Jennie Carr finds out more
I strongly suspect this man should be a national treasure – funny and warm, more than a tad larger than life and bursting with bonhomie, Britain’s favourite pantomime dame and winner of I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here 2007. He’s also chairman of Stage for Age, a group of show business personalities who support Age UK. That gets him an extra tick in my book.
Christopher is a passionate traveller, he tells me it’s a trait of Sagittarians, his star sign. We rattled through his childhood: mother, father and young Chris headed for the south coast, Bournemouth and Mudeford, for traditional beach holidays. Then came the trip to Butlins at Bognor Regis, needless to say he loved it, popped on Mum’s swimming costume and heels as ‘Miss Bognor’, winning first prize in the fancy dress competition. An early hint to later life pursuits perhaps!
More recently, Christopher visited Vietnam and Cambodia with Riviera Travel. He found it an incredible journey, particularly the seven day cruise along the Mekong, with a somewhat surprising four poster bed and glorious balcony being added highlights. He adores India, and just this year explored Jaipur and Udaipur for the first time, which he pronounced stunning. He knows Kolkata through work with the Hope Foundation, which cares for street children.
As for cruising, well, he’s cutting his teeth this year on a Baltic cruise, giving a talk to the guests too, which, I hazard a guess, will be totally ab fab. He’s known for his sociability and certainly likes to chat to other passengers. No cabin recluse Mr Biggins! He made a passing reference to a trip round the Med on Cameron Mackintosh’s yacht. Variety certainly makes the world go round.
Las Vegas he thoroughly enjoys and has visited with old pal, Barbara Windsor. The mind boggles at the pair of them taking the place by storm, oh to have been a fly on the wall: laughter and high jinks all the way no doubt. Christopher recommends it for a long weekend of escapist fantasy every year, along with a trip to Venice as a total contrast.
On the wish list is Bora Bora in French Polynesia, it’s a romantic notion he admits and linked to the film South Pacific, one of his favourites. Another country waiting to be discovered is Japan, where he knows he’ll be a giant, possibly in more ways than one! Height, flamboyance and charm for sure.
I think a trip to almost anywhere with Christopher Biggins would be a real treat, and given his prowess in even the trickiest of jungle situations, you’d be in safe, jolly and very friendly company.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Riviera Travel – Escorted Tours.
