On 11/12/12 it was announced that Sir Ian McKellen has been battling prostate cancer for more than 5 years.

Alex Belfield presents an Exclusive 40 minute interview with one of the worlds greatest actors:

Sir Ian was born in Burnley and brought up in Wigan. His northern roots have not only given him a distinctive accent but a wonderful sense of irony and humour & brilliant comic timing – so rare for a ‘straight’ actor of his calibre.

In this interview you get a rare insight into the struggles of Sir Ian who is undoubtedly one of the most talented, highly regarded and versatile actors in the business.

Sir Ian discusses his acting process, childhood, ‘coming out’, battle with prejudice & international success.

His work has spanned genres from Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction. He is known for film roles such as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as Magneto in the X-Men films, and as Sir Leigh Teabing in The Da Vinci Code.

Enjoy this Exclusive interview recorded 2006.

Here’s Graham’s Exclusive 35 minute interview in full talking about his remarkable life and career and what it is like being the BBC’s highest paid & most popular start….

Search Norton for Belfield’s other interview with Graham in the top right hand corner.

Jason Donovan takes the lead in this excessively camp, outrageous and hysterical musical.

It features most camp classics including Colour My World, Girls Just Wana Have Fun, Finally, I Will Survive & Go West. The costumes are almost as breathtaking as the characters themselves!

This show is the most spectacular show currently touring. It’s the epitome of a feel good show. A seriously fun night out.

Jason is doing most venues and Alex went to meet him to talk about his remarkable life and career. He’s survived 30 years in the business after shooting to fame on Neighbours. He’s dates Kylie, topped the charts and even Starred at the London Palladium. Now he’s wearing a frock 8 times a week.

Find out how Jason is enjoying high heels…..

This was a mammoth 17 day Showbiz binge involving 40+ shows, 20+ casinos, 5+ hotels & bedrooms and over 20 restaurants.

So, with so many choices in the Entertainment capital of the world, how do you possibly decide what to do and where to eat & stay?

Hopefully this will give you some ideas! Here’s Belfield’s Best of 2013…..

1) Best Headliner 2013

Belfield was blown away by Frankie Moreno @ Stratosphere. He’s truly phenomenal! A remarkable pianist, incredible singer, impressive songwriter and huge stage personality.

Belfield says, “This is true Vegas! One incredible talent with an awesome band captivating an audience for 90 minutes! Genius!”

2) Best Magician & Magic Show 2013

Criss Angel might be controversial, occasionally shocking but you cannot knock his international success. He has the most hits of any magician on YouTube and he’s created a show that has made magic cool again.

Criss takes magic to another level with incredible speed and precision. You will be amazed, entertained, made to laugh and moved by his hugely impressive show.

According to Belfield; “Criss Angel has the most spectacular, cleverly produced and most entertaining magic show in the world!”

Enjoy the brilliant ‘Believe’ by Cirque Du Soleil @ Luxor starring Criss Angel…..

3) Best Place To Stay 2013

This year Alex decided to try something new and different. He’s stayed in all of the major hotels on the strip so he tried two different type of hospitality.

Alex loved the rooms & atmosphere @ The Cosmopolitan. It’s very cool, amazing views and there is incredible spirit within the property. It also has some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas including ‘Jaleo’ which serves incredible Spanish tapas.

However, Belfield’s favourite place to stay in 2013 was the Tahiti Village just minutes from both the main Casino’s Mid-Strip as well as seconds from the airport on Las Vegas Boulevard.

It’s a little oasis of sanity and calm with amazing pools, incredible apartments and very easy access and parking (which is so rare in Las Vegas). These apartments have fully fitted kitchens. To be able to cook & do laundry and get to your car within seconds is so rare! Tahiti Village is about 5 minutes south of Mandalay Bay so you may want to hire a rental car although there is a regular shuttle service.

Belfield says “5* hospitality & rooms – I LOVED IT!”

4) Best Lunch 2013

Belfield cannot decide whether Mon Ami Gabi @ Paris is still the best place for lunch in Las Vegas. It’s a glorious restaurant with the most spectacular views of the Bellagio fountains and wonderful French cuisine. You have to visit! It’s one of the only restaurants with outdoor seating on the entire Strip.

However, this year Alex’s give the Lunch Crown to Joe’s Prime Steak, Seafood and Stone Crab‘ @ Ceasar’s Forum Shops. The entire dining experience is the joy from start to finish with incredible servce. They seriously have some of the best seafood in the world….

Alex says “I’ve never tasted seafood like it. The Stone Crab is a sensation!”

5) Best Production Show in Vegas (& The World)

You cannot begin to describe KA @ MGM Grand. It’s beyond any scale you’ve ever seen. Belfield says “It’s epic, breathtaking, revolutionary, totally unique and the most impressive show I’ve ever seen anywhere in the world!”

