Last week at the MTV EMA's the Holloyaks team and MTV NEWS hooked-up for the collaboration of the Century! While Myself and The Whitmore (aka Laura) had a bit of down time from filming our news and back stage shows during the build up to the awards we filmed a scene for Hollyoaks.

Just in case you missed the episode (which went out last week Friday, as well as this week Monday) the story line was that Characters Gillie and Rhys aka Anthony Quinlan and Andrew Moss sneak back stage after blagging there way into the awards show! Whilst backstage they interupt our 'LIVE' MTV NEWS coverage and try and chat up The Whitmore!

If you missed it, watch the omnibus this Sunday on C4. If you dont catch it then, keep an eye on the MTV NEWS blog because I've got a bit of exclusive behind the scenes footage of us filming the scene!

Have a Great Weekend

RICKIE_MTV NEWS

This week I interviewed Kanye West- someone who I admire very much on a musical level. Both the College Dropout and Late Registration would figure in my Top 20 albums of all time. To me they prove you can make intelligent, musically diverse, heartfelt hip hop that still sells a shitload of copies.

Going to meet Kanye was worrying at first though. A few friends who had already interviewed him didn’t find him very friendly. To make things worse at the album playback on Tuesday he slagged off MTV claiming our award shows are fixed. And he still makes ridiculous egotistical comments like this: “All you critics who gave me one star less than full marks should eat shit and die.”

But West was a gent when he met us (me, Dael, Caitlin and Adam above) introducing himself to everyone in the room and then answering most of my questions eloquently. He made some spot on comments about hip hop too.

Kanye also claimed that he wants to compete with acts like Portishead, Radiohead and U2 with new album 808s And Heartbreak. He doesn’t rap at all on the record instead choosing to sing- he is certainly brave to change his style so much. I’m still unsure on the album having only heard it once but two of the tracks that have leaked Amazing (featuring Young Jeezy) and Heartless are well worth downloading. Get them.

A few weeks ago Tinchy Stryder asked me to be in his video for the new track 'Rollin'. Have a look and see if you can spot me in the vid! Blink and you'll miss it!

New Tinchy Stryder - Video

... Well I have. I bumped into the absolutely fabulous Grace Jones backstage at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Liverpool last Thursday. I love this lady - she breathes style and the right amount of craziness to intrique yet not make you fear for your life. This is me doing my impression of the stylish singer/actress/model/legend. Sadly, I can't quite pull it off!

Last week, I spent the whole week hanging out in Liverpool and it's definitely been the highlight of my time at MTV so far. Rickie and I even managed to wangle our way into an episode of Hollyoaks. Nice work! Check out www.hollyoaks.com.

L:)x

Last night, ‘Does it Offend you yeah?’ played a bloody good set in front of a roaring crowd (which also included lil auld me).

The location: Electric Ballroom, Camden.

The guys pumped up the energy of the audience with their infusion of new wave, electro rock and dance punk. The band, whose name originates from the wise words of David Brent in The Office, are one of those annoying bands you can’t help but love.

The highlight for me by far was ‘Let’s make out’ which is still playing away in my head as I write this – it’s just that catchy god dammit! What I loved about the band was that they even took a break to speak to the audience about the whole Russell Brand/ Jonathan Ross fiasco -ooohh controversial - and dedicated a song to poor Kerry Katona. How sweet!

Their debut album 'You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into', which came out earlier this year, is loaded full of great beats that had everyone in Electric Ballroom jumping in the air and waving their arms around their heads as if detached from their bodies. I suppose you could say the atmosphere in Electric Ballroom was em… ‘electric’ – ooh cheesy! I apologise for that. Actually no, no I don't.

‘Does it Offend you yeah?’ repeatedly mentioned throughout the night how great it was to be back in London. Well lads, we were delighted to have ya!

Laura:)X

Ok guys, here at MTV news we have our ears pretty close to the ground as to what’s going on in the music world and what artists are up to. I’m not one to repeat things so listen carefully... I’m only saying it the once!

Tomorrow (Thursday 30th) I’ve heard a feisty young lady by the name of Michachu will be popping into the studios. The hotly sought after 21 year old British MC is signed to Accidental Records and we’re expecting great things from her debut album 'Jewellery'.

