Jean-Paul Noel-Cephise from Andover launches new show on Sky

Jean-Paul Noel-Cephise, who now lives in Croydon but grew up in Andover, says he is proud to be an Andoverian and is excited to share his new creation with the community he calls home.

The 52-year-old self-described “family man” is best known for appearing on reality TV shows including Blind Dates and Strangers Making Babies, but has now turned to something he says is truer to his values and ambitions.

“I started toying with the idea of doing a show because I had done podcasting, radio, a book and I had been on a few TV shows and I wanted to do something myself,” he told the Advertiser.

“I went for the idea of doing a talk show, because I knew a few musicians and what I found was they had family situations which had a real influence on what they had done with their music. So I just made that link as I started to talk to people more and I started to see that was a theme, that people were getting involved in music because of experiences in their lives.

“So, they showcase their music, we have a quiz section, and a bit of freestyling as well. We talk about stuff, but it’s kind of upbeat because even though they might have had experiences that were not good in their lives, we keep it about how that has led to what they are doing now. There is enough dynamics in the show, over 30 minutes, to keep it engaging.”

While it began with musicians, the show soon grew to include comedians, entrepreneurs and politicians, offering something for every taste. Guests in the first season include afrobeat artist DutyPaid; Nvasion; Omar; and comedian White Yardie.

“We started with music but all of a sudden people were reaching out through social media so I thought let’s see how it goes!”

It was originally going to small production company RepDatTV, but they spoke to Sky which has since taken it on for two of its channels.

“It’s absolutely wonderful, but it makes me nervous as well because the show is my concept, my idea,” said Jean-Paul.

“I have produced it, and my camera crew is mostly made up of my family! I think it’s good. I’m really proud of it to be honest.”

Jean-Paul’s sons Jordan, 21, and Brandon, 16, and his girlfriend Kaesha have been instrumental in bringing his vision to life.

“I’m not going to lie, on the days that we are filming it’s hard work! I have watched a lot of talk shows and they all prepare thoroughly and what they want to do is to tell a story. A show for TV has got to be entertaining. It needs stories with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

He continued: “But we also have a lot of fun too. Working together as a family is the best experience.”

Jean-Paul had an unusual journey into the television industry. He moved to Andover when he was four years old and still visits often to see his parents, who are originally from Mauritius. They live in Ashfield Road and are volunteers at The Lights theatre.

He went to St John the Baptist Primary, then John Hanson School, then Cricklade College and onto South Bank University, before teaching.

“I was offered a job at an accounting firm in Basingstoke at 17 and I took it. But they said I needed to go and study a course in London and, when I was there I was having such a good time I said I’m not going back now!” he said.

“So I carried on studying business, but it was getting out and meeting people that really interested me.

“I was asked to teach, and I thought ‘Why would I want to do that? I hate the subject!’ But I gave it a try and I realised that was really where my heart was. I was passionate about it.”

Lecturing allowed Jean-Paul to fulfill a craving he hadn’t realised he had.

“I found I really started to enjoy being the centre of attention!” he said. “I am an only child and while my parents gave me a lot of love, I don’t know if I got enough attention and that need stays with you. It was a healthy need, and it wasn’t being met. So to be able to meet it in your career is special.”

After getting married and then divorced, Jean-Paul turned to dating to satisfy that same craving. And it was from his experience of online dating that his book, Seven Deadly Dates, was born in 2017.

Paul O’Grady read the book and contacted him, and he ended up on popular reality show Blind Dates. He has since featured on several shows including Strangers Making Babies and the Jeremy Vine Show.

“Initially, there was a certain glamorous feel about doing TV, radio, newspaper articles,” he said. “Having people validate you through the media felt nice. But then I wanted to do something that was in-tune with me as a person. What could I contribute as a single dad, a family man? And that’s where the show has come in.

“And the irony is it’s actually about the guests, not me. But it brings out the best in me too.”

Speaking about Andover, which he considers his hometown, Jean-Paul added: “As soon as I approach Andover on the A303 I feel a sense of home and peace. I sometimes park my car there and just walk around the areas I used to live. Roman Way, Smannell Road. I really like walking around the town centre too.

Jean-Paul with his parents in Andover.

“Andover is a good place to grow up. You probably only really understand the foundation it gives you when you go out in the ‘real world’. I remember when I was in school people would say it was too small. But the truth of the matter is that growing up in It gives you a real grounding that you would never get in London. And you can then use that as a spring-board into any part of the country you want I am very proud that I have come from Andover.”

The first 14-episode season of the Jean-Paul Show will debut on Sky on February 10.

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