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Derek on Twitter
Until May 2010 Derek frequently sent texts to the website to keep fans informed about the latest news. You can still read all the messages below, by either clicking on the banner of reading them as text below.
If you prefer to read the SMS messages in text, please see below!
May 2010
Saturday May 15 2010
This week I'm back at home in Cyprus after having a few days in Holland to promote my new TV show.
It's time to redecorate so I've been thinking about what the vibe should be this time around. I am having a BBQ tomorrow so I am going to ask my friends for advice and from that come up with a plan of action.
I'm scheduled to fly back to Holland on Thursday and then it's off to Belgium on Friday morning for a weekend of theatre shows.
I was at X Factor last week. After watching the show it's easy to see that Holland has a great deal of talented young people. I'm not sure who will win although, like everyone else, I have my favourites!
D x
Saturday May 1 2010
I hope it's not too late to wish everyone in The Netherlands Happy Queens Day. Unlike most of you who were partying I spent yesterday at home relaxing, although it wasn't as hot as usual in Limassol, and this morning I'm currently waiting at Larnaca Airport for my flight to Schipol. During the past few weeks I've been hanging out with friends at the beach, having BBQ's at my home and working with cat charities on the island. As a cat lover I am constantly shocked by the way many Cypriots treat animals, especially stray cats and dogs. Hopefully in time they will come round to understanding the problem that exists on the island and how they and only they can ultimately solve it through education and shifting expectations. The charities I work with can only do so much with the resources they have.
The next few weeks are pretty busy as I have more than a few interviews to do to promote my new TV series and my latest theatre shows in Belgium and Holland. My show at Carré sold out very quickly so I've added more dates at Theater Fabriek to meet the demand. I guess after 3 weeks at home I am looking forward to getting back into the groove although I'm only visiting Holland and Belgium until the 13th then I'm off back home until my theatre shows in Belgium begin around the 20th of May.
D x
April 2010
Tuesday April 13 2010
Wow! Carré! I cannot believe that I've been asked to do a show in The Netherland's most prestigious Theatre. What an honour! Tickets are on sale from this morning. I hope to see you there! I really enjoyed Belgium. It was a new experience for me being 'On Tour' in a different country, especially after the past two years of doing live shows all over Holland. I'd like to thank everyone for coming along over the past couple of weeks and making me feel so at home. We plan to be back very soon. I'm flying home today. It will be good to get back to my base and recharge my batteries. I am scheduled to return a few days before my new TV show begins on RTL 4. This will give me time to do some promotional work for the series before it is broadcast on Thursday 6th May at 21.30.
D x
Thursday April 1 2010
I'm now back in Holland having spent the past week at home. I bought a few shirts in Laren yesterday for my Belgium Theatre dates and afterwards had dinner at Mauve.
I'm scheduled to do some Belgium TV and press interviews at the weekend between shows and on one of my days off next week I've got a photo shoot planned so I have lots of opportunity to wear the shirts!
D x
March 2010
Thursday March 25 2010
I flew into Larnaca last night as I'm having a week at home in Cyprus. We finished off filming the series on Monday but I had another TV show to do on Tuesday before getting back here for a short break.
I'm working in Belgium next week as my latest tour starts on the 2nd of April. I'll be in the country for a couple of weeks as I have 10 theatre shows to do. I'm looking forward to it. It's my first time in Belgium so I'm also a little nervous. My parents got here this afternoon. It's good to see them. The last time we were together was at Christmas when I popped over to Scotland. D x
Tuesday March 9 2010
I'm still working on the TV series although its nearly finished. Just a few more studio days and location shoots and then it will be done by the end of the month.
I was invited to the premier of the Dutch movie Zwart Water last night in Amsterdam. I went with Jaap. Although I don't speak much Dutch I did get most of what was going on from those sitting around me. It was a good movie and well made. There were a few scary moments when we jumped out of our seats!
I'm looking forward to going to Belgium where one of my TV series has just been broadcast. We are doing 10 theatre dates there over a couple of weekends in April. I was surprised who quickly the dates sold out - most in a matter of hours. Wow.
By the way have you noticed that finally Spring is just around the corner? Thank goodness. I think the Dutch people have had more than their fair share of snow this year!
D x
February 2010
Sunday February 21 2010
So I'm 21 again! Thank you to everyone who sent me good wishes on my birthday today.
Yet again last week was crazy with filming. That's why I've not been in touch. This week is no easier. I'm working on my TV series mostly everyday and on the days I'm not I either have meetings or private readings to do.
