+++ Jodi is a true Brit +++

FORMER Hollyoaks beauty Jodi Albert might have been living it up in Los Angeles for the past few years, but she's got one message for her army of male fans: "I'll always be a Brit babe at heart."

The gorgeous girl - back on our screens next month in Casualty - has been working hard across the pond to make a name for herself. But she reckons she could never move over there permanently - unlike celebs such as Denise Van Outen, 32, Michelle Ryan, 23, and Rachel Stevens, 29.

Jodi says: "It's strange all these stars running off to the States. I just know that I could never leave the UK.

"Besides, I've found that all the American casting directors are coming over here.

"Everyone promises everyone they'll be a star and no-one means it. It's all phoney. The English may be blunt but at least they're honest."

The 23-year-old is already better placed than most budding actresses. She has pop supremo Simon Cowell, 47, on her side for a start.

"Simon used to manage my band Girl Thing back in 1999, " she says. "So I know him quite well. He's a great guy - he still gives me advice now and I love bumping into him at parties."

So has having the most famous Brit in America as a mentor helped at all?

"Well, I have been in talks for a couple of things, " Jodi smiles, "including a part in a new Ben Stiller film."

Jodi, who is happily loved up with Kian Egan from Westlife, splits her time between London and Sligo in Ireland. The softly spoken star isn't a huge fan of the celeb lifestyle. "Being a celebrity is bullshit, " she says. "I never wanted to be someone famous for being famous. Of course, there are perks. I love days like today for example - having my photo taken, having my hair and make-up done. I love trying out new looks."

With her stunning looks and celebrity boyfriend, Jodi is definitely playing the fame game, like three others in her class at the Sylvia Young Theatre school: Amy Winehouse, Matt Willis and Billie Piper - all 23. "I always knew they'd make something of themselves, " she says.

And although Jodi doesn't want to be classed as a celeb she definitely wants to continue being successful. As well as trying to break America, from her London pad, she's also got her stint in Casualty. "I play a complete bitch, " she says. "It's nice to play someone who's so completely unlike me."

Despite appearing a few years ago in reality show California Dreaming, which followed her and five other British celebs around Hollywood as they tried to make it, Jodi reckons her fly-on-the-wall days are well and truly over.

She says: "I was on ITV2's Deadline a few weeks ago, which was fun. But other than that, I draw the line at reality shows now.Working on Friends or Desperate Housewives would be my dream job."

In real life, Jodi has no plans to become a housewife yet - desperate or otherwise.

She says: "I just enjoy everything the way it is right now. That includes not having children.

Maybe in a few years but definitely not now."

While kids are a long way off, Jodi and Kian, 26, who met four years ago when she played Debbie Dean in Hollyoaks, have made one commitment.

They have a one year-old Maltese dog called Prince. Jodi says: "We do spoil him a lot. He's on tour with Westlife now in Dublin with Kian.

"While I'm here on my own he's staying in a four-star hotel, " she laughs. So at least one member of her family enjoys the celeb lifestyle.

Source: Daily Star

 

back