Chapter 14

We were shown to Donnie dressing room and the make up and hair people flitted around him. I could see that they were shocked at Donnie’s appearance but we were told that they had all signed a confidentiality agreement not to breathe a word about what they saw. I could tell Donnie was getting a little nervous.

‘You ok babe?’ ‘Yeah, it’s just a big gamble, you know, putting myself out there looking so different.’ ‘I know but what is the worst that can happen? You are hardly going to get a bad reaction. After all Oprah has had weight issues in the past and her audience would never criticize someone about their size.’ I gave him a hug and could tell that made him feel better.

‘Right, I need you to go and sit in the audience. I don’t want you in the green room. I need to see you so I have a pair of kind eyes looking back at me.’ ‘Ok, hun. You will be fine, I know you will. I love you.’ ‘I love you too.’ I kissed him and went to find my seat.

I was so nervous that I thought I was actually going to be sick. I wondered how Donnie was coping but since he had stood in front of thousands of screaming fans in the past I was sure he was doing better than me. The show went by in a blur; I honestly don’t remember a thing until it was time for Donnie to appear.

‘My next guest found fame in the UK’s favourite boy band of the 90’s ‘Now This.’. He went solo and sold out stadiums around the world. His albums have gone platinum and his live shows won awards. Now he is here to tell us of a new phase in his life and a dramatic turn of events. I know you will make him feel welcome as what he is about to do today, I personally think, will have the entertainment world reeling!’

With an introduction like that I was more scared than ever.

‘Donnie Williams!’ Oprah stood up to welcome Donnie onto the set. Donnie entered and there was a gasp from the audience that could have been heard in the street. Oprah hugged Donnie and they both sat down. You could tell people were in genuine shock, and you couldn’t blame them. I don’t think anyone celebrity had ever been on a show before with such a dramatic change.

Donnie sat with his legs apart so his gut could rest in comfort. He looked huge and amazing. It took the audience quite a while to settle down and once they did the interview went well. Oprah talked about her own issues with weight gain and Donnie answered her questions with charm, wit and a twinkle in his eyes. Here was a man in his element and enjoying every moment. I was smiling like a Cheshire Cat.

‘Now, Donnie, tell me, how are the record company reacting to your size?’ ‘Well, they aren’t best pleased. You cannot blame them. I mean I was making more money for them than Britney and now it looks like I ATE Britney!’ the audience were lapping it up, laughing, clapping and cheering. Donnie was on fire!

‘Was this a conscious decision? I know after you left ‘Now This’ you did gain a little weight. You don’t mind me asking?’ ‘Oprah, you can ask me anything. So many people out there are my size and bigger, why should I feel bad for becoming fat. And that is what I am, fat. The execs won’t say that word around me as if I would get offended. They call me big, large, husky, thick set. It makes me smile, I am fat, I am a big fat man!’

I had visions of him jumping on the couch like Tom Cruise but I don’t think the set would take

the strain! The audience were on their feet. I had never heard a reaction like this and it was beautiful.

‘There is one more thing I want to talk about, if I may Oprah?’ ‘Donnie, the floor is yours.’

‘It was because of love that I have become such a fat man. I am a guy head over heels in love and my partner is in the audience.’

What, no, he has got to be joking!

‘Will, stand up!’ I wanted to die on the spot! ‘Will, stand up babe.’

The camera swung my way and I stood up, blushing for my life. Again the audience took a moment to digest this new information and were silent, then as one started yelling, clapping and cheering! Not only had the audience accepted Donnie as a fatty but also as a gay man. This could not have gone any better.

I was asked to sit with Donnie but declined. The woman sitting next to me just kept smiling at me the whole time and then said ‘Good for you.’ That made me laugh.

After the show we went back to Donnie’s dressing room and Oprah came in to say that what Donnie had done was so brave and that she was proud of him and said whenever he needed any help or guidance she was there for him. She is a true lady!

Once the show aired Donnie was hot property. He featured on so many talk shows. I even gave in twice and appeared with him but I will leave the limelight to him, he is a far better showman than me. Donnie’s people were more than happy with the press he was getting. They even wanted him to record a new album but Donnie said no. He had got a taste for talk shows and even had a few stations fighting for him to host his own. They loved his down to earth charm, his wit and above all, his ability to connect with an audience. After Donnie did a guest host spot on Saturday Night Live he decided to accept an offer to host his own talk show. ‘Donnie big and proud’ aired four months later and is still going strong today. Did Donnie’s weight gain change the Medias attitude to fat people? A little. We both knew that fat people would never be treated the same as size zero stick insects but you know what? We don’t care. Donnie took a very brave step and it paid off for him.

Donnie’s weight levelled out at 420lb and we were both more than happy with that. He even did a topless shoot! We found that just so funny. He said he couldn’t do it seriously and had such a blast he gave his fee to charity. I had the best shot made into a giant picture and had it hung above our bed as a joke. He loved it and couldn’t stop laughing but we decided to hang it in the bathroom instead, above the toilet! I have never been happier and my love for Donnie grows everyday. I never thought I would find love whilst on a holiday but I am so glad I took that flight. And Donnie, well, he grew into a HUGE star and I love him.