Basically if you don’t see KA when visiting Las Vegas you’re a dummy!!!

6) Best Crazy Thing To Do In Vegas

It’s never been more controversial but the ‘Guns and Ammo Garage’ in Las Vegas is somewhere everyone should go and visit if you have a strong opinion about guns.

The Guns & Ammo Garage allow customers to shoot an array of guns in a highly safe and secure environment. It is a remarkable place to visit to get a unique insight what it is lie to fire a weapon. They’ll even pick you up from your hotel!

Alex says “Until you’ve held an AK and fired 100 rounds you cannot appreciate how powerful these guns are! I did it once, for the first time, and I will never hold a gun again. I’m glad I did it though, it’s definitely made me realise just how scary these weapons are. It’s exciting and totally terrifying!”

7) Best Adult Show 2013

This one if a tricky one. Belfield love the comedy of Absinthe @ Caesars. It’s located in a Spiegeltent and is a ton of shocking fun!

However,  you cannot go wrong with Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘sensual side’ @ Zumanity in New York New York. “It’s rude, sexual, fun, funny, risque, hysterical, sexy and definitely one of the funniest outrageous shows in Sin City”.

It’s not sleazy and for the guys – it’s unique, beutifully produced and very moving in places. Women love this show as it’s sexy and has a sense of humour. Perfect for couples but DO NOT take your parents! If you’re easily offended – STAY AWAY.

8a) Best Italian Restaurant 2013

Belfield LOVED The Palm at Caesars Palace. If you love Italian food you’ll love this restaurant.

Alex says “Even the bread is impressive, the food off the scale and totally authentic. The service is totally authentic!”

9) Best Daytime Show

Nathan Burton at the Saxe Theatre at Planet Hollywood has the perfect 4pm daytime show.

Nathan is a warm & funny magician who cool illusions who shot to fame on America’s Got Talent. He has some incredibly unique acts on his show who work together to offer a brilliant 70 minutes of entertainment.

Alex says “It’s everything you hope for in a Vegas show – Amazing talent, great comedy and unique performances by acts who have dedicated their lives to master their art!”

10) Best Restaurant 2013

This a tough one! There are so many great restaurants in Las Vegas. Joel Robuchon @ MGM Grand has to be probably the best restaurant in the world but who can afford to eat there?

Then there’s the Eiffel Tower Restaurants which has the best views, atmosphere and dining experience in the world. You HAVE TO GO! Seeing the Bellagio fountains during you meal is so beautiful and makes for an amazing fine dining experience. Most romantic venue in Las Vegas.

However, this year ‘Best Restaurant 2013′ goes to Fiamma at MGM Grand.

Belfield says “Chef Paolo has some of the best flavours I’ve ever tasted! Fun, exciting, innovative & totally delicious!”

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What do you think? Let Belfield know @ alex@alexbelfield.co.uk

So there you go. It’s only Belfield’s opinion but after 15 years in entertainment they’re his recommendations to get the best out of your time in Las Vegas!

Finally, a few free tips if you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time:

1) Make sure you go for a cocktail at the top of the Mandarin Hotel @ City Centre. It offers a breathtaking view of the Strip and it is a beautiful room.

2) Take a trip to the Grand Canyon! Seriously, if you travel to Las Vegas you have to see the magnificence, beauty and overwhelming magnitude of one of the 7 wonders of the world.

It’s life changing. www.papillon.com have some of the best tours and the most efficient service I’ve ever experienced anywhere in the world! They pick you up from your hotel and will fly you out either by helicopter or plane. I recommend the helicopter, it’s the coolest thing EVER!

3) Best salad was at Ri Ra @ Mandalay Bay by far. Their signature salad was beautifully chopped, incredibly fresh and full of flavour. Best by far!!!

Thank you for reading my review and I sincerely hope you have as much fun in Las Vegas as I did!

Alexxx

Checkout all of Alex’s Exclusive reviews and interviews by typing the guests name in the top right hand corner for full articles.

All reviews / interviews recorded Jan 2013 in Las Vegas.

Alex Belfield met up with Lord Sugar for a rare, in-depth and Exclusive 25 minute interview about his remarkable life and career with one of the most powerful men in British business.

With Alan you have to get off to a good start. He’s gone from Sir Alan Sugar to Lord Sugar….but did Belfield remember?

Enjoy an Exclusive 2 part interview…..

Part 1:

Part 2:

Hope you enjoyed this Exclusive interview!

Recorded 2011

The former ‘This Morning’ presenter & Strictly Come Dancing Star talks to Alex about her life, career & struggle with weight and depression.

Hear a rare, in-depth and exclusive two part 30 minute interview the Queen of ITV. Truly a rare insight into the life of one of the nicest and most talked about British Stars…..

