Will put me at ease immediately after the lovely greeting. I got off the chair and he complained that it was unfair that I should have had to stand on it in front of everyone. He was so friendly that we just started chatting quite easily straight away. It was a weird situation to be in because we were just talking normally and around us everyone was starring and the photographers were taking pictures and the ITV camera man was wanting certain shots. It is only after speaking to my friends and seeing the cameras in pictures that I have realised that they were in our faces the whole time. I was obviously totally oblivious to it all, so that "I only have eyes for you" saying bears a very real truth. Guy Harris told the year group how I had asked to 'stare into the face of the gorgeous Will Young', so we gazed at eachother for a few moments to directly grant my wish, promptly followed by a round of applause. Below is a picture of us chatting, and I think at the time he was explaining that one of our school teachers had told him off for arriving late and hitting the school dead on break time - not part of the plan. Typically amusing Will - acting like a naughty school boy.
We continued talking, mostly me actually, explaining what the assembly was all about and discovering how much each of us knew about what we were meant to be doing and how we could chat properly - both agreeing that meeting in front of camera's and a school full of children was a bit mad. Will went around saying hello to my year group, and it wasn't long before the lower school had invaded the hall, clamouring for his attention. Of course, this was to be expected and if I had been in their position I am sure I would have done the same thing. Will was very willing to oblige, and generously hugged and greeted everyone he could. Naturally, the Pop Idol film crew were slightly worried about the crowd and felt that it was best to usher Will away from them all, so after a bit more filming, he departed from the school. For a brief moment I feared that I would never have a chance to say goodbye. But, I too was beckoned into a car (with journalists from my local paper) and driven up the road to meet Will again, away from all the commotion.
Will was standing by the road, in his coat and a green hat, and I confidently greeted him again now he seemed so familiar. I had dashed out of school without a coat, my things or even a thought and it was quite cold. Will immediately offered his coat to me, concerned that I would be cold. I am quite sure that there was so much adrenaline inside me that I wouldn't feel a chill, but after a polite refusal, I accepted the offer. The next picture shows Will displaying that gentlemanly gesture.
Mostly we talked about normal things, and he is just an exceptionally nice, talented, normal guy. At least that is the impression I received from my time with him. Looking back it seems funny that I asked so little about his Pop Idol experience, but at the time I felt that I knew all that so we talked about subjects. He took English and History at A-Level like I am at the moment, so we discussed that. I also take Theatre Studies which led to a conversation about acting and drama school. Intermittent to this, the paper was taking the odd photo... I look horrible in this one, and infact I don't look great in most of them, but modesty aside, here they are.
So, my special moment came to an end. I had deeply enjoyed talking to him and he had exceeded all expectations. He comes across as nice on television, but in real life he is even nicer. He apologised for not being prepared to meet me and offered me his hat as a present. Initially I was reluctant to take it as I was already wearing his coat and he was going to feel cold himself, but eventually I accepted his hat as a gift. It will be my lucky item forever and ever (Will has his lucky trousers, lucky pants and so forth) and I have my hat. We parted ways, wishing eachother all the best. I have relished watching his rise to the top since I met him - winning the show, getting a record-breaking number one, and performing at Wembley Arena. It couldn't happen to a nicer bloke! And on that finishing note I must conclude with my favourite picture....
