Despite meeting celebrities on a weekly basis as part of my job, my path has never crossed with Boy George in the past. However, like everyone, both inside and outside of media, I have heard stories about his diva behaviour. He has also never been afraid to speak his mind, which is a good thing but can also be quite an intimidating trait. So when I heard he was going to be appearing at the London Eurovision Party, which I was covering for Express.co.uk, I didn't quite know what to expect.
The 63-year-old Culture Club legend was part of the San Marino delegation and was performing with Italian singer Senhit on the track Superstar. I have covered this annual event, which sees the stars of that year's Eurovision perform their songs to a London audience, in the past and knowing George's arrival was imminent definitely created a different vibe in the room. While many of the Eurovision contestants are recognised names, it is not every day a bona fide legend takes part in it.
Express reporter Fran Winston recelty met Boy George ahead of his Eurovision performance (Image: Fran Winston)
Press rooms and red carpets can be a fraught experience for even the most experienced celebrity and journalist at the best of times. Far from the glamorous images you see online, it often involves screaming across a room trying to get someone's attention. For the celebrity's part they are trying to keep everyone happy, do the pictures they are required to and actually get into the event.
It's hectic and chaotic with quick turnarounds and you have mere minutes to ask your questions before the celebrity is swept away to talk to someone else.
Needless to say when George entered the room this chaos multiplied tenfold. Journalists who have never bothered with Eurovision or this event suddenly appeared out of the woodwork to try and get a chat with him.
I even found myself being pushed from my spot by a middle aged man who seemed to be from a radio station and who had come out of nowhere, when I had been there since the beginning with my equipment set up talking to all the other acts. This kind of selfish behaviour is not unusual, but he also really should have known better. It was in this atmosphere I was trying to get my coveted chat with George.
Boy George showed his true colours to an Express reporter (Image: Getty)
After reclaiming my spot from aforementioned rude bloke (I have sharp elbows!) I had to quickly grab my opportunity to shout across to George and Senhit to get their time. They obviously heard me and George looked a bit apprehensive. My stomach sank a little bit in case he walked away.
However, the fact I am Irish stood me in good stead as so was George's mother. We had some back and forth about Ireland not being in Eurovision year and he immediately seemed incredibly relaxed and was very lovely and charming.
Throughout his time in the room he also ensured Senhit got her chance to shine and, despite a bit of name dropping, he was really chatty and down to earth. The only nod to anything diva-esque was a PR running around with a light to ensure they looked OK on film and in photos. But most of the entrants actually had similar (and yes, it is as annoying as it sounds!)
George spoke warmly about how he is collaboration friendly and also how he gives everyone in his band a chance to shine at shows. This was not a focus stealing diva. This was an artist enjoying their work. Maybe it was the Irish connection but I actually really liked him and was a little but gutted when he didn't make the Eurovision final.
