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12th October 2011
LYME REGIS: The day Jedward shunned me...twice!By Francesca Evans THE peaceful lifestyle and beautiful surroundings of Lyme Regis attract a surprising number of celebrities, both on work and leisure visits. However, I don’t think the town has ever played host to anyone quite like Jedward before. Irish twins John and Edward Grimes, better known as Jedward, shot to fame after reaching the live finals of “X Factor” in 2009. They have since become either loved or hated for their eccentric dress sense and over-the-top behaviour, which definitely made them stand out from the crowd when they arrived in Lyme Regis on Thursday afternoon for filming with the BBC. When news broke on Facebook that the twins were staying at the Bay Hotel on Marine Parade, I was quite stunned. I’ve never been a Jedward fan but was still excited at the chance of spotting the pop star duo, as they were the last people I’d ever expect to visit little Lyme Regis. I was quite glad when my colleague Lisa Bright offered to come with me on my Jedward hunt, as I have little experience in staking out celebrities’ hotels. I wasn’t very good at it. I made the rookie mistake of arriving outside with my camera hung around my neck, and made myself blatantly obvious by staring up at all the bedroom windows. I soon spotted one of them on the top floor and, just as quickly, he spotted me. I’ve never thought I looked like a member of the press. Perhaps I just don’t have that look, I seem too young or I smile too much. Whatever it is, no one ever guesses I’m a reporter, but half of Jedward seemed to clock me straight away. Even if he hadn’t noticed us, he was about to, as fellow View From reporter Tom Glover arrived on the scene and, bolder than me in situations like this and on instruction from my dad, View From editor Philip Evans, he shouted up at the window: “Jedward, come down and have your picture taken!” Shockingly, he didn’t accept. An hour and a quarter later, and now with soggy feet, Lisa and I were about to give up, when suddenly we noticed an unmistakable character in a black and flourescent pink jacket and red high-top trainers walking towards the hotel. As he approached the door I dashed toward him and, not knowing which twin he was at the time (it later turned out to be John... we think) and feeling stupid shouting out “Jedward” to just one twin, I politely shouted “Excuse me, excuse me!” instead. He ignored me, dashed inside and the hotel staff quickly asked me to leave him alone. I returned to the office feeling a little defeated and annoyed. Shunned by half of Jedward - the highlight (or perhaps low point) of my journalistic career. I left the office thinking the work day was over but soon recieved a phone call from dad telling me to get back down the seafront as Jedward had been spotted at the harbour. This time, feeling a little more embarassed than my first attempt of celebrity stalking, I followed them as slyly as possible. I soon realised others weren’t being quite so subtle so I ditched that plan and quickly started snapping away on my camera. I couldn’t quite believe what I was watching as the twins dragged a small boat from the Slipway and John rowed it around the harbour, singing “Row Row Row Your Boat” and posing whilst his brother Edward took photos. One spectator politely warned them to be careful as the tide was going out. She then offered to take a picture of the pair together before asking for a photo for herself. They happily obliged and posed with the woman, so I thought they couldn’t possibly refuse me again. I asked: “Can I have a photo as well?” to which John looked up at me and then quickly walked away. Shunned for a second time, this was now definitely a low point. I stuck around anyway and took a few more snaps of them messing about in the harbour. The crowd got a little too big for their liking and they eventually returned the boat to where it was found and walked off towards their hotel. Surely no one else could get away with that? So that was it, my awkward afternoon spent stalking the celebrity world’s most quirky twins. I felt a bit embarassed having followed them about without them even acknowledging me, but as dad told me: “There’s only one thing celebrities hate more than being recognised - not being recognised.” So perhaps they quietly appreciated my efforts after all. * Jedward spent the weekend filming in Lyme Regis and other locations along the Jurassic Coast for a new fossil-related programme for CBBC called “Jedward’s Big Adventure”. They were joined by Rav Wilding from BBC’s “Crimewatch”. PICTURE 1: SEASIDE SNAP - John Grimes poses for twin brother Edward in a boat they found on the Slipway PICTURE 2: One of the twins in a Mary Anning costume for filming with Rav Wilding from “Crimewatch” PICTURE 3: STEADY - John rows himself around the harbour CommentsAdd new commentReturn to news headlines | |||||||||||||||
 
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LOL, Lyme Regis. Should've beaten up those CBBC people for coming to promote your town. Fossils and pushy natives, must visit
Posted by on 13th October, 2011
Im LOL at this but somehow a bit confused John & Edward always happy to have photo w/anyone. werent you the one who help them pull the boat (i saw in twitter) & had a photo w/them? (or maybe im mistaken)
Posted by Edz on 12th October, 2011
nice photos! John is dressed as Mary Anning by the way. Weird they usually love posing for photographs. Interestingly they answer better to their own or each others names John or Edward but not so much to Jedward.
