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Chesney Hawkes Addresses Phillip Schofield ‘Joke’ After Years of Silence
Pop icon Chesney Hawkes has recently spoken out about a long-standing grievance, labeling former television personality Phillip Schofield a “b*****d” in response to a cutting quip made years ago at the singer’s expense. The 90s music sensation, known for his hit single “The One and Only,” has for years brushed aside mockery from critics who dismissed him as a one-hit wonder. However, as he prepares for a career resurgence with his first album in a decade and a stint on Celebrity Big Brother, Hawkes is now confronting the negative reactions he faced following his sudden rise to fame.
The 1991 Smash Hits Poll Winners’ Party Incident
A particular incident that remained with Hawkes occurred during the 1991 Smash Hits Poll Winners’ Party. During a televised sketch, Schofield participated in a skit where he pretended to push a mock version of Hawkes, complete with a blond wig and fake mole, into hell with a pitchfork, condemning him to eternal musical damnation. This public mockery took place at a time when Hawkes was still a teenager navigating the pressures of sudden fame.
Hawkes’ Interview Reveals Hurt Feelings
In a candid interview with the Mirror in November 2024, Hawkes revealed the impact of that moment, stating: “Phillip Schofield…b*****d.” Reflecting on the event, Hawkes explained, “I remember that moment as I was only a kid, I was 19. At first, Phillip was one of the first people who was genuinely nice to me. We did all the TV shows like Live and Kicking in those days and the Radio 1 roadshows. And suddenly, they turned against me.” The singer felt betrayed by the shift in Schofield’s demeanor, transitioning from supportive to openly mocking.
Navigating музыкальная индустрия and Criticism
Despite achieving phenomenal success with “The One and Only,” which topped the UK charts for five weeks in 1991, Hawkes soon found himself marginalized within the evolving British music landscape. As grunge and Britpop gained prominence, Hawkes’ pop sensibilities were deemed out of step with the prevailing trends. This shift made him an easy target for industry figures and critics who felt he no longer fit the contemporary music scene.
Piers Morgan and a Pint of Lager
Adding to the challenging early years, Piers Morgan also publicly criticized the young artist. This criticism reportedly led to a confrontation at the 1992 Ivor Novello Awards, where Hawkes’ father allegedly poured a pint of lager over Morgan in retaliation, highlighting the personal impact of the negativity surrounding Hawkes’ early career.
Reflecting on the Impact of Words
Looking back on these formative experiences in the music business, Hawkes stresses the importance of critics being mindful of the potential impact their words can have on young artists. He elaborated, “How does this happen? They were all old enough to know better. Those moments were genuinely difficult. I kind of had to dismiss it and think it was just water off a duck’s back, but it is not until later on that I thought it was proper sh*t and not acceptable.” Hawkes emphasizes the delayed realization of the severity and unprofessionalism of the treatment he received.
Career Resurgence and Celebrity Big Brother
Now, Hawkes appears to be having the last laugh on those who derided him. He is set to make his reality television debut on Celebrity Big Brother tonight, marking a significant public appearance. While initially evasive about his participation when questioned on BBC Breakfast, his presence in the celebrity lineup has now been officially confirmed, signaling a new chapter in his public life.
TV Insider Hints at Loose-lipped Revelations
Prior to the official announcement, a television insider suggested Hawkes’ casting, telling The Sun: “Chesney Hawkes is one of those unique British celebrities who transcends generational lines. Everyone recognises ‘The One and Only,’ even if younger audiences may not immediately know his name. Having spent decades in show business, CBB producers are hopeful he will candidly share anecdotes about celebrity encounters over the years, drawing parallels to Louis Walsh’s outspokenness last year.”
Phillip Schofield’s Departure from ITV
In 2023, Phillip Schofield resigned from his roles at ITV following revelations of an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague, a scandal that led to his public downfall and departure from television.