Impressed with Gyles Brandreth

I've always enjoyed reading his articles on poetry or whatever. I think it's true to say that he has self-confidence, wit, and an easy manner which are great gifts.

Forgive me, I can't remember the story in great detail, but he wrote/spoke a long time ago about his father asking for something (a shop-soiled Christmas tree?) and his confident attitude was, "if you don't ask, you don't get" which is something that my working-class family (very Alan Bennett) would have baulked at. To bring up your children with an example of that confident attitude is a great thing.

Gyles Brandreth and Sheila Hancock are an unlikely but extremely entertaining combination when on their canal barge trips.

I used to find Gyles very irritating, but don't know whether it is he or I who have mellowed, but I like him now.

Canadiangran - I have seen him on BBC 1, he may be on other channels as well. Nothing appears to be planned he just pops up every now and then.

Gyles Brandreth also appears on Celebrity Gogglebox.

I met him at a lunch event several years ago and thought he was great. Dh and I have always thought he would be one of the first to be our on our list of most entertaining guests to invite to dinner.

Lovely man, but a terrible taste in jumpers years ago!

I think he seems like a genuinely nice guy with a real sense of humour.

Wasn't he a close friend of Prince Philip, or have I imagined it? He possibly had lots of first-hand accounts of royal personalities and events from Philip.

He does seem to be a natural storyteller and loves a bit of gossip. Interesting accent, though... is it put on?

Not put on. He's actually said he's far less plummy than he was when younger!

I've always liked him and I totally agree with the OP. I had only said to DH how wonderful he is to listen to with regard to the Queen's passing, much better than many of the royal reporters, dare I say it!

I have only ever heard his voice, since I subscribe the the "Something Rhymes with Purple' podcast. He is very amusing, and it would be interesting to see him in action.

He does seem to be a natural storyteller and loves a bit of gossip. Interesting accent, though... is it put on?

What TV program or station was he on? I can try to 'google' him.

I always thought he was a nice chap, but hearing your stories of meeting him I was right, nice thoughtful, wise man.

I’ll bet he’s got some risqué anecdotes up his sleeve, I’d sign secrecy to hear them, he’s delightful.

I am secretly slightly in love with Gyles.

I think he would be a loyal best friend, and a fabulous night out mate.

I liked him on the narrow boat?

Interesting !
I’ve always thought he was a bit smarmy on TV - BUT - I’ll watch with a different approach now ?.

He was guest speaker at an awards ceremony DS attended and DS said he was excellent, extremely entertaining.

I met Gyles Brandreth at an awards ceremony a few years ago. Before that I wouldn't have crossed the road to see him. He circulated around the tables before dinner chatting to people, and then used what he had learnt to personalise all of the announcements he made during the awards. Some of the comments were funny if he thought the people could take a joke, if not he was deadly serious and talked about their successful businesses.

He's a man who is spectacularly good at his job, and now I enjoy listening to him.

Sorry, Gyles. ?

On the eve of the Queen's death, when every single channel was covering the event and presenters were struggling to think of anything fresh to say, one channel got Giles for a brief spell.

I remembering thinking how lucky they had been, because he is never lost for words. He could talk for England, as they say!
Unfortunately, he was only given a brief spot, but I'm sure he could have kept talking all night if he'd wanted to and been asked. It would have been both entertaining and informative, I'm sure.

I'm glad you started this thread Jaylou I agree. It's been a pleasure listening to him.

I like Gyles, met him at an event many years ago, pleasant and friendly. I’ve heard him described as a name dropper, but he is actually talking from experience.