The Costa's Brightest Star ...Is back!

While entertainers on the Costa Blanca come and go there are a select few that remain firmly in our hearts no matter where their talents may take them.....

There was once a time when the name ‘Eddie Wallace' appeared on every entertainment bill throughout the area, and his departure last year left a huge void in the social lives of his vast sea of followers. Zest caught up with the quirky Scouser during a rare and fleeting visit, when he performed a one night only, sell out show at ‘The Venue' in Campo de Guardamar, to find out about his life after the Costas.

Eddie packed up his extensive wardrobe and regrettably returned to the UK on 22^nd January, when both his Dad Eddie and Sister Sue, were taken ill. "Although it was hard leaving my life and friends in Spain I no longer wanted to be here knowing that my family were suffering back home. All of a sudden felt that is where I belonged".

However, the one thing that he could not bear to leave behind was his beloved dog, Frodo. Fredo was a rescue dog which Eddie nursed back to health several years ago. So determined was he not to abandon Frodo that he actually paid £595 for his flight ticket back, compared with a mere 29 pence for his own fare!!! Eddie was pleased to reveal that his Dad's condition improved rapidly following his arrival, although his Sister battled for a clean bill of health right up to the end of November, which was a massive relief when it came.

Having been a famous face in entertainment circuits throughout the UK, Eddie's comeback attempt immediately took flight, and he had secured himself a number of regular gigs before his plane had even touched down. Less than a day later Eddie was back up on stage on Blackpool's popular South Pier, which quickly became a regular gig, and his diary was full again before he could sink his first pint. He was signed up by the UK's leading provider of live entertainment ‘Garston Entertainments ltd', which also manages the likes of 2002 ‘Stars In Their Eyes' winner, Mike Powell. Ironically, the agency quickly affirmed a contract with ‘Thomson Gold' holidays, and he found himself jetting back to the Costas to perform at the 4* ‘Hotel Levante Club' in Benidorm, which became one of many dates with the popular tour operator. He recalled one of the highlights of the summer when he bought a motor home and went on tour along the south coast with his beloved dog Frodo. "I spent six weeks meandering along the coast playing at modest venues to some fantastic audiences. It was quite exhausting as I would be in Bournemouth one day, then Newquay the next. Full on, but loads of fun!" From there he began to work the Haven Holiday circuit and enjoyed his performances at a 5* resort in North Wales. With the added demand for his presence at private gigs, including weddings, birthdays and corporate events Eddie's feet have not touched the ground, and his life in the UK is rapidly transforming into the whirlwind that it was here.

Besides his hectic performance schedule, Eddie`s new life has opened the door to another dream which life in Spain would not allow him. He enrolled on an undergraduate course in Drama and Performance at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), something which he said had to be put on the back burner when he moved to Spain "It was always part of my life plan and I knew that I would do it one day. My return to the UK provided the perfect opportunity." Devoting hours of research to every assignment, Eddie has really put a lot of effort into the course and must only be described as "the model student". In fact, with his extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry both in the UK and overseas, teamed with years of experience in writing, producing and performing his own material, he could probably even teach the tutors a thing or two!

The University considers his working trips back to the Costas as the perfect practical compliment to his portfolio, as he can exercise what he has learned in the classroom out on stage in front of a live audience- who offer of course the most honest form of judgment. "The course is great fun. I am classed as a "mature" student which I'm not fond of at all, but I am among like-minded people who share my passion for performing. It is nice to be in a position where I can offer advice to my fellow students"

His most recent conquest was touring with a one man 40's show, which was aimed at raising funds for ‘Help for Heroes', an organisation which was formed to help those who have been wounded in Britain's past and present current conflicts worldwide. The show incorporated music from the biggest shows of that era, and was particularly poignant for Eddie who was simultaneously studying similar themes at university. He said that "I was surprised to find that the 40's shows attracted people of all ages, but soon learned that the younger followers were there to support loved ones who are still serving in the armed forces. It was very humbling."

So what does the future hold? After the response that he got from fans during his latest visit to the Costa Blanca, Eddie is now well aware of how popular he remains and indeed how their loyalty has never faltered. "The show at The Venue was just mind-blowing.I always assumed that once I left that would be it. People would just forget me and move on to the next person. There are certainly enough to choose from". It is a sensible synopsis as in most cases this is exactly what happens, however where Eddie is concerned this is far from the truth. As always, Eddie was supported by Dennis Scally of Sunset recording Studios as Musical Director of the show. An accomplished Musician himself, Dennis is responsible for producing all of the backing tracks used in Eddie's songs and the pair spent many great nights working together at The Lounge Bar along with leading Vocalist, Patti Scally. This has helped to reaffirm his position, and while he has no plans to return on a permanent basis he will certainly be a more frequent visitor to Spanish shores during 2010. "I have missed Spain and am looking forward to coming back and collaborating with all of my old friends again next year. I have several shows already planned including a few nights in Benidorm, Torrevieja and a very special performance at a friend's wedding ceremony in September".

Essentially, while Eddie's face is not as prominent on the local entertainment circuit as it once was, he is certainly not forgotten.

"Bring him home, bring him home, bring him home..."