s collection, this 47-million-year-old rock slab contains the remains of the earliest known bird. With its combination of bird and dinosaur characteristics, it is a famous snapshot of evolution in action.
  • Audubon’s The Birds of America – the world’s most expensive book and one of the best-known natural history books ever produced. It was first published in double elephant folio size between 1827 and 1838 and is famous for its stunning life-size illustrations of birds.exquisite glass models of marine life
  • Charles Darwin’s pigeons – Darwin’s pigeons provided him with the crucial evidence for the theory of evolution by natural selection. He bred them in his garden as an experiment and donated these fancy breeds of rock dove to the Museum in 1867
  • Wold Cottage meteorite – earliest surviving meteorite seen to land in the UK. The rock formed during the birth of the solar system, 4.6 billion years ago, and was seen to fall near Wold Cottage, Yorkshire, in 1795, confirming the extra-terrestrial origins of meteorites.

Each of the 22 objects have been hand-picked by Museum scientists for the fascinating story it has to tell and all objects represent an important part of the Museum’s scientific, historical, social and cultural worth.

Treasures in the Cadogan gallery is free to visit, giving a snapshot of the vast collections in a short space of time. It is located in the upper mezzanine floor of the awe-inspiring Central Hall, overlooking the iconic Diplodocus.

Dr Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum said;

‘We are thrilled Her Royal Highness joined us to celebrate the opening of Treasures. We hope that she is the first of many visitors to discover everything the Museum represents in this special gallery.’

Leo Bancroft Party at The Ivy

On the 22nd of November I went to The Ivy with the lovely Nadia Gilani for the launch of Leo Bancroft’s accessories range for Tesco. The evening was a lot of fun and Leo has made a brilliant range of accessories. The celebrity hairdresser was joined by Made in Chelsea star Kimberley Garner (who is very friendly and gave me the biggest smile) , Eastenders actress Tanya Franks, the lovely model and presenter Jules Wheeler, cast from The Valleys, entrepreneur Tom Gearing from The Apprentice, and business man Richard Caring.

Check out Leo Bancroft’s haircare at Tesco.

The Shakespeare Conspiracy | Theatre Review

 The Shakespeare Conspiracy by Andrew Shepherd is not only a brilliant piece of theatre, but it will also keep you guessing all the way through. Full of twists and turns, the Shakespeare Conspiracy is original and incredibly intelligent. Triumphant theatre in two wonderful acts.

The play is superbly directed by Jack Bowman, Bowman has created a well oiled machine which never dips or loses its energy. Full of pop culture references and brilliant gags, The Shakespeare Conspiracy is riveting.

A special mention must be given for the impressive and realistic fight scenes. They really are something to behold.

The play focuses around Martin Shakespeare, the last remaining descendent of Shakespeare, who is working as a travel agent in Stratford. Martin gets caught up in a  400 year old conspiracy involving The Royal Shakespeare Company, which far from being a theatre company, is actually a branch of government like MI6, and a prison, The Globe Theatre. It turns out that Shakespeare’s characters are real.

The cast of twenty are all well cast and brilliant at their parts. A special notice should be given to Jack Baldwin and Libby Evans as Benedict and Beatrice. They have amazing chemistry and I could not watch them without thinking of the brilliant film, His Girl Friday. Richard Armah as Garfield Oberon and Lee White as Edmond also deserve a special mention.

Andrew Shepherd as Iago  was also brilliant. Andrew is eloquent with a wonderful stage presence. There is a funny part int he play when Iago blames his mother for making him a villain. ‘You never had a mother Iago, you are fictional’ he is reminded.

This play is intelligent and witty. You can easily follow it if you concentrate, and you should concentrate, so you do not miss even a second of this stunning play. A must see.

 

Twitter: @tsc61112
Venue: Chelsea Theatre (on the King’s Road – nearest tube Sloane Square Underground, or 11, 22 Bus to Edith Grove/World’s End)
Production Company: www.ascrandom.co.uk

Robert Pattinson Confirms 50 Shades Of Grey Role?

Robert Pattinson confirms 50 Shades role to MSN?