Next Tues 4th November, when Rickie and I are in Liverpool preparing for MTV EMA’s, a certain Irish band who I’m a big fan off will be coming into Camden studios for a Gonzo interview with Zane Lowe (The pic kinda gives away who it is. Oops! Ah well). And also on the same day Mr Minelli’s ex, David Gest is in Camden Studios. 'What for?' I hear you ask? I couldn’t possiblily tell – haven’t I already given away enough!! Our concoction of guests should make for an interesting sight in the MTV Canteen though.

Laura:)x

Early this morning I layered on my winter woollies, along with obligatory ear muffs, and trotted along to the Jubilee Gardens in London. There, I was bombarded by 100 ‘FanWalkers’ from across Europe who were preparing for the first day of their 9 day hike to Liverpool for the EMA’s. Setting off on the 400 km journey to the Echo Arena in Liverpool on the 6th of November, I have to admit these fans are hard core!

This morning was a VERY cold morning and with many fans dressed as their favourite music icons, – I use the term ‘dressed’ loosely, as many were barely dressed at all- teeth were chattering and bare skin turned a rather nice shade of blue.

For the nine day adventure-packed days the FanWalkers will go through many challenges. Watch them as they go through crazy hair-cuts, drastic make-overs and other exciting challenges to prove why they are Europe’s biggest music fans!

One lucky FanWalker will even have the honour to get on stage at the MTV EMA's ’08 to hand over an award - how jealous am I?!

Check out to catch up with the guys: http://www.fanwalk.tv/en_en/main.jsc#home/0

Last week the Esprit shop on Regent Street in London was crammed with hopeful guys and gals looking to get their hands on the much coveted MTV EMA tickets. We had four pairs of VIP tickets -yup I saId 'VIP!' - to give away. That crazy looking contraption behind me in the pic was the dealer of fate as if your ticket had the winning code it sent screeching sirens throughout the entire shop, informing everyone and their mother you had won!

Keeping in theme with this year's EMA'S, music was provided by two Liverpoolian bands - The Maybes and 28 Costumes ( aka The Cossies). Music, free EMA tickets AND Shopping? Wow, this was my kinda night!

50 Cent has a new reality tv show called 'The Money And The Power'. It's similar to the Apprentice but with a twist. I've literally just seen the trailer and it looks pretty good. Take a look for yourselves...

RICKIE_MTV NEWS

About 2years ago Reggie Yates from MTV BASE had the best New Years Eve party that I can remember to date - it was a Pyjama/slumber party!!!! Mr. Yates often had these types of quirky gatherings, attracting loads of us jokers from the world of music, media and fashion world and this New Years Eve Pyjama party was no different.

People like: Singer/songwriter Estelle who's just won two Mobos, Presenter - Melvin Odoom of kiss 100 and Frock Me fame and (at the time, the unknown) singer/songwriter Remi Nicole were all part of the crowd.

That was back at the start of 2007. Since then we've all become very busy with our careers and meeting up for these mad parties has become scarce! The last time I think we'd all planned another mad one was in March 2007. Remi Nicole and I had the bright idea that we should all go snowboarding before the end of the season that year. Everyone agreed, flights were booked and the slopes of Sweden were set for a pounding! That was until I managed to get myself a job as one of two new presenters on, wait for it.... MTV NEWS, starting the very same week I was due to hit the slopes with the guys!

Everyone went and had an amazing time but I haven't had a chance to hang out with them all until a friends birthday party recently brought most of us back together again, including Remi. Just incase you don't know, in that busy period when I didnt see everyone, Remi released her first solo album and became a bit of a success story including supoporting Amy Winehouse on the gig circuit. So it was great to see her, hence the pic above.

It's always nice to look back though right?! Take a look below, this was us at the Pyjama/Slumber party on New Years Eve at around 6am. Deprived of sleep but still having the most amount of fun. Good times. (Yep that's me in the top corner and Reg in the the string vest)

Check out Remi in her Super Girl Pyjamas Lol. Keep an eye out for her second album dropping next year but until then...

Remi Nicole - Rock N Roll

RICKIE_MTV NEWS