Back from New York City and Robert is, almost immediately, back at his desk working on his next biography. More news as and when. In the meantime, please remember that Robert and the Vintage Magazine Shop in London’s Soho are hosting a signing with Leslie Phillips from mid-day until 2pm on Saturday 4th July. Robert will hopefully be attending the plaque tribute to Wendy Richard on Sunday 5th July and the Bad Wolf Doctor Who convention at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham on Saturday 11th July. He will be interviewing Shirley Eaton at Pinewood Studios on Sunday 12th July.

Still somewhat hung-over from the Heritage Foundation bash Robert flew off to New York City to join Jim Dale for a very special evening of Carry On. Presented by the St. George’s Society on behalf of B.A.F.T.A. East Coast, Jim introduced the event and gave Robert a wonderful build-up before the two chatted for ninety minutes, screened choice clips from the films and took questions from a capacity audience. Robert was delighted to squeeze in lots of social time with Jim and Julie during his week in New York as well as his usual homage to John Lennon as well as a trip to see Rupert Everett and Angela Lansbury in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit at the Shubert Theatre. During his time Robert also indulged in two comic sandwiches: a Bob Hope (a delicious mix of stacked ham and Swiss cheese!!) at Lindy’s and the classic (and impossibly huge) Woody Allen at the Carnegie Deli. Arteries hardened with every mouthful! 😉 Robert was also in New York when the shocking news of Michael Jackson’s death hit. Akin to Elvis Presley and John Lennon, the out-pouring of emotion was an experience to remember. Madame Tussard’s touchingly placed his effigy in the window and put his music videos on a loop while the entire city had an air of shocked reverence.

Back to the O2 for the amazing rock ‘n’ roll circus gig that was the Britney Spears concert. Forget the tall tales and counter claims of out-of-form dancing and mimed tracks, this was pure pop theatre at its very best.

Robert delivers a eulogy at the Memorial Service for Jack Douglas at St. Pauls’, the Actor’s Church, in Covent Garden. Jack’s partner, Vivien Howell, and daughter, Debbie Cartwright, both speak at the service, alongside a reading from musician and fellow Isle of Wight resident, Rick Wakeman, and entertainer Anita Harris. Fellow representatives from the world of Carry On included Barbara Windsor, Valerie Leon, Jacki Piper, Lance Percival, Lynda Baron and Susan and Valerie James. It was a beautiful and moving tribute to a fine actor and a true gentleman. The Rev. Simon Grigg presided with his usual wit and affection.

Cake and wine helped to celebrate Marilyn Monroe’s birthday in style as Creme de la Crime books launched Linda Regan’s third Paul Banham thriller ‘Dead Like Her’ at Goldsboro Books in Cecil Court. The book, a potentially lethal combination of sex, drugs and Marilyn Monroe impersonators, is priced at £7.99 and is highly recommended.