June Star Of The Month - Jennifer Maguire

It's officially summer time! And to mark the first day of a scorching hot Irish summer I've interviewed the equally hot Jennifer Maguire!

You'll know this rock hard Dubliner from her role on Rebuplic of Telly, RTE's One Night Stand and the UK Apprentice. The brunette stomped her way into our hearts during the 2008 Apprentice in England, and hasn't left since.

But in between helping young women find their prince charming and making us wet our pants during Republic of Telly, Jen also has her runs her own business (an amazing photographic studio) and has a gorgeous half-Italian boyfriend to keep up with. So how does she juggle it all? Well I'm here to find out just that...

When I'm chatting to Jennifer, she's in the her offices of Bella The Make Over Studio in Dublin and I can tell she's up the walls (a good sign of course). I wasn't sure what to expect with the 30-year-old, sometimes seriously funny TV personalities can be quite dull in real life, but she exceeded my expectations. 

It's clear from the outset that there is a lot more to Jennifer than meets the eye. She starts gushing about her photographic studio straight away, it's clear that Bella, which was set up just three years ago, is her little baby. But as with other Irish businesses right now, Jennifer admits that times are hard in the industry:

"It's been going well but it's hard work. This is a high end kind of thing, people don't need to have a makeover and they definitely don't need a photo shoot." she tells me.

TV

When she's not working in the studio (which is normally every other day) Jennifer is filming for the hilariously funny Republic of Telly. The stunner has been a part of the show since it's birth and admits that the last year the show has seen huge success:

“It’s been a hard slog. It didn’t start off like that. We were struggling for ratings in the first series , then the second series got a bit better, but it really kind of came into its own once we got Dermot on board.”

Jennifer with host of Republic of Telly Dermot

The show has already leap-frogged the careers of Rubber Bandits and Ivor and Damo over the last 12 months, and Jen admits, that's why she loves the show so much, as the Irish youth get to showcase their talents:

"The great thing about the Republic of Telly is that it's not just about the presenters, it's about showcasing new talent in the country. It's great that all these new acts have a platform to launch themselves off."

The smash hit show has hugely increased in ratings and during recessionary times it's a great accomplishment to achieve such great success. I asked Jen if the shows comedic elements are what helped the show to it's current glory:

"Yes. It's important to laugh and to have one of these comedy shows, everybody needs a little cheering up."

As well as making us laugh, Jennifer has also been playing cupid in the nation's love lives. On her debut show One Night Stand, Jennifer helped women every week find Mr.Right, with a hilarious competitive outcome. The show saw the presenter all over Ireland trying to find eligible men for her three chosen ladies, sometimes with disastrous consequences.

Jen looks sizzlingly sexy in this promo for 'One Night Stand'

But Jennifer said despite meeting tonnes of "lunatics" along the way, she would love to do another series again:

"It was great fun to do and it was a show I was really interested in. But I don't know what's happening with it this year. It's definitely something I'd love to do again. I think that the Irish are a little bit behind on the dating scene, we're not like the American's and English who are very much into their online dating and meeting for coffee."

Despite having a rising career in presenting it's clear that the business woman is not solely relying on a TV career for the foreseeable future, admitting that she has no stable position in RTE. Like most media jobs, nothing is secure, Jennifer admitted to me that, realistically, someone younger and better looking could take her role at any point:

"There is no guarantee that I will be back next series. I just don’t know. Someone younger, funnier and prettier could come along.”

Adding that “there isn’t much work out there for a female presenter” Jennifer also admitted that she could never survive on the wages from her TV work: “I don’t think I could do the TV without doing the business because I would be living in a tent in the park.” she joked.

I really got the impression that Jen firmly has her head on her shoulders and her feet on the ground, having a lucrative TV career doesn't seem to have expanded her ego too much, because the second she wraps up shooting for RTE she's straight back in her Bella studio, working long hours with her staff.

Love

As I said at the beginning, Jen also has a gorgeous half-Italian boyfriend to catch up with. The presenter has been dating her beau for over five years now. But thankfully he is able to keep up with her massive success, as he is an actor himself, so he knows the ins and outs of the showbiz industry.

Jennifer tells me that it's great to have a man you is supportive of you and not jealous of your career, as we all know some men can't handle strong women:

“He has been very supportive of my career. With some guys you would have to sit on your hands because their ego gets bruised, but he’s not like that at all. He’s always pushing me; I couldn’t do this without him." she said.

Jen with boyfriend of 5 years, Lau.

