DAVE GOODERHAM
Simon Webbe
POP star Simon Webbe is used to performing in front of thousands of screaming female fans.
But the former Blue star, who has carved out a successful solo career, attracted a few less likely admirers when he turned up at a Sudbury care home.
The boy band darling delighted the elderly residents at Chilton Croft Nursing Home with his visit and found a whole new generation of adoring fans.
As well as posing for photographs and signing autographs, Webbe also treated lucky resident Irene Laurance to an impromptu version of his hit single No Worries and helped decorate the recently renovated home.
Chilton Croft Nursing Home resident Irene Laurance
Smitten Irene, who had barely left her room in the 31-bed care home before the singer's surprise visit, said she was now his number one fan.
Clutching her treasured copy of Webbe's solo album, she told the EADT: “He was a very nice person and I liked him very much.
“I asked if he would sing and he knelt down by my chair and sang one of his songs. I have his CD and I listen to him all the time now - I am certainly a Simon Webbe fan now.”
Resident Betty Totham said: “I hadn't heard of him before as I don't go in for these pop stars. But he was very nice and posed for a photograph with me. It was a really nice surprise.”
The visit was arranged by the home's new owners, Nadeem and Sammy Diwan , who are friends with members of Webbe's management company.
More in keeping with his typical audience, teenage family members of both the carers and residents were invited along and had pictures taken with their idol, who also proved a dab hand with a paintbrush to help spruce up the home.
Now residents and staff alike are hoping the soloist will return to the Newton Road care home for a small concert.
Home manager Tyrone Peacock said: “Simon received a fantastic reaction and Irene especially enjoyed it.
“She hasn't been out of her room much for the last five years but when he arrived, she couldn't wait to get out.
“It was a great morale boost for staff and patients and I think the fact Simon's mum was a care worker meant he had a good appreciation for the elderly residents.
“He really seemed to care and I thought he was one of the most genuine people I had ever met.”
Along with Lee Ryan, Duncan James and Antony Costa , Webbe first achieved success with popular boy band Blue, selling more than 11 million records.
Webbe's first solo album Sanctuary sold 700,000 copies, yielding three hit singles, establishing himself as a star in his own right in 2005.
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