Vanessa Feltz has revealed the secret behind her 30-year career in the entertainment industry, crediting honesty and sincerity for her longevity. The 64-year-old broadcaster and journalist first appeared on screens over three decades ago, rising to prominence presenting her self-titled ITV daytime series from 1994 until 1998.
Career highlights and new show
Since then, Feltz has fronted several chat shows and radio programmes, and appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs Go Dating and Strictly Come Dancing. Earlier this year, her Channel 5 show came to an end, but she has since launched a new YouTube show, At Home With Vanessa, which debuts today (Friday, August 14).
Ahead of the first episode, Feltz opened up on why she has lasted so long in the industry. Speaking on behalf of BetWright Casino, she said: "I think it's honesty, really. I seem to have been on TV all the time but people don't know about all the times I haven't done it. Like when they say, 'would you come on and say blah, blah, blah' and I have to say 'I'm sorry, no, I don't think that. I'm not going to come on and say that because I don't believe that."
Honesty and favourite guests
She added: "People do respect a kind of honesty and sincerity, as opposed to people who will just take the shilling and say any old thing and that isn't me. Loads of programmers will tell you if they ring me and say, 'will you come on and say this?' Or 'will you come and argue against this?' and I don't think that, I won't come. So I think maybe sort of truthfulness, honesty, candour or maybe it's just I'm so devastatingly, irresistibly beautiful."
From hosting her own talk shows to presenting The Big Breakfast, Feltz has met many famous names. Her favourite guest was Jeff Goldblum, who appeared on The Big Breakfast Bed. She said: "Handsome, tall, gorgeous, irresistible, hilarious, great voice, brilliant dancer. He kept getting up off the bed every second to either do a painting or play the piano because he's a concert-level pianist."
Miss Piggy as least favourite
However, her least favourite guest was Miss Piggy. Feltz said: "I would say Miss Piggy because she was so rude. Miss Piggy was a temperamental and rude character, but it was so funny because the puppeteer, Frank Oz, was the most charming person on earth. When he was Miss Piggy, not nice."
