BRENDAN SHEERIN FROM CHANNEL 4’s COACH TRIP

A surprise guest at the DRAG IDOL premiere BRENDAN from Channel 4’s COACH TRIP who was taking time out of his busy schedule to catch up with friends and brother TERRY (ex XIBIT owner) before meeting up with producers.

I managed to ask a few questions of the man himself and as always it was a pleasure to be in his company

SUSAN PLATT-Gay Leeds “What’s it like to be a gay icon and celebrity?" 

BRENDAN “COACH TRIP has changed my life around but I’m still a LEEDS lad and was born at 21 Morelia St in Hunslet and attended St Joseph’s School and then went on to Corpus Christi in Halton Moor love. I love Leeds and am amazed at how the LGBT scene has flourished and grown since my early days"

SUSAN “Tell me your thoughts on Yorkshire Mesmac"

 BRENDAN “I have always had the utmost respect for them. I remember the early days of the Yorkshire gay switchboard when our Terry, was a volunteer along with Tom Doyle. I particularly admire the volunteer workers who go out into the communities to cruising places etc. and give out advice on safe sex. Their work in the prevention of the spread of H.I.V. is fantastic and i support them wholeheartedly"

SUSAN "So tell me what you know about Drag Idol”

 BRENDAN " Terry told me about it and it's a fantastic event I know you entered a few times along with DAME FONDA and BELLE ROUGE who all worked with our kid. I love the comedy side myself but am amazed at some of the choreography. The amount raised in 2009 was amazing but this year’s event broke all records this is a fantastic event for the city and everyone involved can be proud of what’s been achieved the winner deserves the title of queen of queens "

SUSAN “GAY LEEDS.COM is read in 50 countries how many have you visited?"  

 BRENDAN “Probably most of them it’s amazing we turn up in some spectacular places and there’s always some English tourists who recognise me and ask for photos”

SUSAN "COACH TRIP has a cult following amongst the student community why is this?" 

BRENDAN " I believe it’s due to the screening times and they like to see the places we visit perhaps for ideas of what to do in gap years they particularly enjoy the bitching amongst the contestants too so our audience research shows "

SUSAN "So when can we next catch you on screen?" 

 BRENDAN " the next series airs on FEB 14th and I implore you watch the first episode the fireworks start within 5 minutes real bitching and moaning from some of the contestants they are unbelievable"

SUSAN “So where does BRENDAN go on holiday?”  

BRENDAN this year I’m off to CUBA for a meeting with FIDEL it’s a fantastic place I love the old American cars it’s like stepping back into the 1950s.

 SUSAN “I saw some black and white photos that Terry George took this year it looks amazing”

 BRENDAN “It’s beautiful and the people are so friendly”

SUSAN “So how do people get on COACH TRIP? And any more special ones like the celebrity one planned?"

  BRENDAN its easy there’s an online application we are always looking for interesting people and new ideas a DRAG QUEEN COACH TRIP would be ideal oh all the bitching and backbiting "  

SUSAN "BRENDAN as you know we’d love to have you at LEEDS PRIDE and hopefully you may be able to attend” 

BRENDAN " We are still filming in august so it may be difficult but I will try the event has my utmost support and it’s fantastic to see how it’s grown if I can’t attend I’ll try to get a message to you all maybe on video that can be played on screen”

SUSAN "Thank you for coming tonight at such short notice and thank you for talking to us”

BRENDAN " It’s a pleasure I love LEEDS and am grateful to all the locals who watch the show I always get a great reception when I’m out in town I love the gay quarter QC, FIBRE, THE VIADUCT, BLAYDS, THE NEW PENNY and THE BRIDGE they are fantastic and the people are wonderful"

So do you want to go on coach trip?

All applicants must be 18+ and be a permanent legal resident in the United Kingdom with a valid passport and currently living in the United Kingdom with the ability to travel within Europe (including European Union member countries and other non-EU countries) without any restrictions whatsoever.

Emails to coachtrip@12yard.com  applications from bears aloud, drag queens, showbiz types, and particularly bitchy people most welcome.

Interview by Susan Platt and a huge thanks and big Gay Leeds hugs to Brendan for taking the time out to do the interview.