BEAUTY & THE BEAST

PATSY KENSIT BLIND DATES JOHN TAYLOR

It was before Xmas in No. 1 that Patsy Kensit first expressed a rather strong desire to meet John Taylor. "He's always been my favourite and I'd like to see if he Immacs his legs," she explained.

What could we say? Swift as a tinkle we got onto JT in his New York pad and popped the question. Would he like to cavort around a photo studio with Britain's youngest up and coming star (who just happens to be blonde, beautiful and mad keen to meet you, John...)?

By a stroke of luck he had a free day and "just happened to be coming back to London anyway-- honest!". And so on a freezing winter's afternoon in a photo studio off Notting Hill Gate, the two met.

For a couple of nail-biting minutes it was polite hellos--well, not so polite as Patsy was an hour late!--and much shuffling from one foot to t'other. Then Patsy started swishing her coat about in a fit of nerves, knocked everything over in sight and everyone relaxed and got on famously.

Only snag was that after the pictures, Patsy had to run off for another photo-session and so it wasn't till a couple of weeks later that the two of them could talk about their day together and discuss their Valentine plans. John from New York, with an inquisitive Renee by his side, Patsy from London with a plate of salad and an orange juice...

An attentive ear was provided by Paul Simper with soft focus by Denis O'Regan

JOHN TAYLOR

What did you think of Patsy before you met her?

I didn't know much about her except for the pictures I'd seen of her. If I hadn't seen those I wouldn't have agreed to do it!

What's your opinion now?

I think she's got the right idea. She's taking it all in her stride. I only hope she doesn't get too tainted by success. Mind you, if you start your career by working with David Bowie (in Absolute Beginners where Patsy plays Crepe Suzette) and you're still not big-headed you can probably handle it.

I think Patsy knows she's onto a good thing and I hope it works out alright for her. (Laughs) She has that 'oh so important' sparkle!

Where would you take Patsy for a night out if you meet again?

I'd probably just take her out for some grub and to see a movie. Put on a couple more stone. Actually we probably wouldn't have gone out at all--just stayed in for the evening.

I'd imagine Patsy would have been into taking me on a massive club crawl, posing around a bit. But I'm afraid I'm too old for that.

It's funny with Patsy. She could be a Duran fan, she's the right age and everything. But she's totally different. Once you talk to her you realise she's way ahead of all that.

Where will you be on Valentine's Day?

I think I'll be here in New York with Renee (there's a murmur from Renee in the background) ...Oh yeah we'll be celebrating her mum's birthday.

Who was your first valentine from?

I can't remember her name. I was about 12 when I got my first one. I didn't get any for awhile--not until I got rid of my glasses.

I've always got a Valentine since then because my mum would send me one if nobody else did.

Do you send Valentines?

No...(a prod from Renee)...well, I might this year. Basically I think it's one of those exploitative days of the year when company's line their coffers.

Do you get any odd messages in Valentines?

Yeah, I got a great one the other day. It said "if you're thinking of getting married come round to us and we'll get rid of any perversions you've got". I never went, I'm afraid.

Did you enjoy scoring the steamy scenes in 9 1/2 Weeks (the film John has just scored) between Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke?

Yeah it was great. The whole thing got a bit f****d up though because in the film the girl sings the single while now I'm doing all the vocals on the record. The bullshit Good Morning America reason for that is it was more appropriate to have a girl's voice next to Kim Basinger but really I just didn't have time to do it all.

What's your favourite line from a love song?

'I blew up your body/And you blew my mind' from Roxy Music's 'Every Dreamhome A Heartache'. It's about a blow-up doll.

Well, that is all of the article that I have.