Simon Gross – AKA MR SHOWBIZ is set to release a Christmas charity single “Showbiz Christmas”, a song about the very best of Christmas – a real earworm, sold to raise money for Age UK.
Taking us back to a time when cheesy catchy pop was in the charts all year round “Showbiz Christmas” is evocative of the novelty party hits of Black Lace, the knowing wink high-camp of Right Said Fred with a children’s presenter style nod to Slade. All combining to make one of the catchiest Christmas songs you’ve heard in years.
Simon says “There’s something about Christmas that makes people incredibly fond of a corny, catchy tune!
I wanted Mr Showbiz to embrace the chance to take Christmas songs back to the style of their heyday; “Showbiz Christmas” is camper than Christmas it really does put the mince in mince pie and the crack in cracker with a song and performance that’s more fruity than auntie’s Christmas cake! And of course, on a more serious note I am raising money for Age UK, a charity that is very close to my heart”
Having spent a lifetime in the world of entertainment, Simon Gross is best known for his 2015 stint on Big Brother. Entering the house on Day 1, he devastatingly opened what turned out to be an “Eviction Timebomb” meaning he immediately became the first person to be evicted – not two hours after he had first arrived. Emotional turmoil notwithstanding he was then asked to return on Day 18 and charmed the viewers at home, survive numerous public votes, eventually leaving the house for a second time on Day 46. Introducing himself at the start of Big Brother, Simon referred to himself as “Mr Showbiz” and there and then, a whole character, complete with catchphrase (just the word “SHOWBIZ!!”) and glittering gold suit, came into being.
Since his time in the house, outside of a memorable X Factor audition Simon has spent much of his time as a presenter, interviewing numerous celebrities and working the Red Carpet for the National Television Awards chatting to favorites including Anna Richardson, Joey Essex ,Coleen Nolan, Natasha Hamilton, Alex Reid, Kieran Hayler, Lady Colin Campbell, Danielle Lloyd and Stephanie Davies.
What’s more, Simon who has long supported Care Homes – from a Saturday job at 13 working as a care assistant, to the production company he runs today, which amongst more traditional theatre productions, also provides entertainment especially for the elderly – will be taking his show on the road, and touring care homes in the south East of England, vising residents in Surrey, Kent and London, and aiming to bring a bit of Showbiz Christmas cheer to people who have had to endure the very worst of lockdown isolation. All performed in an entirely socially distanced setting of course.
Simon has earned his Mr Showbiz credentials, having starred several West End productions, numerous pantomimes with many television credits to his name, including “On the Road with Maureen Rees” (BBC) Noel’s House Party (BBC), “What the Butler Saw” (C4) Hell’s Kitchen (ITV), The Big Narstie Show (C4), Judge Rinder Text Santa Special (ITV) and Up Late With Rylan (C5) – so now he invites you to enjoy a truly “Showbiz Christmas” with a song as catchy as it is cheesy – as all the best Christmas songs are.
