Jeff Brazier didn’t think a life in showbiz would be a good move for son Bobby, 21, and 20-year-old Freddy but says he couldn’t be prouder of their progress in recent years
Dad-of-two Jeff Brazier says he advised his sons against going into the entertainment industry after seeing the damaging impact it can have.
The 45-year-old presenter has Bobby, 21, and 20-year-old Freddy with late Big Brother legend Jade Goody. Before his eldest started appearing on EastEnders, he had tried to stop him from seeking out a career in television because of his own experiences in the spotlight.
“I think people generally knew they were because of who their mum was and obviously, when they were growing up, I tried to advise them against going into the industry because I’ve seen both the good and not so good sides of it.” He told BANG Showbiz that it was “inevitable” that his eldest would go down such a route, and even though his youngest Freddy appeared with him on Celebrity Race Across the World earlier this year, doesn’t foresee him forging such a path.
He said: “With Bob, it felt like it was maybe something that was inevitable, just because all of a sudden he decided that that’s the direction he wanted to go in, and he’s done so well. So I don’t think anyone can argue that it isn’t but with Fred I think, I think it was less obvious.
“And in all honesty, I think that his experience on Race Across The World was really about getting a life experience under his belt, as opposed to starting a career. He’s got a wonderful job, and he works around lots of wonderful people who look after him and teaching him a lot.
“And so as a result, I wouldn’t say that Freddie is looking to carve out a career in television, but he’s definitely enjoyed dipping his toe into it.” After being cast as Freddie Slater in the BBC soap opera, Bobby went on to reach the final of Strictly Come Dancing but Jeff insisted that he hasn’t had anything to do with his son’s success despite his own long career in television.
He said: “Well, none of his parents were actors, so I don’t think anyone had a hand in teaching him or training and that NTA, I guess was all off his own back. No one on my side or in our family has any connections in the acting world. So he carved that for himself. I mean, if he hadn’t done what he’d done since then, I’d sort of say that people might have a point. But the truth is that he seemed very comfortable in that role and with ‘Strictly’ and anything else that he turns his hand to.”
Jeff was speaking to promote the PLAYXPERIENCE at Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort, their new venture that comes complete with a batting cage, laser tag, escape rooms and three different nine hole courses but Jeff is sure that the new facility will appeal to adults as well as children.
He said: “I know all the adults are going to absolutely love piling in here, especially if they got all the big screens and they can watch the game, and it’s just a really cool place to hang out and entertain yourselves and each other. But also, when you’ve got the families there, it’s really fun for all ages.”
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