Sunday, July 31, 2016

PRESS UPDATE : ISLAND HOLIDAY HOME .. STARS ON THE ILE DE RE .. JULY 29TH 2016 ..

islandholidayhome

Renting a house on France's Ile de Ré

Stars on the Ile de Ré.. 



Ask anyone French about celebrities linked to the Ile de Ré  and usually Charles Aznavour is the first name to be mentioned.  He immortalised one of the island’s many beaches in the song Trousse Chemise.  This year Joan Collins has been added to the list thanks to the filming of her latest movie, The Time of Their Lives. 

Joan has apparantly escaped her retirement home in the UK to say goodbye to an old flame at his funeral on the island.  They spent several days filming down the road from our house in St Martin de Ré.  The church being used for the funeral while the old 2cv was driven the wrong way up the quayside to get a more exciting hotel arrival on camera.

W tching the film crew at work was a holiday bonus for many. Sometimes it wasn’t always clear how much was going on.  It turned out the hotel arrival scene was being filmed from  across the water.  You can just make the camera out in this shot, to the right of the yacht’s mast.  The crowd may be able to spot the backs of their heads in the finished film when it comes out.

Alongside Joan Collins, we saw Pauline Collins and Ronald Pickup.  Sir Tim Rice is involved, working on the music.  Dame Joan has described The Time of Their Lives as Thelma and Louise mixed with a bit of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Other Ile de Ré set films include Les Maris, les Femmes, les Amants back in the 1980’s.  More recently came Alceste à Bicyclette released in the UK as Cycling with Moliere. 

Saturday, July 30, 2016

PHOTO UPDATE : IT'S TIME FOR A SHOOTING IN THE PARISH!

Michael Brandon takes centre stage in this shot taken as he accompanied by Joan's assistants Lara and Courtney along with Percy as they head out on location to shoot the funeral scene for 'The Time Of Their Lives' in the Village of Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire.
The St Lawrence Church where the funeral scenes are shot..

Thursday, July 28, 2016

PROMO UPDATE : TIMELESS BEAUTY AT MARKS & SPENCER ....



Check out this sensational video featuring Joan promoting her
bestselling 'Timeless Beauty' range at Marks & Spencer...
Check out TIMELESS BEAUTY at M&S UK Here!
Check out TIMELESS BEAUTY at M&S Ireland

PHOTO UPDATE : IT'S OUT TO LUNCH FOR THIS STAR TRIO!

This exclusive shot features Joan with co-stars Pauline Collins & Franco Nero shooting a picnic scene for the upcoming film 'The Time of Their Lives'..

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

RADIO UPDATE : LISTEN TO JOAN COLLINS - A LIFE IN LIPSTICK .. BBC PAYER..

The Telegraph Culture:
Radio 2 gave us a beguiling glimpse into the high life of Joan Collins 