I heard Jamai was fantastic yesterday playing the lead role in Joseph. Unfortunately I couldn't go to see him perform. He's such a cool guy and very talented and I've enjoyed working with him on the TV shows we've done together. I wish him every success in his new role.
My mum called this morning and asked if my birthday card had arrived. It hasn't. She tells me she posted it in Scotland on the 11th of February. If there is anyone out there who works with the postal service here in Holland and knows where it could be or if you, by some strange reason, got it through your letter box would you get in touch with me? Thanks.
Talk soon!
D x
Thursday February 11 2010
It's been ages since my last SMS. During the time I've been away my life has been all about filming which I guess is not that unusual as that's the reason I come to Holland!
I've been trying to find a break in my schedule, even if it is for just a few days, so I can at least get away from this awful weather. I've not had much luck though but hopefully that may happen the week after next. At the moment it's just snow and more snow and then when you think it's all gone away for good you wake up one morning to find there's more snow again. It's crazy!
I hear it's party time in the South of Holland from this weekend. If you are planning on joining in then have a great time. Me? I'm filming. Some of us have got to work!
D x
Wednesday February 3 2010
Sorry I've not been in touch but as it's been filming time again I've been focusing all my attention on that recently.
I'm looking forward to the Haiti show tonight. I see that SEETICKETS have put 4 extra tickets on sale this morning so if you'd like to go along you'd better be quick.
My Ghost Whisperer TV series is being broadcast in Belgium at the moment on Sunday evenings. Thanks to all of those viewers who took the time to email me. It's really cool to hear from you.
By the way if you are going to the Theater Fabriek tonight why not hangout with me as I plan to stay in the building for a few hours after the show.
D x
January 2010
Friday January 29 2010
When I woke up this morning and turned on my computer I noticed that last night's TV show, which was actually a repeat from 2008, got just under 1.2 million viewers. Great ratings for second showing.
We've been filming my latest TV series this week so hence my lack of up to date SMS's. I've been having fun in my new motorhome as we drive up and down Holland. It's pretty cool inside and has all the gadgets. Surprisingly I haven't broken anything yet but give me time!
Today my theatre team met in Amsterdam to begin finalising my next Tour which has some surprises in store. Details will be on this site as soon as the venues are confirmed.
I had another flying lesson on Wednesday. This time around my instructor was a 747 pilot. The important thing was that I learnt a great deal from him during the hour we spent in the air and from the time we we had together before and after the flight.
Have a great weekend.
D x
Monday January 25 2010
Yesterday was fun. I went to the Aviodrome in Lelystad. When I am in Holland I like to go there as much as possible. It's such a cool place to hangout if you like aircraft. We started filming my new TV series today. It was great to get back to what I love to do. For the next seven weeks I'll be touring the country working on the show and I'm really looking forward to it.
My Benefit Show for Haiti is totally sold out. Thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket.
Tomorrow I'm having a flying lesson with Martinair. When I have time between filming days I need to make up some flying hours so when I go back home in March I can finish off my PPL. After lunch it's off to RTL in Hilversum for a couple of business meetings.
I plan to go to Mauve in Laren for a drink in the evening. Its my favourite place to have a glass of wine when I am in Holland. For me though the best place to have a drink is the beach bar just a few minutes from my home in limassol. It's awesome. It'll probably be a few months though before I'll be opening a bottle of wine there although I may try and pop over to Cyprus if I have more than just a few days off work. I guess I just really need to concentrate on getting a certain TV series made first!
D x
Saturday January 23 2010
Today I was doing some private readings. It was fun driving around and meeting people in their homes.
When I got back to Almere I had a look at the ticket sales for the benefit show for Haiti. There are less than 20 tickets left. That's great news and means that we should reach our target of raising around 30,000/35,000 Euro from this special evening.
What has disturbed me is that there are some internet sites selling tickets unofficially for ridiculous amounts of money. I noticed one site in particular that has tickets on sale for 125 Euro. Whoever is behind this and other similar sites should be ashamed of themselves. The whole point of this theatre show is to raise money for people who are in serious peril. To profit in anyway from a disaster such as what has befallen Haiti is disgusting. Please, please, please do not buy tickets from these sites.
D x
Friday January 22 2010
I spent yesterday afternoon sorting out details about my theatre show on the 3rd February and reorganising my diary with Jaap.
It was good to see everyone doing their bit last night for Haiti. It brought back a lot of memories for me meeting those who I have been working along side over the past few years.
I've not checked out how much has been raised so far. I just hope that those who need help get it and politics and greed do not get in the way.