Part 1:

Part 2:

Find Fern’s new book ‘The Holiday Home’ @ Amazon.

ABBA took the world by storm with hits including ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Thankyou for the music’, ‘Money Money Money’, ‘Winner Takes It All’ & ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’.

Alex Belfield went to the homes of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus in Sweden to talk to the musical genius’ behind ABBA biggest hits. Benny & Bjorn were incredibly revealing about their working relationship, music, lives and career.

Here’s Benny:

Here’s Bjorn:

The most recent Radio Fail came care of the glorious Paula White @ BBC Radio Stoke who celebrated her last daytime show in style with a pre-1pm show drinkypoos & knees up.

She managed 35 minutes of divine ‘merriness’ before BBC Security removed her from the microphone. This radio genius even made it on to BBC1′s premier topical quiz show ‘Have I Got News For You’.

Christ knows how she got past 27 BBC senior managers to the BBC airwaves, nevertheless, her antics make delicious BBC Local Radio history and marvellous tittle-tattle at the next Editors conference!

Now enjoy some more BBC Local Radio genius…

1) If you’re depressed call in and listen to BBC Tees……

2) Bernie Keith @ BBC Northampton on BBC tax avoidance scheme….

3) Caroline (Midday) BBC WM Minge (say no more)……

4) Garage Door Erection….

5) “Isaac Hunt” – Who’s a…..?

6) BBC Radio Leicester – “Connie Lingus” requests ‘meat and two veg’……

7)  BBC = Big Beef Curtains….

BBC Radio Sheffield ‘Mic issues’ / Football profanity on ‘Praise Or Grumble’……

9) Another Bernie Keith Mincy Rant @ BBC Radio Northampton – “Punch the BBC bosses”….

10) BBC Radio Leeds Happiness – “Vagina removed”….

11) Travel ‘Fuck-up’….

12) Whoopsy – Jimmy Savile fail……

13) BBC Kent – Same old shit….

14) Drink seamen under the table….

15) Liz Green wants to know if Barry Cryer is an alcoholic….

16) Kaye Adams – Am I On The Air?….

17) Dopy caller who is hard of thinking @ BBC Sheffield….

18) BBC Local News / Weather fail…..

And finally – BBC Local Genius care of Bernie Keith @ BBC Radio Northampton. Obviously the dopy BBC Local Radio bosses HATED this smut ridden clip – the audience of course loved it…

“Computers give me access to unlimited porn. I have a dirty laptop, I went to the learning centre and all of these
concubines were there….not one of them over 25, and all looking down at me. I said it’s easier teaching my grandma pole dancing than you teaching me how to use a computer”.

Oh dear.

Stuart was the 83 year old Star of the BBC’s ‘It’s A Knockout’ who has fallen from grace after admitting sexually assaulting 13 girls.

Alex says “when I did this interview it seemed fun, now it is mortifying how creepy it sounds. How was I to know?”

Have a listen and see what you think….

This Grade 2 listed building with its vaulted dining area adds atmosphere to the overall dining experience.

Iberico cuisine is far more sophisticated than the average Tapas you would be served in Europe. It fuses modern tapas with fine dining gastronomy.

Iberico has had a remarkable reception in Nottingham since opening and is now included in the Michelin Guide.

This restaurant offers fine dining tapas in a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. Iberico takes advantage of the incredible history of its surroundings and offers beautifully presented food.

You cannot fail to be impressed by the presentation and the flavour of many of the dishes. You certainly cannot beat the quality of this Tapas style of cuisine in the Midlands.

To begin the Catalan Bread is simply superb – fresh, flavoursome and delicious.

I insist you try the Jamon Iberico - the best ham in the world! Add some ‘Mistress’ cheese to the order and you have the most perfect Tapas starter in the world – ever. In fact you could easily make this a meal in itself.

Next, you cannot visit Iberico without sampling some of their fresh fish.

I cannot recommend the Gambas highly enough (nicest prawns I’ve ever tasted in the UK) and the Pan Fried Scallop which comes with a Butternut, Orange and Chorizo Jam. Divine flavours….

There are some tremendous main dishes that I would love to recommend.

The Crispy Belly Pork really was special with Rhubard & Tenderstem Broccoli. Perfectly cooked with moist, tender meat and crisp crackling.

You’ll love the asparagus (seasonal) & Goats Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers as an accompaniment.

Finally enjoy a dessert to finish the meal (if you have room).

I very much enjoyed the ‘Taste Of Something Sweet” dessert which offers a selection of Chefs 5 favourite Spanish themed puddings…..

Iberico is without question in the top 5 restaurants in Nottingham and definitely shines as the leading Tapas eatery in the County.

If you want a treat in a lovely atmosphere with impressive food, visit Iberico World Tapas.

Review 2013