Cheer yourself up even more with, as recommended below right, Joan Collins: a Life in Lipstick on Radio 2. Last week’s episode was a belter, racing between her childhood (first stage appearance, aged nine, as a boy in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House) through her days as a Rank studios starlet to her contract being sold (“like a pound of Brussels sprouts,” she said) to 20th Century Fox and Hollywood where “they made a star of one”.
She was just 20 and watched “mouth open in awe” at everything, Ava Gardner storming out on a beau, Joan noting for future use the drama Ava put into donning her mink stole. She learned from Bette Davis to be kind (as Bette wasn’t) to young actresses. She discovered, on The Road to Hong Kong, why the film crew hated Bing Crosby but loved Bob Hope.
She dated Robert Wagner until the night he introduced her to Anthony Newley and, said Wagner, “that was that”. She married Newley, had two daughters and, at 28, found herself “washed up”. Not our Joan, as you’ll discover tonight. These two shows move like lightning, tunes and quotes and scraps of dialogue popping up like non-stop slices of delicious toast. Economics, it ain’t. Life, it is.
Joan Collins - A Life In Lipstick
LISTEN NOW TO ''JOAN COLLINS - A LIFE IN LIPSTICK'' !!
Ep 2/2
Wednesday 27 July
10.00pm-11.00pm
BBC RADIO 2
Joan Collins gives a candid and witty account of her seven decade career in showbusiness, illustrated by a treasure trove of archive clips and music. She reflects on Hollywood, television, men, losing out on Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor, getting older and modern standards of beauty and glamour.
In part two, Joan recalls her return to acting in the 1970s. She vividly describes how she almost died whilst filming Empire Of The Ants and her two year battle to find a backer for The Stud - a film based on her sister Jackie’s raunchy novel and set in London’s Tramp nightclub. She celebrates the string of disco hits that featured on the soundtrack.
Joan talks about how her close friend, American TV producer Aaron Spelling, who invited her to play Cleopatra in his hit show Fantasy Island - a role she’d originally been offered by 20th Century Fox in the early ‘60s until she was replaced by friend and rival Elizabeth Taylor.
When it came to casting the role of Alexis Carrington in Dynasty, Spelling was adamant that Joan be given the part - despite the studio’s strong objections. Joan remembers how she prepared for the iconic ‘80s role: “I basically based my character a little bit on Donald Trump who I knew at the time, a feisty go-ahead businessman. I thought this will be good to use this as a basis for how my character is.”
Joan also describes the joys of spending time in St Tropez, which is the setting for her latest novel, St Tropez Lonely Hearts Club, as well as performing in panto with close friend Julian Clary, and becoming a real-life Dame in March 2015. With contributions from Sir Roger Moore, Stephanie Beacham, David Hasselhoff, Julian Clary and David Emanuel.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

RADIO ALERT : JOAN COLLINS - A LIFE IN LIPSTICK PART 2 .. BBC RADIO 2 .. WEDNESDAY JULY 27TH 2016 10:00PM

Wednesday 27 July
10.00pm-11.00pm
BBC RADIO 2
Joan Collins gives a candid and witty account of her seven decade career in showbusiness, illustrated by a treasure trove of archive clips and music. She reflects on Hollywood, television, men, losing out on Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor, getting older and modern standards of beauty and glamour.
In part two, Joan recalls her return to acting in the 1970s. She vividly describes how she almost died whilst filming Empire Of The Ants and her two year battle to find a backer for The Stud - a film based on her sister Jackie’s raunchy novel and set in London’s Tramp nightclub. She celebrates the string of disco hits that featured on the soundtrack.
Joan talks about how her close friend, American TV producer Aaron Spelling, who invited her to play Cleopatra in his hit show Fantasy Island - a role she’d originally been offered by 20th Century Fox in the early ‘60s until she was replaced by friend and rival Elizabeth Taylor.
When it came to casting the role of Alexis Carrington in Dynasty, Spelling was adamant that Joan be given the part - despite the studio’s strong objections. Joan remembers how she prepared for the iconic ‘80s role: “I basically based my character a little bit on Donald Trump who I knew at the time, a feisty go-ahead businessman. I thought this will be good to use this as a basis for how my character is.”
Joan also describes the joys of spending time in St Tropez, which is the setting for her latest novel, St Tropez Lonely Hearts Club, as well as performing in panto with close friend Julian Clary, and becoming a real-life Dame in March 2015. With contributions from Sir Roger Moore, Stephanie Beacham, David Hasselhoff, Julian Clary and David Emanuel.

ON THE COVER : SAGA MAGAZINE .. AUGUST 2016 ..

Joan features in the latest edition of Saga Magazine; here's her guide to looking fabulous:

"I learnt the art of make-up from the great Allan ‘Whitey’ Snyder. He used to enhance Marilyn Monroe’s eyes by putting a little touch of white powder in the centre of the eyelid above the lashes.


