Ben The Brit Boy!: (CD:UK issue 10 - Christmas 2001)

What's this year been like for a1?
"Ooh, it's been a funny one for us. We've only released one single and have been concentrating on the new album, but we've won loads of awards round the world - MTV Asia Awards, Disney Channel Awards and obviously the BRIT."

We feel like we've hardly seen you - where have you been?!
"We had some time off. I went to see my Godfather in Spain, and Christian was staying just down the road from me. We met up one night and got completely drunk, which was great fun! The rest of the time i just sat by the pool and got a tan."

What's been your biggest challenge?
"Choosing songs for the third album - we've written over 60! We've been adventurous with our sound and have been writing every day."

What'll the 'new' a1 be like?
"It's more organic, more guitar-based. We're using U2's producers, but it's still pop!"

We've heard you've got a new image!
"They're trying to get me to cut off my hair but i won't - i reckon i'd look like an idiot! We've seen the end of the big trousers though - i'm going more for flared ones. They were kinda silly!"

Let's hear it for the boy!
Best Gong - BRIT Award for Best British Newcomer.
Best Moment - Their Scooby Doo antics on SM:TV!

Snow business: (TOTP - issue 82)
(This interview was with all of a1, but i've just written the parts concerning Ben)

Admit it, lads, you're just a bunch of big kids at Christmas!
I get up far too early because i can't wait to open all my presents. I've got a younger brother and sister and i get even more excited for them!

Do you own any winter wooly pants?
I don't own any thermals actually! In fact i'm into wearing thongs at the moment. I'm wearing tighter jeans these days and boxers can be really uncomfortable. I went out and bought loads when i was in Malaysia. The idea of wearing a thong used to make me feel a bit funny, but now i think it's fun! It makes me feel a bit rude actually!

Who would you most like to snuggle up to on a cold winter night?
I'm about to get a dog so i think i'll be snuggling up with that at Christmas! It's a minature long-haired daschund. The great thing about it is that you don't have to walk it much because it's legs are so short!

Do you have a good ol' family knees-up on Christmas day?
We all just watch TV and generally hang out. When my nan gets drunk she has a red nose like Rudolph!

What's the most hideous Christmas jumper you've ever been given?
I was actually given one by a stylist which was really woolly with a big Tommy Hilfiger logo on it. All four of us had them and they werte customised in different ways. Mine was like a big woolly jumper with the arms cut off and i didn't enjoy wearing that too much!

Do you feel luckier with the laydees at Christmas?
I think the mistletoe is always a good help because no on e can escape it! I'm always chekky with the laydees, whatever season it is; there's always a good reason!

So tell us, what's the wildest thing you've ever done at a work party?
There's always a lot of press when we have our Christmas parties so i try not to go too wild! I used to flash my arse sometimes when i was younger, but only after far too many!

Out of all of the a1 lads, who would be the most likey to photocopy their rude parts?
Yes, it would probably be me or Paul because we like to have a laugh! Fortunately i'm a pop star so i don't have to go to office parties, which is a good thing because otherwise my arse might be all over the tabloids the next day!

Who would you most like to throw a snowball at?
Aaron Carter - because he wouldn't be able to throw one back at me.

Who's most likely to make you melt?
Santana!

Who's got the most balls in pop?
Robbie Williams. He doesn't give a monkey's.

Who's the frostiest person in pop?
Jennifer Lopez. We missed out on doing a TV show in Spain cos she took so long.

Who's purer than the driven snow?
Me of course - i'm so innocent!

Who's the slushiest in a1?
Either me or Christian.