Her supportive Beau, Lau Zamparelli, is just as busy as she is. Jennifer tell me that the actor is starring in a new play called Tape, currently taking place in the Matchbox Theatre, Dublin. So how, after 5 years, have they kept their relationship going so strong? Jennifer said you need to put a lot of effort into your love life:

"I think it's very important to keep that spark going. You have to put effort into your relationship. You have to give it as much attention as you would your job or even more so. It's so easy to get lazy after 5 years. Little things like sitting down and having dinner at the table or going out and having that dinner out, you need to have quality time together."

Bella

During our interview Jennifer surprisingly admitted that losing out on her dream to work for Lord Alan Sugar on the UK version of The Apprentice was the best thing that could have happened to her! Why you might ask? The slender brunette says that getting fired made her realize that she wanted to start her own business.

After leaving the hit show, she returned to Dublin and created the photographic studio of luxury, where she and a crew of make-up artists and stylists transform women for a day of pampering and a photo-shoot.

“When I got fired from The Apprentice it was like a revelation, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. After my experience I thought ‘Bingo, that’s it. I definitely want to work for myself.’ So it was a good thing that happened.”

The studio, which is now located in Dublin and Limerick, has been up and running for three years. Women of all ages can head to the studio and take part in a day of luxury. After getting your hair and make-up done by Industry professionals, sipping some champagne and dolling yourself up with clothes and jewelerry, Jennifer will transform you into a superstar.

Similiar to the photographs taken of our favourite celebs, Bella gives you the full magazine treatment, hiding blemishes and using air-brushing techniques where neeeded. Jennifer says that it's great to show young women what really goes on in high fashion photo shoots:

"Self-conscious girls come in and they see how much work it put to make a photo shoot. Cheryl Cole doesn't wake up looking that way, she has a team of 5 stylists. Women often come in and say they hate how they look on camera,  but 99.9% they say afterwards that they can't believe how good the look." 

Keeping In Shape

I really was dying to ask Jennifer how in the name of God she keeps her slim body in such amazing shape! So many celebs tell me they're just lucky, and genetics play a huge part but thankfully Jennifer admits she has to work hard to keep her booty in gear.

"Now that I'm over 30 I definitely have to work at it.  I do go to the gym, although I hate it, I do feel great afterwards. But there are so many other things to do like have a glass of wine or go out with your friends. I do eat healthy as well though. I don't eat fast food at all and I always cook my own food."

For most celebs there is a huge pressure to be slim, but thankfully Jen hasn't seen the brunt of it. She admitted that unfortunately the underlying weight issue is prevelant in every industry:

"It is in every walk of life. Whether I'm with the girls at work or in the studio, women will always will always talk about their weight. Women will always be unhappy with themselves."

The key to self-confidence? Jennifer says women need to be comfortable in their own skin and figure out what works for them. One woman that certainly does not have to worry about her looks is gorgeous Irish model Georgia Salpa, Jen says she has accepted that she will never look like the half-Greek stunner:

"You have to try and accept yourself for who you are. I am never going to have sallow skin or big boobs like Georgia Salpa, but I've accepted that."

What's Next?

Finally, I always ask my stars where they would like to be in 5 years, Jennifer laughed at this question straight away, answering: "I don't even know what I'm doing next week." But on a more serious note, the business woman says that's it's really important to her that Bella continues to grow and her staff have job security:

"Honestly I employ a lot of people here and the most important thing is that they still have jobs, that they are set up and looked after."

The superwoman did admit though that she would like to "slow down" in the next few years and spend some time "learning Italian" so she can speak to her boyfriend's family when they visit them in Milan.

More Belle Amie Covers!

They have done it again!

The super talented and seriously gorgeous Belle Amie girls have uploaded another Youtube video! My lovely Star of The Month Rebecca Creighton linked me the video of their new cover.

The trio are currently recording their debut album before they head on tour with Chipmunk and Dublin singer Rebecca is heading to the Eurovision to sing alongside Jedward!

Have a look:

April Star Of The Month

Rebecca Creighton

The Beginning...

She's best known for her part in the most successful X Factor band, she's heading to the Eurovision to sing with Jedward and she is about to tour the UK, but today I'm getting to know the REAL Rebecca Creighton.

This past year has been life changing for her, but with some big speed bumps along the way. We saw her dreams of a solo career crushed when the judging panel said they couldn't bring her through to the judges houses, and then saw her lifted back up when she was put together with three other girls, who would soon become Belle Amie. Now that she is out of one of the most popular shows in the world her career is blossoming. Belle Amie are now writing a new album and heading on tour and she is off to sing with Jedward for the Eurovision Song contest. But things are not all what they seem. In this interview Rebecca reveals the truth about what goes on in The X Factor, why she feels the show held her back and why the fourth member of the band, Geneva, decided to up and leave the band out of nowhere, leaving three girls to reform Belle Amie...

