Whitney goes too, to escape the clutches of Rob (Jody Latham) only to find that he has followed her there as the drama continues.  While Shirley (Linda Henry) and Heather (Cheryl Furguson) are planning to go to an eighties convention.  A fight breaks out with Rob and Ryan – very exciting!

Well, I look forward to seeing our Town on the TV, and it was a pleasure to watch them recording scenes for this weeks showing back in June 2011.  You can view the details of this, plus photos of Whitney, Fatboy, Heather and Shirley by CLICKING HERE to open up my article…

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Having watched the first hour, listening to Essex accents as bad as they can be, swearing, fake boobs and tans and generally materialistic behaviour, I then looked at where it is filmed – Brentwood.

Like any County, there are good, bad and indifferent parts, and that could be down to a Town or even just a particular road. With this in mind, I re-looked at this soap and actually quite enjoyed it. Brentwood is situated near London, and generally has many an affluent resident, along with a few celebrities, being associated with the likes of Frank Bruno, Steve Davis, Russell Brand, Pixie Lott, Frank Lampard, Bill Murray, Jonty Hearnden and Jodie Marsh, amongst many others…….. It is quite an upbeat place and offers shopping and a good night out for all, from dining, to drinking, to partying.  This programme does not show the vast miriad of people who live here in Essex, but there are certainly plenty of people like those on the show here too – like many other places, I hasten to add.

I don’t usually watch much soap opera or trash TV, apart from the odd episode of Eastenders, and I am sure that is not a great example of life in the East end – there cannot really be so many murders, deaths and deceit in one small area can there?

Taking Essex, acting skills and the loose, simplistic storyline out of ‘The only way is Essex’ and what I see is an easy to watch programme of some Essex people, so I quite like it in a way. It covers friendships and relationships. That is not to say that they are a typical example of Essex people – the stereotype. They are not. They are an example of young Brentwood, Essex people, who are all working in various jobs, enough money to go out and enjoy themselves and they do have that fairly typical Essex trait of being materialistic. OK, so Jodie Marsh did come from Brentwood, and there are some similarities, although one character more close to a ‘Jordan/Katie Price’ look a like, don’t you think? Amy, maybe…

If they spoke in a different accent, then I don’t think you would have to change much else to get away with it being in Liverpool or Manchester for example. What I mean is that, there is not a clear cut Essex image anymore, particularly for the younger residents, so there is nothing to get fed up about, with this programme or the Essex stigma.. The programme is not portraying anything but a group of young people in today’s lifestyle, so there is nothing to get upset about. I am not saying that I hear swearing everywhere in the UK that I go, but a good portion of people swear, and I don’t blame them, since life itself, heath risks and the Government give us plenty to get annoyed about. That all said, I would rather not hear them swearing in this programme, as it sounds crass and doesn’t add anything to the theme.

I am surprised, however, that Denise Van Outen has chosen to be a part of this programme, as narrator, as I thought she was now more affiliated with ‘more class’ than a programme of this sort, but each to their own – at least she is from Essex and she has been a great role model for our County’s young women, and as a face of Essex.

I have had fun in my life as an Essex girl in the 80’s, and I can understand, does have its stigma and is where the ‘Essex girl’ was born.

I am proud to be Essex and I continue to stand up for Essex people against certain stigmas, but I don’t think this programme is a major issue – its cheap, smutty entertainment in some ways, but entertaining all the same, if you take it for what it is! I think those who are getting upset about it should get over it and concentrate on something else more worthy! 

People have slammed the charaters as all being ‘dumb’ but at least they have all got jobs and are earning what appears to be a good living eh!  Perhaps look at it that way, and you will see that this is not as derogatory as it could be!    And why is everyone so ‘ashamed’ of this type of person anyway - maybe they should enjoy thair fellow human beings that live on their doorstep whether they like it or not!  Crime and harming others is one thing, but just having a way of life doesnt harm anyone does it?

I havent heard an Essex girl joke in years, or had my Essex roots joked about for years when I meet people.  The ‘Essex girl’ stigma died out years ago and too much moaning and arguing the facts are only going to keep the Essex girl in the limelight.  I dont mind too much, as it will only help my book sales when it is published, so carry on!

It certainly doesn’t offend me, and I am a true Essex girl with values

ps, When I found out Amy was to be taken to the Zoo, I could only hope that it would be Colchester, and to see footage of Rajang in the background and there he was in the last episode!  I was so pleased to see my favourite animal in the whole world – Rajang the 41 year old Oran-utan.  I frequently go to Colchester Zoo to see him, take pictures and video him.  So, thanks to the programme for that – it made my day!  (if you like Oran-utan too, please see my campaign on this website or my other site at www.orangehairyape.com )

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Apparently, Dannii, 38, was up at the crack of dawn, and on her Twitter page revealed “I’m up and getting ready for my home visit with Stacey, yippeeeeeee. Yes! A surprise tour for me!” calling her trip with Stacey “Dannii Does Dagenham”.

Joe McElderry was joined by mentor Cheryl Cole in South Shields on Monday, with Olly Murs heading to Witham in Essex today.

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The first performance of the night was themed and had to be a Michael Jackson song. They chose ‘The way you make me feel’. Stacey wore a very sexy number – a black jacket and hat, with her legs on show in black tights. She looked really different, and she danced a little as well as keeping up with an unusual routine. She did look a little uncomfortable and it affected her singing a little, but overall it was good.

Secondly, she sang ‘Somewhere’ which suited her much better – the long dress and pure singing.

Stacey deserves to be in the final, so let’s hope to see her there!

