|
|
|
|
|
|
ROGER FUGGINS spends a day with MICHAEL ASPEL 9.00am - I turn up at Michael Aspel's, Walthamstow palace just as he is taking a big red mug up to his wife, who is still in bed. "This...is your cup of tea" announces Michael as he hands over the mug to his half asleep missus. She gives him a wry smile that signifies it's not the first time she's heard this line. Michael, meanwhile, is in stitches on the floor, as if it's the first time he's ever thought of making a joke like that out of his catchphrase.
10.48am - We are driving along the M25, when out of the blue, Michael pulls over on to the hard shoulder. He takes one of the many big red books from the back seat and I watch, as it slowly turns darker. Suddenly there is a huge gust of wind and a juggernaut that is passing us tips over, crushing a small woman in a mini. At this point I notice that the book has now turned completely black. Michael steps out of the car and goes over to the mini. "Sarah Mitchell...this...was your life." He hands over the book, and we go back to his d-reg maestro. Sarah is left standing on the road, looking very distraught, maybe because no-one has flown in from the other side of the world to see her. Or maybe because she can see her disembodied head rolling around on the floor.
5.00pm - Michael's day has finished and he arrives home to his spouse. As he walks through the door she starts to dish up dinner. I resist the temptation to say, "Michael Aspel, this is your wife" but immediately wish I hadn't as she turns to him and says, "Michael…this is your dinner". He laughs loudly, as if he could never tire of hearing this worn out phrase. I decide that this is a good point at which to leave the house. As I leave I notice a big but surprisingly dark red book with my name on. As I walk out the door and cross the road to my car, I hear the screech of brakes and...no, I'm joking. I live to see another day and prepare for my next "A Day With..." Next Month...Busted. |
|
9.30am - Michael has finished his cocoa pops and glass of pineapple juice and he gets ready for work. Now most people know Michael from his TV presenting job, but today, we are going to catch a glimpse of what it's really like to be Michael Aspel, on a day-to-day basis. He puts on his long black robe, whitens his face with a little makeup, grabs his scythe and sets out.
12.30am - Michael has now delivered 5 books and our talk turns to his "secret job". He explains that there are many grim reapers around, and that he is only one of about 15 grim reapers operating in the UK today. He revealed how cutbacks have meant that his catchment area has increased to include South London and parts of Surrey. He refused to been drawn in to discussions on who the other reapers were but revealed that the Newcastle reaping was done by a double act.