"I always apply powder to fix my foundation in place. At home, I use loose powder, but wherever I go I take my favourite Paparazzi powder-and-lipstick compact from my Timeless Beauty range with me, so I can make sure my skin always looks perfect.


"Before all big events and post-flights, I get a bowl of ice and cotton pads, cool the pads and place them on my eyes, then lie down for five minutes. It reduces puffiness and refreshes the eyes.


"I’ve saved my face by always wearing a hat in the sun. The rest of me is not as good as it should be, because I do go in the sun. I love getting a tan. It means I can wear off-the-shoulder things.


"The Hollywood star Claudette Colbert once said to me: ‘If you find a look that suits you, in your thirties or forties, then stick to it.’
I think it’s good advice."
Read Joan's interview in full in the magazine - subscribe today!

PROMO UPDATE : JOIN THIS SUMMERS HOTTEST CLUB!

Don't forget for the essential Summer Holiday read, pick up Joan's latest novel 'The St Tropez Lonely Heart's Club' which is now out in paperback .... Have you joined the hottest club around?
Order THE ST TROPEZ LONELY HEARTS CLUB USA EDITION HERE!!





Monday, July 25, 2016

PHOTO UPDATE : TIMELESS JOAN IS PURE GOLD!

Joan is a vision in gold in this shot taken during a shoot for Marks & Spencer who now stock Joan's highly successful beauty line 'Timeless Beauty'..
Check out TIMELESS BEAUTY at Marks & Spencer here!!

Sunday, July 24, 2016

PHOTO UPDATE : JOAN'S MORE THAN CO-OPERATIVE WHEN IT COMES TO FILMING!

This super shot features Joan in character as Helen with director Roger Goldby ready to shoot a scene at the Co-op in Watford!

Friday, July 22, 2016

PRESS UPDATE : WATFORD OBSERVER .. JULY 22ND 2016

Joan Collins films in the Co-Op!

Exclusive shot of Joan at the Co-op!

Hollywood came to Hertfordshire today when an A-list actress came to town.
Joan Collins, best known for her role in American soap opera Dynasty, was filming in Leavesden.
The  English actress was in costume and carrying a walking stick filming in the Co-operative store, in Abbotswood Park.
She is filming for The Time of Their Lives, her latest film, in which she escapes from a retirement home and goes on a road trip around the south of France.

PHOTO UPDATE : IN EVERYONES LIVES .. THERE IS ALWAYS TIME FOR A BREAK!

This super shot features Joan taking a well earned coffee break
whilst shooting her latest film 'The Time Of Their Lives' with her
assistants the lovely Lara & Courtney..

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

RADIO UPDATE : LISTEN TO "JOAN COLLINS - A LIFE IN LIPSTICK PART 1 .. BBC2 PLAYER..

Dame Joan Collins gives a candid, wonderfully witty account of her seven decade career in show business, illustrated by a treasure trove of archive clips and music. With unapologetic frankness, she reflects onHollywood, on television, on men, losing out on Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor, getting older and modern standards of beauty and glamour. With contributions from Sir Roger Moore, Stephanie Beacham, David Hasselhoff, Julian Clary, David Emanuel, Ellis Cashmore and Jo Botting.
Joan recalls growing up in a showbiz family - her two aunts worked on the stage whilst her father Joe was an agent to the stars. Whilst still a teenager studying at RADA, Joan was offered a contract by The Rank Organisation. Dubbed the "coffee bar jezebel" by the British press owing to her sultry looks and bad girl roles, Joan reflects on playing a jail bird in the 1953 film Turn The Key Softly.
Spotted by 20th Century Fox, Joan moved to Hollywood at a time when studios controlled their stars with an iron grip. Joan describes how she rebelled by moving in with a young Warren Beatty "He wasn't that beautiful - he had spots".
And then there was Bette Davis: "Bette Davis was the first person I worked with in Hollywood - the first major star. She was even more terrifying than I expected." But roles followed opposite a cluster of Hollywood's leading men including Paul Newman, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.
Joan speaks candidly about her marriage to Anthony Newley and how the demise of their relationship was immortalised in one of Newley's songs. "I did this film Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness, we have this song Chalk and Cheese which meant we were like Chalk and Cheese and it was never going to work. And that was the end of our marriage.".

