A year ago I rashly predicted that these ten people would all go to bigger and better things during 2013. So, was I right?
ALISTAIR GRIFFIN
Griffin is a singer/songwriter who was behind the Olympics Gamesmakers song ‘I Wish For You The World’ and the Formula 1 theme ‘Just Drive’. His latest album ‘Albion Sky’ is just brilliant and I predict great things for him in 2013.
VERDICT: Finally got airplay on Radio 2, great gigs and new songs. Correct!
OLLY MANN
Olly Mann is one half of the Answer Me This podcast, the other being Helen Zaltzman. He’s a broadcaster with an all round talent, with an ability to handle any subject that’s thrown at him. He’s now a colleague on LBC where he covers the overnight show. 2013 will be a very successful year for him.
VERDICT: Ten days ago LBC announced Olly is the new permanent host of London’s most listened to overnight show.
JESSICA LEE MP
Jessica Lee is Conservative MP for Erewash and PPS to the Attorney General, Dominic Grieve. She’s a regular on my LBC show and is a superb media former for the Tories, if only they recognised it. She walks that fine line between staying loyal but also saying something interesting. As an aside, she used to work for me in the Politico’s coffee shop before she trained as a barrister!
VERDICT: Upped her profile but wasn’t promoted in the reshuffle.
EDDIE MAIR
Is it rash to believe that Eddie Mair will be the new face of a revamped Newsnight? Not if there is any justice in this world. His cover slots towards the end of 2012 earned great plaudits from across the spectrum. But would it spell the end for Jeremy Paxman? My money is on Mr P heading to pastures anew in 2013 leaving the way open for Eddie Mair to make the show his own.
VERDICT: A steady year, but also a standstill one. I was a year too early.
JAMES WHARTON
James Wharton was the first soldier to adorn the front cover of Attitude Magazine. In June I am publishing his autobiography Out in the Army. My prediction is that the media will fall in love with him and his story and he will become quite a star in 2013.
VERDICT: The book did indeed do well, and the media loved him.
JANE COLLINS
Never heard of Jane Collins? She was UKIP’s candidate in Rotherham and impressed all. As UKIP seek new national faces to take the weight off Nigel Farage, expect to see Ms Collins on our TV screens a lot in 2013. Part of UKIP’s test for success in 2013 is whether they can garner together a group of spokespeople who can all become well know names.
VERDICT: Never heard of her again, which is probably more down to Nigel Farage’s lack of willingness to let anyone take his limelight!
ROB HALL
West Ham’s next big thing. A prolific young striker, currently out on loan to Birmingham, Rob Hall has been tipped for huge success ever since he broke into the youth team at the age of 15. Will he make the grade this year? Let’s hope so.
VERDICT: Now plying his trade at Bolton where he has scored 1 goal in 14 games. Not my best prediction…
TOMMY KNIGHT
Tommy Knight has just joined the cast of Waterloo Road, playing the character of Kevin Skelton. He’s a great young actor and even though he is only 19 has an impressive CV. He’s starred in the Sarah Jane Adventures and if he plays his cards right 2013 could be a real breakthrough year for him.
VERDICT: Still in Waterloo Road.
HEIDI ALEXANDER MP
Heidi Alexander is one of those rare breed of MPs who speak ‘normal’ and have a well developed sense of humour. Her seat is as safe as they come, she is great on both radio and TV and Ed Miliband would do well to use her talents on his front bench team. But is she pushy enough?
VERDICT: Good year for her. Promoted to the front bench.
KELLY EVANS
I met Kelly Evans a few weeks ago doing a Sky News paper review. She came to London a few months ago to be CNBC’s London Bureau Chief. Her range of knowledge on economic issues is hugely impressive and I expect she’ll be widely used to many UK news outlets in 2012.
VERDICT: Went back to CNBC in New Jersey in May 2013. Oh well. Can’t win ’em all.
So, I reckon I got 5 out of 10 right. Or nearly right. I’ll post my list for 2014 shortly.