She stole the heart of the X Factor judging panel when she belted out Pixie Lott's 'Cry Me Out'. Cheryl Cole couldn't have given her more praise saying: "You brightened up my day. You have a brilliant voice" and even international star Katy Perry screamed "It's a yes from me!". Finally, she got the biggest boost of all when Louis Walsh said it was Simon Cowell's first "yes" of the day! It seemed like all of Rebecca's dreams were coming true, an unemployed hairdresser at the time, she wanted a solo singing career, but little did she know that things would turn out a lot differently than what she planned.

Funnily enough Rebecca didn't actual believe she would be good enough for the talent show. She tells me that she didn't even fill out the application form:

"My sister asked could she put me down for The X Factor and I was like 'No'. I just didn't think that I was good enough to do it. She put me through anyway! I never thought that I would get through the first audition so getting through every step was just mad!"

Well Rebeca definitely owes her sister one now as the events to follow would completely change her life and lead her down the path she had only dreamed of before. As I know a friend who got to the late stages of the competition (and I auditioned myself once - morto!) I knew that she had gone through about four or five interviews before she got the call saying she would get to audition in front of Simon, Cheryl, Danni and Louis. Rebecca admits that she thought she has lost out on her dream when three weeks had passed by since her last audition. But while celebrating her sister's birthday in Spain, the Irish songstress got the call:

"I was actually at my sister's wedding in Spain and I was a bridesmaid and I was actually singing at it too so I was really busy but I had my phone stuck to my hip the whole time. So we were all sitting around at the pool when my phone rang and it was a UK phone number. I was like 'What the hell, what the hell!' everyone around me got so excited. This woman was just on the phone asking me my details and I was like 'Is this a good call or...?' and then she told me I was through!"

A Different Path...

Now, Rebecca was about to face the first, of many speedbumps to come in her music career. After making it through to boot camp, the judges had sent her home. But Simon decided to give her another chance, but not as a solo act. Along with Rebecca, Esther Campbell, Sophia Wardman and (now ex-member) Geneva Lane got the chance to make it to Simon's Beverly Hills home, and eventually become on of the final 12 acts for the live shows. "Simon gave us 5 minutes to think about it" Rebecca tells me. " But we didn't have to think about it. It was either be in a group or go home. We knew it was the right thing to do". 

Luckily for the Dublin girl, she was already really good friends with Sophia, as they had gotten close during boot camp. Rebecca said the transition from solo act to girl group really wasn't that hard:

"I had actually been close to Sophia and Esther throughout the week at boot camp, so I didn't feel like I was in a group with strangers. But if we hadn't of been talking before, it definitely would have felt weird."

Behind The Scenes...

Now that the dream was alive again, everything seemed to be going right on track, but there were more blows to come for the talented red-head. Although it was made to seem like Belle Amie made a lot of their own decisions, with Simon claiming they picked their own songs and clothes, Rebecca says that wasn't really the case. First of all Rebecca has always had shaved hair at the side, but once she got through to boot camp producers told her she wasn't allowed sport the hairdo and that she had to fill the hair back out. The singer did so reluctantly and carried on with the new style she was given. The girls couldn't pick any of their own outfits or make a decision about their songs, which Rebecca says held them back as a band, saying "that wasn't really us on the show". I asked her how much control she had in regards to styling and singing and she responded "none":

"No, none of that was our style. To be honest what we wore wasn't really us, everything was chosen for us. People are going to be really surprised when we come out with our new style because we weren't given much leeway in what we could wear or sing. None of it was really us."

X Factor was probably the most talked about show this year as there was more controversy than normal. From Cheryl choosing the "wrong acts" to go through to the live shows to judges making poor decisions, there was also talk that Simon wasn't there enough for his acts, which were the bands. Louis mentioned several times that he was putting One Direction first and leaving the girls out. But Rebecca says he was there for them as much as every other judges was and she was really happy to have Simon as a mentor:

"In fairness he was there every time the other judges were there. We only got to see all the judges from a Thursday to Sunday. All of them were too busy during the week."

