Syd Little – one half of the former comedy duo Little and Large is currently here on the Costa Blanca where I caught up with him ahead of his appearance at the 2 day Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle Show taking place at the Denia Marriott hotel this Friday 11th and Saturday 12th March. Last year he appeared on Celebrity Masterchef, where he made it through to the quarterfinals. Cooking is certainly not his forte he told me – that is his wife’s domain, though not in a derogatory way – as she actually runs a restaurant, appropriately named 'The Little Restaurant' in Fleetwood.
The series producers approached him in December 2014 and having zero culinary skills had a few quick lessons from his wife Sheree – which enabled him to produce 2 dishes: Fish & Chips and a “mean chicken curry”. On his first day the five celebrities pulled back the cover to reveal the ingredients they had to work with – and more importantly, produce a signature dish in an hour. Out of the mélange of items Syd admitted that he actually only really recognized two – a potato and piece of cod… so it was obvious what was on the menu, fish & chips! Thankfully they were a hit with judges John Torode and Greg Wallace, who complemented him on his crispy chips and succulent cod.
The next task entailed being sent off to work in a professional kitchen and so Syd and fellow contestant Sam Dixon were dispatched in a taxi to Covent Garden, where he was met by celebrity chef Aldo Zilli at his Italian restaurant Cicchetti. The pair arrived at 10:30am and as they entered the kitchen 7 professional chefs were there waiting – “very unnerving being watched” Syd admitted.
He was given the choice of whether he wanted the starter or main – and so thinking that the starter would be by far the easier went for that… big mistake. It turned out to be an incredibly complicated seafood stew, which had to be prepared individually. He managed 16 covers in the two hour lunch period to varying degrees. At the peak of service Aldo asked Syd if he needed a drink as he looked rather hot, to which Syd replied “glass of red wine would be nice”. Needless to say he didn’t get it – but afterwards they did all sit down and enjoy an entire bottle. They also got to cook for 100 staff at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Association and it was the day that a total eclipse of the sun took place, plunging them into darkness whilst filming.
By profession Syd was a painter & decorator and knew Eddie throughout his teens. Back in the day he told me that the local pubs use to have a ‘free and easy’ night’, where anyone could get up onto the stage to perform. Syd use to play his guitar and Eddie would join him, and did a “mean Cliff Richard impression”. They gigged around like that for 3 years, working during the day and performing at night until the late Bernard Manning gave them their first paid full time job at the Embassy Club in Manchester… which was £50 a week!
In 1971 they got the chance to go on Opportunity Knocks, hosted by Hughie Green – and won leading to many job opportunities. In 1976 they did a pilot for what turned out to be the hugely popular ‘Little & Large Show” and by coincidence, replaced the highly coveted 6:45pm Opportunity Knocks slot. The first series had viewing figures of 18 million then in 1977 they were offered a 3 year contract with the BBC – which turned into 14. The show was axed in 1991 but Syd continued a solo career, working on many cruise ships and also in panto. He still fondly remembers his first – he played the Emperor of China in Aladdin. Now at the tender age of 73 he is taking it a little easier but still enjoys performing. He is a lifelong blues fan having grown up in Manchester (born in Blackpool) and now living in Fleetwood has a soft spot for Jamie Vardy who was signed from Fleetwood Town to Leicester City. He told me that if City can’t win the Premier then he hopes that Leicester do!
Syd will be at the Lifestyle Show on both days, pairing up to cook a treat with Dani Bowler – also a Masterchef contestant, who now runs a thriving restaurant in Albir – Vintage Café, pictured here with Director Gina Marks, organiser of the 2 day show. The pair will have a half hour cookery slot after which Syd will be giving a celebrity chat – Friday 2:30pm until 3:30pm and Saturday at 1:00pm until 2:00pm.
Mark Stacey - antique expert from BBC's bargain Hunt and Flog It! will also be at the show and you can bring your trinkets to be valued free of charge - maybe you'll find yourself in for a nice surprise! For full program of events go to www.gmpromotions.es