Posted by river on 12th October, 2011
think as this was a disguise ie hat/flathair different clothes were prob having a private outing-need some time off but you are right they mainly love being recognised and are happy to cooperate so does seem thought u were journalist or sthg
Posted by smallboatfanatic on 12th October, 2011
Picture 2 shows John (John is in the dress). And even when they did not want to have this day contact with the press so they spend always much time with their fans and care always about their fans and are always nice to them. Maybe they were this day only tired. But it would be better when you would learn how to spell them apart
Posted by Schehera on 12th October, 2011
Please Schehera tell us how you'spell them apart'...
Edz, I also saw what you are talking about on twitter but that wasn't the reporter that was another random lady
Posted by annon on 12th October, 2011
Very strange story. John and Edward have a reputation for spending hours talking to their fans and taking photos with anyone who asks politely. Let's hope your experience is an one-off.
Posted by Leon T on 12th October, 2011
I know the reporter in question and she is one of the biggest Jedward fans you're ever likely to meet. She even insists on being called "Frevans" to be like her heroes. You often see her driving around Lyme Regis blasting Jedward out of the company Smart Car. She would be devastated to have been shunned once, but twice! This is going to take a long time for her to come to terms with.
Posted by Tom Jedlover on 12th October, 2011
“Jedward, come down and have your picture taken!” - such a nice invitation and they didn't oblige? You must be joking, right?
Posted by on 12th October, 2011
Ok so you spotted the 'shout Jedward and don't expect a response' faux pas. The other one to watch for is treating teenage boys like some sort of stalking treasure hunt. If you stand still, smile and give a little friendly wave you are more likely to gain John and Edward's trust and respect than following them round going 'excuse me' like an irritating fly. That time they were playing around on boats was private time, not an organised personal appearance. Respectful fans know to leave them alone unless invited to join in. A wise investigative journalist likewise.
Posted by Jane on 12th October, 2011
Seriously, Jedward fans need to get a life and leave this poor reporter alone, she was only doing her job. You obviously don't have jobs as you have time to spend trawling through the internet for Jedward stories. To be quite honest I don't care which one is which, nor do most people.
Posted by Annie Mouse on 12th October, 2011
Surely everyone here has better things to do than debate social protocol when it comes to dealing with these two berks?. We're talking about two talentless has-beens who've contributed about as much to popular culture as any other X-Factor contestant - NOTHING.
Posted by James on 12th October, 2011
))) I think John thought that you were from press, so they tried to avoid you. (+ “Jedward, come down and have your picture taken!” from your fellow reporter wasn't exactly polite)
Posted by InVy on 12th October, 2011
Well Francesca, This seems to me to be much a do about nothing.I do not understand why you stayed hanging around when you don't really like them.There are lots of photos of people who were there at the same time they tell a very different story. Unfortunately this is not an accurate depiction of how John & Edward really are. I suggest you go to one of their concerts then you will have the " Real Jedward Experience "
Posted by Maureen on 12th October, 2011
Maureen, she stayed hanging around because it's her job to do so.
Why would she put herself through the pain of the "Real Jedward Experience," they are talentless and I can't think of something I'd rather do less than sit through one of their concerts.