Another big controversy involved her fellow Dublin singer, Mary Bryne. Every one was rooting for the Ballyfermot woman but the public were seriously angry when, all of a sudden, the judges were allowed to send an act home on the semi-finals show, something that had never happened before. Once the show was over and the results of each weeks votes were released, it was clear that Cher Lloyd would have gone home that night if it was left to the public, so did the judges put a stop to that by forcing Mary out? Well, I asked Rebecca what she thinks on the matter and she maintains no one really knows what goes on behind the scenes:

"I think Mary did really well but I personally didn't think she would go that far. I think the X-Factor is more focused on young and fresh talent. I'm glad she got so far though and she definitely deserved it. I don't know if it was a fix to be honest, and we weren't even there at the time. But even if we were we would never know. There's so much that you don't see going on."

Rebecca (top left) performing with Jedward

Moving on...

Everyone knows that girl bands never last in The X Factor, and although the four piece of Belle Amie, lasted longer than any other girl band in the history of the show, they did eventually get the boot. So what has she been doing since? Well the first thing I noticed was that she is singing back-up on Jedward's Eurovision track 'Lipstick'. I spotted the singer on the RTE Eurosong contest and had to ask how that happened. And is she going to the Eurovision with them?:

"Louis actually text me, we text a lot, and he asked me would I be interested in working with them. So he put me in contact with someone, then I heard the song and I totally loved it so I was like Yes!"

Although she's very quirky herself Jedward to seem quite eccentric and over the top. But Rebecca revealed that the famous Irish twins are actually really intelligent and business savvy, she actually looks up to them:

"The guys are absolutely mental, they are so much fun. But when I first met them, they were so hyper and I was thinking they are just mad! But when it comes down to business they are so focused. When I told them Belle Amie was getting back together they gave me loads of advice, they know exactly what they're doing. "

When 4 become 3...

However, the biggest part of Rebecca's music journey is only just beginning. She tells me that straight after they got voted out of The X Factor she and the three other members of Belle Amie were constantly gigging. But another speed bump in the road to stardom was headed Rebecca's way, and out of nowhere bandmate Geneva, announced via Twitter, that she was leaving Belle Amie for good and was focusing on a solo career. Rebecca explained what happened:

"We were always still together. As soon as we left X Factor we were really busy, we have been the most demanded girl band to ever come out of the show. We had like four gigs a night! We had gigs solid until the end of December and then we had a break over Christmas, but then came January and there were no more gigs. I didn't know what the hell was going on.  But apparently that's normal for X Factor acts. Then one day Geneva just randomly decided to leave. There was no fall out. She actually announced it on Twitter. Me and the girls didn't know she was going to do that at all. It was a big big shock. But she thought she was doing what was best for her. Me and the girls will always support her but we are getting on so great without her."

The girls int he recording studio recently

Geneva's new career aspirations was not only a shock to her band mates but to all of the UK and Ireland. Dedicated Belle Amie fans are still curious to what happened, and want to know why Geneva isn't there anymore. But Rebecca has held her head up high throughout all the controversy saying "we really are better off without her". She, Sophia and Esther have stayed together, and much stronger now, they are working constantly to get their new album off the ground. The three friends have now moved into a flat together in London and have been co-writing their new album. I asked Rebecca do the three girls fight, because of course all roomates fight and especially when you are working AND living with them. But the Dublin singer said they are all pretty easy going:

"Everyone has a disagreement now and again, but it would be odd if we didn't! But we don't just sit around and bicker we are always so busy doing things, so we don't have time to argue! The funny thing is I would probably bicker more if I was living with my other friends."

So what can we expect from the new and improved Belle Amie? Well first of all scrap what you've seen and heard on The X Factor. These three ladies are not ready to become a simple manufactured girl band with matching outfits and size zero bodies, no no, these girls are set to make a huge difference in the music industry by actually acting and dressing how the want. Not to mention actually singing about what they want. The group released a snipped of a new single called 'Girls Up' and I instantly fell in love. Their new music plus their new styles is presenting such a cool, fresh vibe and I'm loving it. Rebecca also tells me the girls are co-writing their new album and tour, so they have some major creative input going in to their new launch. They will be touring with Chipmunk starting on April 21st (check out all the tour dates at www.belleamie1.co) I ask the singer to explain their music style, but because it's so individual and unique, she admits she can't compare their music:

"We don't want to be a typical girl band. I know we can't be too different, of course we'll do girlie songs but we are definitely more on the urban side. But we don't want to be constantly matching, like wearing the same style clothes and hair. We are all so individual. I have a more 40's style, Sophia would be 80's and then Esther is the most modern out of the three of us. So there really is at least one of us every girl can relate to. We can't compare to anyone, there is no other band that we are like"

Listen to the 'Girls Up' snippet here:

Fashion...

