An interview with Janice Nicholls, the schoolgirl who shot to fame in
the sixties as a panelist on the popular pop review programme Thank Your Lucky Stars.
John, George, husband Brian, Janice, Paul & Ringo
Digger: Can you explain how you got involved in Thank Your Lucky
Stars?
Janice: I went to the show as a member of the audience. Brian Matthew asked if any Kids
would like to audition for spin-a-disc - I did and was amazed when I had a telegram to
appear. Then I was asked to go back again and again eventually it lasted three years.
Brian said it must have been my posh accent (Ha Ha).
Digger: Can you describe how it felt to go from being an obscure
schoolgirl to a household name overnight?
Janice: Total shell shock. I couldn't understand all the fuss because
I didn't have any particular talent. People used to stop my mom and dad in the street and
say "your Janice must be worth a fortune now you should pack up work", when all
the time I was earning three guineas a week.
Digger: Which celebrities did you most enjoy meeting and why?
Janice: Jimmy Saville was great - he always made me feel at home. The
Beatles always stopped for a chat. I used to see them around the country when I was with
Brian and the band. Ketty Lester the American singer said I had nice ankles. Mark Wynter was
smashing - he consoled me after I had some nasty letters. Gene Pitney winked at me and
sent me into a flutter. All the Brummie groups. In fact there were only a couple not so
nice. Billy Fury was my favourite - he was so quite and shy.
Digger: Does it surprise you how many people still show an interest
in you and remember you with affection from those daysin the 60s?
Janice: It amazes me because it was such a long time ago, but I think
a lot of people relate to my working class background. When it all finished on the telly I
just carried on where I left off.
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Janice & Brian |
Digger: Why do you think there was such a buzz in Britain in the 60s?
Janice: I think it was all happening so fast - the music, fashion,
women's lib etc. It was such an exciting time.
Digger: Please tell us a bit about your and Brian's website and what
you are doing today.
Janice: The website started because so many people keep asking me to
write a book about my time on TYLS, and the sixties in general. I keep starting to write
and then forget it for a time but I am going to do it this year as Brian has got someone
interested. Today I work for a footwear & chiropody company in Wolverhampton as branch
manager, and occasionally do a radio phone-in programme on Radio WM with Chris Ashley and
Brian talking about the sixties around the Midlands. Brian is a builder and still plays
occasionally with some of his mates from the sixties.
Digger: Are you still living in the midlands and what changes have
you seen there in your life?
Janice: We have moved from Walsall in the Black Country and now live
in Hednesford on the beautiful Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. We have two great children
Paul Who is a Band Sergeant in the Royal Marines Band and lives in Portsmouth - he served
on the Royal Yacht Brittania for three years. Nicola Was an Air Stewardess for eight years
and is married to Tim and lives in Horsham, West Sussex. The Black Country is not what it
used to be. All the youth clubs have gone there are no dance halls and no industry which
was what it was famous for.
Digger: What were your biggest successes and biggest clangers
when predicting hits on T.Y.L.S?
Janice: I think I represented the kids as I was only sixteen
therefore most of the records I liked were a hit. I can't recall any clangers although I'm
sure there were some. Elvis would always get five whatever the song.
Digger: Can you name your favourite groups and albums of all time?
Janice: Billy Fury - Maybe Tomorrow, which I still play. Billy was
lovely. And Please Please Me by The Beatles.
Digger: What do you think of the Internet?
Janice: Don't
know too much about it. I leave that to my son Paul and Brian, but
it is fabulous. You could never find out so much information
without it, keeping track of what old friends are doing etc. Brian
recently contacted Bobby Graham & Big Jim Sullivan
thanks to your site - they both played on Brian and my records.
Digger: Why do you think nostalgia is such an important part of the
human condition?
Janice: Remembering when we were young and we would like to go back
and do it all again.
Digger: What ambitions do you and Brian have left to accomplish?
Janice: To grow old together with good health, and carry on being
happy, be grandparents, carry on meeting old friends and write a book, in that order of
priority. Thanks Digger and good luck with all you do.
Many thanks to Janice and husband Brian Meacham for the interview, their help
and kindness.
Please visit Janice and Brian's website here: http://members.lycos.co.uk/foive/
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