Read more about Stacey Solomon and get info on her previous performances, CLICK HERE (opens in a new window)

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Take That’s ‘If I ruled the World’ was lovely, but her voice in Elton John’s ‘The way you look tonight’ was a bit too covered up with the backing singers for me.  Stacey’s second performance had her in a floor length pink dress, reclined across a piano.

Louis Walsh: Stacey, you’re the last girl standing, but you deserve to be here to the final three. I preferred you in round 1 to round 2.

Cheryl Cole: You looked slightly uncomfortable in parts there. Under the circumstances, I thought you did a great job.

Simon Cowell: I’m gonna tell you why I didn’t like that song – you’re not really a singer like Leona or Alexandra. What I loved about you on your first audition was that you had a different kind of voice, it was more subtle, it was cooler and that’s why I made the wedding singer comparison there. There have been some outstanding performances tonight though.

Danni Minogue: I push you week after week and I really, really loved it.

Well, I agree with Simon, as these ‘big’ songs are not really suited to Stacey as she has a lovely, unique, soft voice. I hope that Danni steps back and realises this so that she can choose the songs better next week.

Sandra

See all my articles on Stacey Solomon by CLICKING HERE (opens in a new window)

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The last 3 weeks have been scary for our young Stacey, as her confidence has not yet flourished, but her performances have been great. She is going to be in the final – no question!

7th November 2009 saw her singing ‘Preacher Man’ from the film ‘Pulp Fiction’ and we were shown a different side to Stacey who apparently doesn’t feel very sexy, yet managed to give a sexy performance, with dancing! Go Stacey go!

See her performance of ‘Preacher Man’ on U tube by CLICKING HERE

14th November 2009 (Queen week) was great for Stacey. Brian May and Roger Taylor were rather taken by Stacey and thought she was great. Her song choice was ‘Who wants to live forever’ and the judges loved it.

See her performance of ‘Who wants to live forever’ on U tube by CLICKING HERE

And this week (21st November 2009) was George Michael week. Stacey sang ‘I can’t make you love me’ – Beautiful!

See her performance of ‘I can’t make you love me’ on U tube by CLICKING HERE

So, is Stacey really getting it on with Olly? Good for her if she is but it will be quite sad for his fans if she is……

Read more about Stacey by CLICKING HERE

And all the articles on Stacey Solomon can be viewed by CLICKING HERE

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I didn’t think it was Stacey’s best week, but her version of Keane’s ‘Somewhere only we know’ was at least different and she made it her own. I love the song and very much enjoyed it.  Danni Minogue, her mentor, will be pleased.

Watch Stacey’s lovely performance of the ‘Somewhere only we know’ originally by Keane on UTube by CLICKING HERE

See my other posts and info on Stacey Solomon by CLICKING HERE

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She sang ‘When you wish upon a star’ beautifully and she looked an absolute picture in her sparkly dress – truly stylish!  Michael Buble said to her to sing it for her son, Zachary, so that she could put the emotion into it, and she certainly did.  Her mentor, Danni Minogue, said that she had been in floods of tears the day before, so she did a great job on the stage, since she was emotional and it means so much to her to win.

I cannot say I was impressed with Rachel’s change of personality after her performance – she sounded like she was trying to take Stacey’s famous excitement filled persona.  Stacey is unique, dont try to copy her!

Read all my posts on Stacey Solomon by CLICKING HERE

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Coldplay – The scientist – was the song choice of Stacey Solomon for the first live performance in the finals of X Factor and she was so good. Her personality has really been a hit with viewers and fans since her first audition and many love her quirky ways. Stacey is going to go far, and just like I say, she is ‘not just an essex girl’ she is very talented and a loving Mother.

The judges loved her performance, and were really impressed that she did not choose an easy song, but a coldplay song, which was much harder to do and put her on the spot.

When being coached by Robbie Williams, Robbie obviously took to her saying “Everyone should have a Stacey at home” Wow, that would make the World a different place wouldn’t it – hee hee!

She looked really good with her new fringe and hairstyle and Cheryl even said that she would have liked to have seen her in a dress or something more girly, but I thought her skinny jeans and top kept everyone’s thoughts on her singing rather than what she was wearing. Also, she may have done it to take some of the Essex out of her (we all know what the stigma is about what Essex girls wear – living here I know!).

Simon Cowell said:

“I don’t think it was as good as your first audition. However coming on and singing a coldplay song when you could have done something easy….it was genius.”

Stacey you did really well, and your personality is shining through across the land – you are bound to be in the last three, if not more!

Judges Comments

Louis: Everywhere I go people are talking to me about Stacey. You didn’t pick an easy song, you picked Coldplay. You’ve got it all.

Cheryl: What you see is what you get, and you’re a genuinely lovely girl. I would have loved to have seen you in a little dress or something a little more glam.

Simon: I don’t think it was as good as your first audition, because I think you’re better in a lower key. There’s more to come from you. Love your personality.

Dannii: I want to say a huge thank you for coming out of your comfort zone in show one.

Read more about Stacey Solomon on my info page by CLICKING HERE

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They are both fantastic in their own right and I wish them both the best of luck in winning the X Factor – we will be voting for you both!  So, Olly will be mentored by Simon Cowell, and Stacey by Danni Minogue and I reckon that one of those judges is going to be the winner!

I am really touched by the wonderful support I have seen on the web for Stacey Solomon and Olly Murs – we sometimes get some bad jibes and comments for our Essex accents, but Essex people are friendly, outgoing and fun.

To see all my current and past articles, photo galleries from his family album, and comments from his Mum, VickyLynn, CLICK HERE to see the list

Read all about Olly Murs from my main page (with photos)  BY CLICKING HERE

Read all about Stacey Solomon from her main page BY CLICKING HERE

What do you think?

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