Jasper: Mansell must be next!

Sep 14 2007

THE Broad Street Walk of Stars was launched in July when Ozzy Osbourne was the first inductee - and Jasper Carrott will be next tomorrow.

But who does the comedy star think should follow in his Funky Moped tyre tracks?

"I think it ought to be racing driver Nigel Mansell," said Jasper.

"He's from Hall Green and I don't think he's ever had the recognition from this city that he deserves.

"As for anybody else, then Julie Walters and Lenny Henry, if they can be considered because they are from Smethwick and Dudley, and sports stars like Gil Merrick and Trevor Francis for playing a team game.

"Then there's other people like Rik Mayall, Michael Buerk, Ian Lavender..."

Jasper's induction will be the highlight of this weekend's ArtsFest.

After first attending the Blues vs Bolton Premier League match tomorrow, Jasper is expecting to spend "15 to 20 minutes doing jiggery pokery" in Centenary Square at 7pm .

Then the CBSO and the Royal Ballet perform prior to a fireworks' display.

"I'll probably end up in some Birmingham curry house after that lot," laughs Jasper.

Jasper is famous for keeping his private life private - and that's exactly how he still likes it.

"Not many of my friends are in showbusiness," he says.

"Sometimes 40 of us all go on holiday together, but they are all such good friends none of the pictures ever sneak out.

"I had only been photographed once with one of my children, Jenny, until Lucy got married at St Paul's.

"There were no deals with OK or Hello or anything like that. Having an OBE means you can get married or your children can get married at the OBE chapel in St Paul's Cathedral.

"Lucy at first had wanted to get married in jeans and have pizza!"