One thing that has always stood out to me about Rebecca (other than her captivating voice) is her sense of style. Ever since she left the show I've seen her snapped around Ireland and London and she is not afraid to show her true colours! She died her hair Rihanna red a few moths back and went back to the partially shaved head look. It definitely seems that she is more comfortable in her own skin, since leaving the reality show behind and focusing on her life with the new Belle Amie. I had to ask here where she buys her clothes and what style she goes for. Not surprisingly, she admitted to being in love with Vintage:

"I tend to shop in Vintage and second hand shops. I wear loads of high-waisted things like high waisted shorts, high waisted skirts with tights and high waisted pants. I also love head-bands and big glasses, love that 40's style. I really love Urband Outfitters to!"

Rebecca admited that her style differs completely from Sophia and Esther's but she likes it that way. Admitting that there is a girl in the band for each girl out there, it makes sense that the three ladies stick to their own personal style and their own beliefs. No doubt about it they are about to become serious role models to the youth of Ireland and the UK and sticking to your own personal style and unique personalities, is a thing to be proud of.

Just Getting Started...

I have a feeeling that Belle Amie are about to hit the music scene and hit it hard. I admitted to Rebecca that I was unsure about how their new music would turn out but after listening to a few tracks I'm hooked already. I really thought that their successful former X Factor contestants would help them out, but the Dublin singer told me that barely anyone has been in touch, the excuse being that the others are "too busy". When I asked her if she was getting support from her fellow contestants she said:

"No, it's so different. We were all so close during The X Factor. Like we keep in touch with Rebecca, Paige and Tracey but that's it. Everyone is so busy".

But it's clear that Rebecca doesn't need anyone to support her, she gets what she wants, and succeeds, all by herself. Unlike Geneva, who dropped the band and is now pursuing a solo career Rebecca is trying extremely hard to make something out of the once in a life time chance given to her by Simon Cowell. Although they are back with a new image, new style and completely new music, I know we are going to be hooked. The Saturdays better watch their back!

As the interview was coming to an end I was really glad that I got to know the real Rebecca. She's not afraid to air her opinions, and although she wants to make the band something big on their own, she is still extremely grateful to The X Factor team, and modest about her talents. Right before we end the interview I ask her if there is something the public don't know about her. Instead of revealing a dirty secret she replies "I'm under 5ft tall. I don't know if anyone knows that. I'm actually 4ft 11inches" . The first thing I thought to myself was 'great things come in small packages' and she's proven that they really, really do.

PS!

Follow Rebecca on Twitter here: Becka_Creighton

Follow Belle Amie on Twitter here: BelleAmie1

PLUS! You can be an extra in Belle Amie's first EVER music video! The video will be filmed in Dublin and London so all fans can apply! Just log on to www.belleamie1.co for details!

10 Things You Didn't Know About... Vogue Williams!

It's time to REALLY get to know my March Star of the Month Vogue Williams!

The Fade Street beauty has been thrown into the limelight this year, but there are still some things she keeps private! So let's be nosy and find out the things we really want to know!

Here are 10 Things You Didn't Know About Vogue:

1. What is your most essential accessory?

"Oh my god it would have to be my iphone, I can't live without it!"

2. What is your favorite beauty product?
"Ok well first of all I couldn't live without my JKR eyecream. It's amazing when you are tired and you put it on to take your make-up off! And I also think your teeth are really important because it's the first thing people see, so I always get my teeth whitened by C Point Clinic, I love it."

3. Bags or shoes?

"Ooh... shoes probably!"

4. What's in your handbag right now?

"Oh my god so much; I have my diary, my i-pod, my make-up, a hair brush, my keys, a bottle of water and about 50 different lip balms, because I put lip balm on like every 30 seconds!"

5. If you were stuck on a stranded island and could only have three things, what would they be?
"Food, water and LIP BALM!" (Wow Vogue has been the first celeb with real survival instincts, food and water would definitely be essential!)

6. What's your guilty pleasure?

"Watching the film Housesitter, I watch it all the time. Every time I'm hung over I want to watch it!"

7. Your favourite music?

"Electro music definitely."

8. Favorite movie of all time?

"The Godfather 2, I loved it!"

9. Your favorite food?

"Oh Italian food definitely, I love bruchettas yumm!"

10. Something the public don't know about you?
"I wear a onezie every day I'm hungover!!! Putting on a onezie and watching Housesitter is all I need to recover!"

So there you go guys and gals, if you're crazy and haven't read my full interview with Vogue, then you can read it right here: March Star of the Month.

Love,

Miss Red.