I've got the day off today. Thinking about going to Scheveningen. I tried to get a flying lesson but Martinair were fully booked out. I guess that, like me, many people have been waiting for better flying weather.
That's the good thing about living in Cyprus - good flying weather is guaranteed!
By the way if you haven't got a ticket for the Haiti Benefit Show I am doing on the 3rd then best to do it today as I have just checked this morning and there are only a few tickets left. D x
Wednesday January 20 2010
A strange day today. We should have been filming my new TV series but we rescheduled so that I could promote my theatre show in aid of Haïti which I am doing on the 3rd of February at the Theater Fabriek in Amsterdam. This show was totally arranged in 3 hours. Amazing.
I have also had to reschedule tomorrow's filming so I can appear on the TV Special, which is being broadcast on all the Dutch Channels simultaneously, to do more promotion for the show. I hope to raise around € 30,000 on the 3rd. Everyone who is working at de Theater Fabriek has agreed to work for free and we have also negotiated the theatre and all the extra lights, sound and technical equipment for free too. I cannot thank everyone enough.
It was also in the media today that Jaap and I have split which seems so irrelevant in context to what is going on in the world. A strange day indeed.
Tuesday January 19 2010
My parents left for home yesterday and Tom arrived from Glasgow so it was a busy day in Almere Hout.
I enjoyed Volendam on Sunday. I had my picture taken with my parents in one of the photograph shops and both my mum and dad noticed my picture in the shop window although they had no idea who everyone else was! I guess Gordon, Gerard Joling and Jan Smit are not so famous in Scotland!
Today I have some private readings to do. It's good practise for me as we start filming my new TV series on Thursday. Filming was originally scheduled for today but due to unforseen circumstances it had to be changed at the last minute.
Talk soon
D x
Sunday January 17 2010
Sorry I have been out of the loop for a few days. On Friday morning I had a flying lesson with Martinair at Lelystad airport which will be shown on Life 4 You next Sunday on RTL4. Afterwards I took my parents to Laren for a few hours and ended up having a drink in Mauve which is my favourite place to hang out in the village. On Friday evening I left my mum and dad with a DVD they wanted to see and went to Amsterdam with some friends for a few drinks. Saturday was fun. I took my parents to Den Haag for lunch. The food was awesome. The best soup I have had in ages! Today we are going to Volendam. I've had my picture taken there a few times. I wonder if my mum and dad will spot me? I'll let you know tomorrow.
D x
Thursday January 14 2010
My parents arrived today from Scotland. They have come over to Holland to visit until Monday.
I had a newspaper interview to do this morning and afterwards a meeting at RTL before I drove to Schiphol to pick up my mum and dad. It was good to see them.
I have planned a dinner tonight at an Italian restaurant in Laren.
D x
Wednesday January 13 2010
I got up around 9am this morning. It's my usual time if I don't have a busy day. I bought a lot of peanuts and bird seed yesterday at the local pet shop so I made sure all the wild birds in the garden are being well looked after this winter.
At lunchtime I spent a few hours with my stylist Fred who popped over with his assistant and one of the production team from RTL with loads of bags full of clothes. We then had fun sorting out shirts, jeans, jackets and shoes for my new TV series.
Fred got me some cool stuff and as usual he brought over some styles and colours that I would never dream of wearing but after trying them on they looked great!
When the guys left I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the house and then went out to get some shopping at Albert Hein and some other stores in Almere Stad.
I am slowly getting used to the extreme cold in Holland after my return from Cyprus yesterday. Wow, the ice is so bad that you have got to be very careful just walking around my neighbourhood.
I went to La Place for dinner and then came back to the house in Almere Hout to finish off the cleaning.
Just popping off to bed now. Good night everyone! Sleep well!
D x
Tuesday January 12 2010
Hi everyone. I got back to Holland this afternoon after flying in from Cyprus. I'd been at home in Limassol for the past 4 weeks writing, relaxing and learning to fly. The flying is going well. I have now had 8 lessons and have 9 hours flying time in my log book. I should have my private pilots licence (PPL) by the summer if all goes well.
I did pop over to Scotland for a few days at Christmas to see my family but went back home to the sun (yes it was actually warm!) to have New Year with friends.
I couldn't believe how much snow there is in Almere. It's also freezing cold! I've been spoiled over the past month as the average temperature in Cyprus was around 20 degrees during my stay. Now you know why I live there!
