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Peter Andre at Epsom Live
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Nordoff Robbins
Peter Andre visits Surrey music therapy charity
Peter Andre on a recent visit to Surrey music therapy charity Nordin Robbins
As he is added to the line up at this year's Hampton Court Palace Festival in June, we look back to our recent interview with Peter Andre as he talks to Joann Khatib about his music and family life in Surrey
It’s been a whirlwind year for the entertainer. A new baby with fiancé Emily MacDonagh, an album released last May, a UK tour and a second series of his popular TV show 60-minute Makeover due on our TV screens.
And with all that going on he still manages 10 minutes on the phone with me to talk about his upcoming gig. Positive and upbeat at 8.30 in the morning, he answers the phone with a cheerful, "Good morning Joann." I know instantly that his reputation of being a ‘really nice guy’ with boundless energy is true.
Home for Peter is on the Surrey/Sussex borders near East Grinstead. “Performing close by means that I can have some time at home during the day, go to the gig and know it’s not going to be a really late night," he tells me excitedly.
The 41-year-old’s latest album, Big Night has been well received by fans and critics since it was launched last year. The album signals a change in direction from the pop music we’ve previously heard to a swing and jazz style, full of energetic songs.
“If you love big band and you love jazz and blues, three-piece horn sections and hearing live music, then you will not be disappointed,” he assures me.
“My favourite song is called, ‘Would you mind?’ It’s very happy, very feel good and very reminiscent of the Elvis era, sort of Blue Hawaii. It’s kind of cool you know, it’s just sort of my inspirations coming out.”
Peter, his fiancé Emily MacDonagh and his two children from his marriage to Katie Price have recently welcomed new baby Amelia into the family. “They’re all great, they’re all happy, they’re all wonderful,” he gushes.
As if a newborn wasn't enough to keep him busy, Peter has also been on tour and has been simultaneously filming a second series of ITV's 60 Minute Makeover.
“I absolutely love doing the show. It’s a really good vibe, really good atmosphere, working with the crew, working with our friends...It's great.”
The new series will include makeovers of three homes in Surrey. Working so close to home is a welcome bonus for the man who cherishes spending time with his family and loves the perks of living in the county.
“I think it’s just so nice to get away from everything. Here there is absolutely beautiful countryside, it’s amazing. The view is just beautiful, it’s like a long valley and it just gets you away from everything.”
“There are some really great parks and places like that, so sometimes I’ll take them [the children] there, or we’ll go to Forest Row, it’s beautiful there too.”
Peter Andre finishes our conversation by promising a brilliant day out at his gigs.
“One thing I can always guarantee people whether they like my music, are not sure about it, or don't know my music, is that I’ll entertain them!”
Peter Andre performs at Hampton Court Palace Festival on June 20
Click here to book tickets
