We hold our David so close

Aug 28 2007 by Gordon Barr, Evening Chronicle

THERE are fans and then there are mega-fans – and these two David Essex followers easily fall into the latter category.

Edith Dodds and Gill Moreton are set to see their idol an incredible 11 times when he performs in Aspects of Love at the Theatre Royal from later this week.

That is nothing unusual for the pair, though. They saw David perform in the hit musical Boogie Nights an incredible 50 times, caught every other show when he starred in the panto Robinson Crusoe, again at the Royal, and follow him the length and breadth of the country when he is on tour.

Now they hope to bag the huge posters currently advertising Aspects of Love on the facade of the theatre.

Edith, who won’t reveal her age but admits it is the same as David Essex (he is 60) and Gill, 43, met 16 years ago after the latter placed an advert looking for old David Essex records.

They have been firm friends ever since and have spent thousands of pounds following their idol. “We have been all over the country to see him and even plan our holidays around his shows and tours,” admitted Edith, of Sunderland. “When he does his tours we try to see about 25 to 30 shows each time.

“I wouldn’t like to hazard a guess at how much we have spent over the years, but it has all been worth it.”

The pair have booked the same seats for each performance of Aspects of Love – second row from the front , in the centre of the stalls. “We know nothing about the show, we’ve only done it because he’s in it,” said Gill, of Seaham.

Both have been fans of David for decades, with Edith first catching the entertainer when he appeared in Godspell in the early 70s.

They have met him on numerous occasions at stage doors around the country, and David, who has topped the charts with Gonna Make You A Star and Hold Me Close, now always recognises them.

“We are devoted fans. We’re not ashamed of it,” said Gill.

• Aspects of Love is at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, from Friday to September 15. Call 0870 905 5060 or see theatreroyal.co.uk