I'm sure Francesca feels the same
Posted by Anon on 12th October, 2011
Jedward - what are they? A novelty act born out of a glorified karaoke contest! Like most reality television "stars" they have no specific talent. Their entire "careers" are based on hype and PR. This is provided through the press and television. With out the attention of the media they would be working on a check out in Asda. Surely they should be aware that to bite the hand that feeds them is not a great idea, and they should repect journalist for the providing them with a platform to make their millions. One day when their CD's are filling every charity shop sales bin to the top they'll be begging for a journalist to even look in their direction! FACT!
Posted by LouisWalshFanClub on 12th October, 2011
Hi Anon, I tend to disagree with how you feel about them but thank you for explaining that your friend had no choice. But It still has to be said that this is not how they normally are.I would have liked to have seen other stories from that day. I hope your day has been a good one. : )
Posted by Maureen on 12th October, 2011
Actually, Jedward were NOT polite to everybody else while in Lyme Regis. My 6 year old neice and her mother were told to F*** off when they asked very politely for a photo, and I know they weren't the only ones!
Posted by Anon on 12th October, 2011
Wow you guys really put a downer on stuff don't you? I don't know why people hate Jedward!! :/ And LOL at the second photo xD
Posted by MerleeyJedhug98 on 12th October, 2011
Hi anon, umm, don't mean to be rude but Jedward would never say that, for one they are always happy to have photos taken with fans and two they don't swear either. Soo either someones been telling some porkies or we're all in a parallel universe 0_o
Posted by MerleeyJedhug98 on 12th October, 2011
I never heard of Lyme Regis before Jedward went filming there. Judging by this story, the locals are not too fond of strangers, perhaps better left alone.
Posted by on 12th October, 2011
What is this story about? A daughter of editor of a local paper having her feelings hurt when people don't do what she wants? How very dare they! Poor little girl... there, there
Posted by on 12th October, 2011
Are we really having this debate about Jedward? Some people really need to get out more!
I wasn't going to comment but I have to stand up for Lyme Regis, it's a wonderful place to live and the locals are very friendly and would welcome any celebrity. Just ask Martin Clunes, someone that's actually worked hard for fame.
Posted by Rob on 12th October, 2011
Dear Rob, read the article carefully. It is not about Jedward (the purpose of their visit is just a footnote). It's about the author, presumably a local girl, and her personal expectations of and experience with strangers. The link is being forwarded to CBBC and Jedward fans, of course it will colour readers' view of the town.
Posted by on 12th October, 2011
You seriously can't be mad at celebs for not taking their picture with you? Looks like you only see the crazy hair and blingy clothes. People need to realize everyone gets tired -.- And being disappointed you didn't get a picture with someone whose name you even don't know? Camon.
The article was well written though :D
Posted by Hey on 12th October, 2011
Tom Glover "shouted up at the window: “Jedward, come down and have your picture taken!” Shockingly, he didn’t accept."
Whatta great shock! A bunch of bullies were rejected! Unbelievable! =:)
Posted by Sho on 12th October, 2011
Hmm, they are allowed to reject photos from people they don't think are fans. If you are a fan, they will most likely ask if YOU want a picture. They are just wary of people that might be haters as opposed to fans, that's all. And about them telling a 6 year old to f*** off, err, yeah I doubt that happened. They hardly use the F word, and would never reject a fan so young. Hell, they've had pictures with screaming babies, so someone is lying. :)
Posted by Tasha on 12th October, 2011
I see I wrote it wrong sorry I mean "tell them apart" and not "spell them apart" and this is not difficult. They look very different though they are twins
Posted by Schehera on 12th October, 2011
Well when John and Edward are in the UK they tend to be laughed at/bullied by the greater British public so they are probably wary. They have their fans in Britain but also the rest... UK have been good to them and launched their career but there's a lot of nastiness too
Posted by Kathy on 12th October, 2011
Poor girl, being made to go and see those talentless pair. Even they know they have no ounce of talent, and are milking it for all they can, till the bubble bursts and the sad lonely women who follow them gets themselves a life!
Posted by . on 12th October, 2011