Could Robert Pattinson’s next role indeed be that of Christian Grey? In an exclusive live web chat with MSN.co.uk, he playfully alluded that he will take on the role in the film adaptation of the book, Fifty Shades of Grey. When asked if he would consider the role he said: “I’m playing that part!” He also said he would like to experience one day as a woman.

To read the full web chat click here

Skyfall: The Best Bond Film Ever?

The new Bond film, Skyfall, has had a wave of good publicity. It is now the highest-earning Bond film ever, making £32.7million in its first seven days in the UK, and that is even before it opened in America.

I thought Skyfall was one of the best Bond films I have ever seen. My other favourite being Casino Royale. Bond’s relationship with ‘M’ in the movie, played by Judi Dench, is wonderful and multi-layered. The scenes in London are shot beautifully, as are the ones in Scotland.

This side of Bond is more human. Sure Javier Bardem as the villian is camper than a row of tents, but a lot of the Bond villians have been quite outlandish, it only adds to the movie experience. If anything it is a nod to past Bond films. I have always liked Daniel Craig as an actor, he really is one of our best, and I think he makes a great Bond. This film is a more human side to Bond.

Skyfall is a much more modern take on the Bond franchise. It also goes much deeper than previous films, letting us know about Bond’s past. Skyfall is sleeker, more human and full of depth. Sure it is entertaining and full of action- it’s a Bond film- but Skyfall gives you even more: an action film with something to say. I think Sam Mendes has done a great job. One of the themes of Skyfall is the loss of youth. We see that Bond is not invincible. The feels like a changing of the guard.

I know some people have complained that Skyfall is sexist BUT complaining that a Bond film sexist is a little like going to a violent film and complaining that there is blood: it just makes you look silly. Ian Fleming’s book are hardly feminist textbooks. Just watch the film and enjoy. It is a fun ride.

Louie Spence to take on ‘Saving The Nation’ in new Gocompare.com TV campaign.

Louie Spence is the latest star to take on ‘Saving The Nation’ in the new Gocompare.com TV campaign. 

Following in the footsteps of Ray Mears, Stuart Pearce and Sue Barker, the Dancing on Ice judge is on a quest to Save The Nation from notorious tenor, Gio Compario. 

Launching on Monday, 12th November, the Christmas themed ad sees Gio adorned in Christmas tinsel and forced to dance along to a video of Louie flamboyantly prancing around. Viewers may also be surprised (and relieved!) that there’s something obviously missing from this ad.

Kevin Hughes, chief finance and marketing officer, Gocompare.com, commented, “We have had a great reaction to our Saving The Nation campaign so far and hope to see this continue with our latest ad starring the insatiable Louie Spence. This instalment is a lot of fun and Louie manages to silence our moustachioed tenor in a completely different way to previous celebrities. This is also the only instalment that will not feature the famous “Go Compare!” song – we know that some people find the song annoying so this is our gift to the nation at Christmas.”

SKYFALL… SALES RISE

– The 007 effect sees sales of Bond fragrance on the rise–

Superdrug is benefitting from the ‘Bond effect’ as the 007 James Bond fragrance is flying off the shelves since the launch of Skyfall.

 

Sales show that not only do men want to be James Bond they also want to smell like him.  Since the latest Bond film Skyfall launched the retailer has seen sales of the 007 fragrance rise by 32 per cent (compared to the week before the film launch).

 

The retailer is ensuring more stock is rushed to stores to ensure that Bond fans who can’t afford the other 007 essentials, such as an Aston Martin or Tom Ford suit, can get their secret agent fix for just 18.99.

 

Sara Wolverson, Superdrug Director of Beauty said: “We know our customers love to emulate the style of their favourite celebrities but who knew the dapper action hero that is James Bond would have such a great effect on our sales.

 

“It’s not just this fragrance which is seeing the Bond effect, sales of male grooming products are also on the rise as men hope to look as smooth as Daniel Craig.

 

“But we are aware that the sales may be down to women snapping up the fragrance in the hope that a quick spritz may turn him indoors into their very own Bond.”