PRESS UPDATE : PERFECT WEDDING MAGAZINE .. AUGUST 2016 ..


Mother of the bride beauty tips by Joan Collins ..

Dame Joan Collins reveals her top Makeup Tips!
by Clemmie Millbank
It's not just the bride who worries about her big day look! The mother of the bride's needs wedding day make-up too! Here, industry insider (and absolute legend) Joan Collins reveals her MUST READ beauty tips. Share it with your mum stat!

1. Foundation is key for achieving a flawless make-up look. The First Base Foundation evens out your complexion and gives a radiant, natural finish.
2. Keep a pressed powder handy!
Pop a small compact in your clutch bag – it’s perfect for keeping that troublesome T-zone shine-free all day long.
3. Lipstick is the queen of cosmetics
It gives you an aura of glamour. The Divine Lips Lipstick has a creamy texture that glides on beautifully and the pigmented colour makes a real impact.
4. De-puff your eyes the night before by soothing them with cotton pads that have been soaked in ice-cold water. After just five minutes your eyes will feel refreshed. I make sure I do this before all of my big events!
5. Perfume is the ultimate finishing touch for any woman. Spritz an amazing perfume right before you walk out the door to give you an instant confidence boost.
6. Don’t let age dictate what you wear 
If you want to rock a colour-pop eyeshadow or a pair of false lashes – do it!
7. Waterproof mascara is a must. It’s likely that you’ll be shedding a tear (or two) on the big day and the last thing you want is running make-up to ruin your look.
8. Find the perfect products for you. Once you find a cleanser, toner and moisturiser that works for your skin type, make sure you stick to a strict daily routine.
9. Make the most of your beauty sleep by applying my Sleep Active Night Cream and Superlift Eye Serum before bed. They will fight fatigue and revive your skin while you sleep.
10. Polish off your look nicely with a beautiful nail colour. Whether it’s a subtle nude shade or a vibrant red, it’s surprising how much of a difference a lick of paint can make..

PHOTO UPDATE : TIMELESS JOAN GETS FULL MARKS!

This sensational shot taken by Brian Aris for launch of Joan's highly successful 'Timeless Beauty' range into M&S Stores nationwide in the UK and selected stores in Ireland.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

RADIO ALERT : JOAN COLLINS - MY LIFE IN LIPSTICK PART 1 .. WED JULY 20TH 2016 .. BBC RADIO 2 10:00PM.

Joan Collins - A Life In Lipstick

Ep 1/2
Wednesday 20 July
10.00pm-11.00pm
BBC RADIO 2
NEW
Joan Collins gives a candid and witty account of her seven-decade career in show business, illustrated by a treasure trove of archive clips and music. She reflects on Hollywood, television, men, getting older and modern standards of beauty and glamour.
In this first of two episodes, Joan recalls growing up in a showbiz family. Her two aunts worked on the stage whilst her father Joe was an agent to the stars. Consequently the family home was always full of singers and dancers, and it was here she first met Roger Moore after returning from school one day.
While studying at Rada as a teenager, Joan was offered a contract by film and entertainment company - the Rank Organisation. Dubbed the 'coffee bar jezebel' by the British press owing to her sultry looks and bad girl roles, Joan reflects on playing a jail bird in the 1953 film Turn The Key Softly.
Joan talks about being hired by 20th Century Fox at the age of 21 and moving to Hollywood. Bette Davis was the first major star she worked with, and roles followed opposite a cluster of Hollywood’s leading men including Paul Newman, James Mason, Richard Burton, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.
Joan also speaks candidly about her marriage to Anthony Newley. She describes glamorous married life in Beverly Hills and how the demise of their relationship was immortalised in one of Newley’s songs.
With contributions from Sir Roger Moore, Stephanie Beacham, David Hasselhoff, Julian Clary and David Emanuel.
Presenter/Joan Collins, Producer/Victoria Ferran for Just Radio Ltd

PHOTO UPDATE : IT'S THE PRIDE OF CAMDEN FOR JOAN!