I was also working with two cat charities in Cyprus during the past four weeks. I helped them neuter stray cats and rehome unwanted pets. I've been concentrating mostly around the area where I live and although it's been emotionally draining (one of the cats I was working with died last week) this work is not just important in controlling the cat population but also for making sure that ill or injured cats are given the best medical attention available. It's a pity that many of the locals don't seem to have the least hint of compassion for cats, or from what I have seen during my time on the island, any animal what so ever. Hopefully with each new generation this will change.
Talk to you tomorrow.
D x
December 2009
Saturday December 12 2009
I had a fun time at Lelystad Aviodrome turning on the Christmas lights on the Boeing 747 this evening.
There were over 1800 people in attendance. It was very cold but the atmosphere was great and everyone I chatted to seemed to be having have a good night out. I had mixed emotions as this was also the last appointment I had in my Dutch diary for 2009.
I enjoyed my lesson with Martinair Flying School at lunch time today. My instructor allowed me to take the controls and fly the plane during our time in the air. Wow it was fun! I hope to have my Private Pilots Licence (PPL) by May although the rest of my lessons will probably be taking place in Cyprus at Paphos Airport where good flying weather is guaranteed.
I also started packing for my trip home tomorrow. There isn't that much to take so doing it isn't such a big deal. I will be at home in Cyprus until we start filming again in early January for my new TV series. I plan to finish off my next book during the 4 weeks I have off and take some time to sort out my garden which my mum and dad promised to help me with when they fly over in the New Year!
It's therefore a goodbye from me until my return to Holland in 2010. Let me therefore take this opportunity to wish every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Best wishes to you all and thank you for your continued support. It is very much appreciated and never taken for granted.
Derek x
Friday December 11 2009
I'm just off to Albert Heijn to do some shopping. Well someone needs to do it! I don't need much as I go home on Sunday. Just enough to get me through the next few days.
I'm meeting up with the DOF Fan Club tonight. They asked me to come and hangout with them as they are celebrating being one year old.
I may go out for a drink to Amsterdam afterwards but can't stay up to late as I am flying in the morning. I've hired a single prop plane at Lelystad Airport. It's my first time up in a small aircraft and hopefully not my last as I plan to learn to fly in 2010. If you hear screaming over Lelystad or Almere around 1 pm tomorrow you'll know that it's me realising that flying is not what I thought it was!
On Saturday evening I'm turning on the lights at the Aviodrome. I'm very honoured to have been asked as it's my favourite place in Holland. I love aircraft and since I was a small boy always wanted to learn to fly. Saturday should be a cool day!
D x
Thursday December 10 2009
Had more meetings today about my next Dutch TV series. We sorted out the finer details. I also filmed this evening for RTL's Christmas Campaign. I got stuck in traffic on the way to the first shoot at 6.30pm so we ended the day at 10.30pm, much later than we had all thought it would take. This afternoon I went to lunch in Hilversum at a very cool restaurant. It was awesome. I seem to be eating out a great deal this week. I must watch that I don't put on too much weight. D x
Wednesday December 9 2009
It's a sort of day off today as I have a few hours free this afternoon. I am filming tomorrow and working on Friday and Saturday.
I've got a few business things to sort out this morning and then I have a meeting about my next Tour and TV series.
I can do most things in the car so in between all of it I plan to visit a car museum which I have been meaning to go to for ages.
Went for dinner in Hilversum last night at a place called Puur Smaeck. Wow I was impressed with the service and food. You should try it out.
D x
Tuesday December 8 2009
I finished off my Theatre Tour last night in Amsterdam and have a day off today. I must try and relax although being a workaholic that maybe a bit difficult for me!
Now that the theatre shows are over for 2009 I must start thinking again about my latest book which is due in the shops in May. Cyprus is brilliant for writing because I get lots of ideas walking along the beach, which is just a few minutes from my house. There are a few things I have to change around and rewrite in the text I have put together but I have a solid basis of 50,000 words already done.
I'll look at it when I go home on Sunday and work through the book over the next few weeks.
We start filming my next TV series on the 11th January so I have some time to get it finished.
D x
Monday December 7 2009
It's my final theatre show of 2009 tonight.
It's been an enjoyable few weeks of shows especially as I have appeared recently in some interesting places.
I had a few drinks with the crew after last nights show. It was my way of saying thank you for all their hard work. I am very lucky as I have a great team around me. D x
Sunday December 6 2009
I went to bed early last night as I was really tired. It was a busy week. I had 6 theatre shows and three TV shows to do so having a day off yesterday - although I recorded a short interview for Popstars in the afternoon - was a blessing. Two theatre shows today in Amsterdam. D x
Saturday December 5 2009
HAPPY SINTERKLAAS EVERYONE!
