Smash Hits Biscuit Tin
Magazine Source: Smash Hits
Timeframe: 1998-1999(ish)
The Rules: In the Smash Hits Biscuit Tin there are 100 envelopes. Each contains a horribly difficult question. You, Claire STEPS, must open 20 envelopes at random and answer the questions inside. Among our 20 questions you must choose:
- One Tough Cookie – a truly personal question asked only by Smash Hits
- One Jammy Dodger – a question of a saucy nature!
1. Why Do You Deserve To Go To Heaven?
Hmm (Thinks). I don’t know, because I’ve never done anything horrible to anyone. I was never really naughty at school, and I’ve never caused my mum and dad loads of problems. That’s why I deserve to go!
2. Describe Your Bedroom…
It’s a tip. I’ve had the same decor since I was ten – pink walls, grey carpet and loads of junk. I used to collect teddies, so I’ve got millions of them and I’ve got a pinboard with tickets from shows we’ve done, and there are clothes all over the floor. It looks like a bomb’s hit it… (Smiles Affectionately) but it’s home.
3. What’s the weirdest present you’ve ever been given by a fan?
I’ve been given jewellery but nothing weird. I got a flashing ring. And I was sent a pair of knickers when I was in my last band, TSD. The boys get all the presents, it’s not fair!
4. Are you misunderstood?
(Looking Sad) I was when I was at school because everyone thought I was stuck up. I used to sing in assembly, so everyone knew who I was, but because I was shy I didn’t talk to many people, so they all thought I was horrible. Sometimes, people also think I’m a bit of a bimbo because I’m blonde and I say really silly things! Haha!
5. When are you planning to get married?
Not for quite a while, I wouldn’t have thought. I always used to say I’d be married about 25, and have kids about 26 – but the way I’m going, that’s not going to happen!
6. What question would you put in the biscuit tin?
What’s the best gossip you know? I’d find out everyone’s gossip, and then spread it around!
7. Do you know anyone called Barbara?
No, but I walked past Barbara Windsor the other day. I was like, “Woooow! It’s Babs!” I was so excited.
[TOUGH COOKIE]
8. Do you admit when you fart?
(Shaking Her Head) Noooooooooo! I don’t fart loudly and they don’t smell, so I usually get away with it! And if I don’t, I just blame it on H!
9. What was your nickname at school?
A lot of my friends and teachers used to call me Claire Bear. I don’t know why. These days Faye calls me Clarabel and H calls me Oi!
10. Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
My mum and dad. They brought me up and I think they did a pretty good job. They taught me to be polite and nice to people. I love my mum and dad!
11. It’s a fact that you’re never more than 5 feet away from a rat. How does that make you feel?
Eeurgh, it makes my skin crawl. My mad next door neighbour used to keep rats and they all escaped once and ran across our patio, right in front of me. I screamed really loudly! We had to get Rentokil in to get rid of them. It was disgusting.
12. Who’s naughtier, Zac Hanson or Liam Gallagher?
Well I don’t think Liam Gallagher is that naughty because he’s too much of a lad. Naughty to me is when you’re cheeky, and he doesn’t come across as very cheeky. But Zac Hanson’s cheeky, so I’d have to say him.
13. If you could interview anyone in the world who would it be?
John F Kennedy. I did my English oral exam on him and I’d love to know what really went on with him. But he’s dead, so I couldn’t, could I? (Erm, no.) I’d also interview Prince and Karen Carpenter because she was the main reason I started singing.
14. Do you do your own shopping?
I do my own clothes shopping – but my mum gets the food – not that I’m ever there to eat it! Our stylist Sophie gets our stage gear, but when it comes to everyday clothes I like to buy my own because it means I can shop, shop, shop! I’ll shop anywhere that I can, I absolutely love it!
[JAMMY DODGER]
15. What makes a person sexy?
If they can make you laugh. You might not think they’re sexy straight away, but if they’re funny, it’s a real winner. Any little thing can make a man sexy, like how he smells, for instance. Or he could have a lovely neck, or nice forearms, or trendy clothes… it can be anything!
16. How much is too much?
(Seriously) Well when it comes to shopping, there’s no such thing as too much!
17.Who’s your favourite cartoon character?
(Excitedly) I like Rugrats. It’s my favourite cartoon and I think Aneglica’s really cool. I like Mickey Mouse as well. I went to see him at Disneyland and I was like, “Look, Mickey’s real. No he really is!” Everyone thought I was mad!
18. What time do you usually go to bed?
Whenever I can. I always have these intentions of going to bed early and getting a good night’s sleep, but I never do, I always end up going to bed about one or two. I really love my sleep as well. I could sleep forever and I’ll do it whenever I get the opportunity. I’m not very good when I don’t get enough sleep.
19. Do you keep a diary?
I try to but I’m not very disciplined, so I never remember to keep it. I’ve got a day-to-day diary where I write down little things, so if I look back at that I can usually remember what I’ve done on that day. (Proudly) I’ve got a very good memory I have!
20. Why is the grass always greener on the other side?
Because you always want what you can’t have. I’m a prime example of that – I want things and then the minute I get them I don’t want them anymore. That especially happens with boys because all of the fun is in the chase, and once you’ve got them you’re not really sure you still want to be with them are you?
21. Have you ever been caught naked in a public place?
(Giggles) No I haven’t, but there have been a few close calls in the dressing room. Sometimes we have to change in front of the boys and the odd towel has fallen off.
Read more classic STEPS interviews in our Interviews & Reports section here.