This great shot features Joan with one of the performers from The Donkey Show at Pride Camden ...

Monday, July 18, 2016

PHOTO UPDATE : THE GIRLS FIND THE COMPANY FERRY GOOD!

It's a dash to make their ferry crossing as they escape from their retirement home on a coach aided by their fellow residents in this super shot of Joan and Pauline Collins from their latest film 'The Time Of Their Lives' now shooting.. Will they make it in time? Watch this space for more updates!
The gangs all here to cheer them off!

Sunday, July 17, 2016

PHOTO UPDATE : JOAN BRINGS A TOUCH OF GLITTER TO CAMDEN!

Joan back in London from locations on her latest movie around the UK and for further filming in the capital, spent the afternoon at an exciting new show at Proud Camden, 'The Donkey Show'.. Here is a great shot of Joan with the talented cast..

Saturday, July 16, 2016

PHOTO UPDATE : THIS PORT IS NOT SO DRY FOR THESE GALS!

Here are some super shots of Joan and Pauline shooting a scene at Portsmouth Port for their new film 'The Time Of Their Lives'.. Watch this space for more updates!

Friday, July 15, 2016

PRESS UPDATE : DAILY ECHO .. JULY 15TH 2016

Bournemouth Echo

Joan Collins spotted filming on Boscombe Pier

FILMING took place in Bournemouth on Thursday for a new road movie starring Dame Joan Collins.
Resident Paul Godier took a sneaky snap of the cast shooting on Boscombe Pier – Dame Joan’s co-star Pauline Collins can be spotted standing under an umbrella.
The ‘Thelma and Louise’ style drama, called The Time of Their Lives, sees former Hollywood siren Helen escape her London retirement home with the help of Priscilla (Pauline Collins), a repressed English housewife trapped in a bad marriage.
Together, and with limited resources, the two women travel to France for Helen’s ex-husband’s funeral.
While they’re on the road, however, they become entangled in a love triangle with a reclusive French millionaire played by the Italian actor Franco Nero.
Filming for the production started last week in France’s ÎIe de Ré, before the cast and crew headed back to the UK to shoot scenes in Portsmouth and Bournemouth.
They are expected to move onto various London locations this week
Paul said her first noticed the filming action after seeing around 30 crew vehicles.
“There were hordes of people on the pier who were either extras or just ogling. The crew were holding people back while they were doing a take but, otherwise, there was no closure of the pier. They were just getting on with it.
“Pauline Collins looked familiar, and she was walking along the pier towards a cameraman who was walking backwards with a Steadicam.
“A man held an umbrella above her to keep the bright light off of her.
“I heard they only booked the pier for today,” he added.
Gillian Tully is the director of the Dorset Film Office, which supplied around 50 Dorset and Hampshire-based extras for the film.
Gillian, who was on set on Thursday, said it was a “great crew”.
“It was a really good crowd of people, and we were all quite starstruck meeting Joan and Pauline Collins.
“Everyone really enjoyed the day – it was long, but good fun.”