D x
Friday December 4 2009
I'm taking it easy today as I have another theatre show tonight at Theater Fabriek. I'm off tomorrow and looking forward to Sinterklaas. D x
Thursday December 3 2009
Had fun today today filming with Rene Froger and his sons Danny, Didier and Maxim. Lots of celebrities were also there. It was great to see Carlo and Irene again as well as Quinty, John Williams and Mark Van Eeuwen from GTST. Didier and Maxim thought my Dutch was hilarious. I'm learning the language slowly! I also had a show in Amsterdam tonight so I had to leave early so I could get to the theatre on time. D x
Wednesday December 2 2009
I have two theatre dates in Amsterdam today. Both shows are at Theater Fabriek. Busy day! D x
Tuesday December 1 2009
I had a fun time in Scotland. It was good to see my family and my sister's dog Alfie. He is now 5 months old and has grown so much since I last saw him. I got back to Holland on Sunday evening as I had my first theatre show in Amsterdam last night.
It was good to be back at Theater Fabriek. It feels like my second home as we have done so many shows there. Great to hear that my buddy Robin did so well on Popstars on Saturday evening. I was kept up to date on his progress by SMS's sent from his girlfriend Linda who was in the studio audience. D x
November 2009
Friday November 27 2009
Just finishing off the accounts. Three days of solid work. I am looking forward to being in the audience tonight on Popstars. My first time on SBS6! So can I ask you all to give your vote to Robin. It would be great if he won the competition. He's a lovely guy and deserves a big break. I'm off to Scotland in the morning so I'll chat to you on Monday. Have a great weekend.
D x
Thursday November 26 2009
It's accounts day today so been busy since early this morning and still at it!
Looking forward to seeing my family on Saturday and supporting my buddy Robin on Popstars tomorrow.
Just heard that we've added more tickets to my shows in Amsterdam. All the shows were basically sold out so it's great that people who haven't so far managed to get a ticket can now possibly get their hands on one.
Please do not buy tickets from anyone apart from SeeTickets who are the only official supplier. Many people have been sold tickets that don't exist when they have tried to get one on the black market, so be warned.
D x
Wednesday November 25 2009
Working on paperwork and my company accounts today.
I went to the movies last night to see 2012. The special effects were amazing. The story was a little over the top but overall it was a great night of big screen entertainment. I am sure it will start everyone talking about 21/12/12 if it hasn't already.
If the movie is anything to go by I guess the best place to be on or around that date is the South of Africa.
Maybe I should start looking for a house there!
D x
Tuesday November 24 2009
It was a business day today. I had meetings with my lawyer and accountant in the morning and then at lunch time I drove over to RTL to arrange my filming schedule for next week. Getting the timing correct is crucial as I also have theatre shows coming up in Amsterdam on Monday.
After all of that I popped into Hilversum to see if I could buy a Casio G Shock watch but the particular model I wanted is not imported into Holland. I'll just have to get one when I am back home in Cyprus in a few weeks time. It's a present for a friend so I don't want to let him down.
I plan to go to Scotland on Saturday morning to see my family. It's a short visit. I have booked a return flight on Sunday evening!
D x
Monday November 23 2009
Had a great few days in Leeuwarden. The spirits were fantastic.
Just been on youtube and by accident came across some footage about countries in Asia capturing Moon Bears and putting them in tiny cages to extract their bile. Horrid. When will those behind this cruelty realise that we need to look after our world and respect it?
I am astounded by how people and animals are treated in this world. When I see film like this it makes me embarrassed to be a human being.
D x
Friday November 20 2009
Didn't get a chance to see 2012 as I had to get my computer repaired today.
I also popped into RTL and had a meeting over lunch and then met some people who were on the train enjoying the Hillywood Tours of the Media Park.
I also met with my buddy Robin who's performing on Popstars tonight on SBS6. Good Luck Robin!
D x
Thursday November 19 2009
Been busy today doing interviews for a Dutch magazine and a French TV Network.
I did both interviews in Laren.
I am looking forward to a day off tomorrow before my theatre dates at the weekend.
Maybe I'll go to the cinema and see 2012. Looks like a fun movie.
D x
Wednesday November 18 2009
Great Show last night. The spirits were awesome. Incredible details.
Looking forward to the weekend shows.
Spending some time in Amsterdam today as I have a few meetings.
D x
Tuesday November 17 2009
Did my first theatre show since my illness last night. I really enjoyed being on stage again.
I have another show tonight in Gorinchem. What a great theatre it is.
D x