RADIO ALERT : JOAN COLLINS .. MY LIFE IN LIPSTICK .. 1 & 2 ..JULY 20TH / 27TH 2016 .. 10.00PM BBC RADIO 2

Joan Collins - A Life In Lipstick

Ep 1/2
Wednesday 20 July
10.00pm-11.00pm
BBC RADIO 2
NEW
Joan Collins gives a candid and witty account of her seven-decade career in show business, illustrated by a treasure trove of archive clips and music. She reflects on Hollywood, television, men, getting older and modern standards of beauty and glamour.
In this first of two episodes, Joan recalls growing up in a showbiz family. Her two aunts worked on the stage whilst her father Joe was an agent to the stars. Consequently the family home was always full of singers and dancers, and it was here she first met Roger Moore after returning from school one day.
While studying at Rada as a teenager, Joan was offered a contract by film and entertainment company - the Rank Organisation. Dubbed the 'coffee bar jezebel' by the British press owing to her sultry looks and bad girl roles, Joan reflects on playing a jail bird in the 1953 film Turn The Key Softly.
Joan talks about being hired by 20th Century Fox at the age of 21 and moving to Hollywood. Bette Davis was the first major star she worked with, and roles followed opposite a cluster of Hollywood’s leading men including Paul Newman, James Mason, Richard Burton, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.
Joan also speaks candidly about her marriage to Anthony Newley. She describes glamorous married life in Beverly Hills and how the demise of their relationship was immortalised in one of Newley’s songs.
With contributions from Sir Roger Moore, Stephanie Beacham, David Hasselhoff, Julian Clary and David Emanuel.
Presenter/Joan Collins, Producer/Victoria Ferran for Just Radio Ltd
AF

Ep 2/2
Wednesday 27 July
10.00pm-11.00pm
BBC RADIO 2
Joan Collins gives a candid and witty account of her seven decade career in showbusiness, illustrated by a treasure trove of archive clips and music. She reflects on Hollywood, television, men, losing out on Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor, getting older and modern standards of beauty and glamour.
In part two, Joan recalls her return to acting in the 1970s. She vividly describes how she almost died whilst filming Empire Of The Ants and her two year battle to find a backer for The Stud - a film based on her sister Jackie’s raunchy novel and set in London’s Tramp nightclub. She celebrates the string of disco hits that featured on the soundtrack.
Joan talks about how her close friend, American TV producer Aaron Spelling, who invited her to play Cleopatra in his hit show Fantasy Island - a role she’d originally been offered by 20th Century Fox in the early ‘60s until she was replaced by friend and rival Elizabeth Taylor.
When it came to casting the role of Alexis Carrington in Dynasty, Spelling was adamant that Joan be given the part - despite the studio’s strong objections. Joan remembers how she prepared for the iconic ‘80s role: “I basically based my character a little bit on Donald Trump who I knew at the time, a feisty go-ahead businessman. I thought this will be good to use this as a basis for how my character is.”
Joan also describes the joys of spending time in St Tropez, which is the setting for her latest novel, St Tropez Lonely Hearts Club, as well as performing in panto with close friend Julian Clary, and becoming a real-life Dame in March 2015. With contributions from Sir Roger Moore, Stephanie Beacham, David Hasselhoff, Julian Clary and David Emanuel.
Presenter/Joan Collins

Thursday, July 14, 2016

PRESS UPDATE : ABOUT MY AREA .. STARS OF THE SILVER SCREEN IN SOUTHSEA .. JULY 12TH 2016 ..

Stars of the Silver Screen Spotted in Southsea

Published: 12th July 2016 20:15
 Joan Collins. Photo by UK News in PicturesA little bit of Hollywood came to Southsea today as Joan Collins was spotted filming for her latest movie.
She was joined by Pauline Collins of Shirley Valentine fame to film part of 'The Time of Their Lives', a Thelma and Louise style story about two women who develop a friendship when they go on a road trip together.
They were filming at the Queens Hotel ballroom which was out of bounds to guests. More filming took place at Southsea seafront where it is believed that a stunt double of  Pauline Collins jumped  into the sea to save a child as part of the film's plot.
Further filming took place at the Royal Marine Barracks.
As well as films, Joan Collins, also starred in the 80s American soap opera, Dynasty, as Alexis Carrington. 
The film is being directed by Roger Goldby who has Call the Midwife, Waterloo Road and The Durrells amongst his credentials.

Ms Collins said, "It's lovely being in Portsmouth. It's just a shame about the wretched weather."