A growing star - conclusion

Chapter 5

The day of the taping of Oprah arrived rather quickly. Donnie had eaten himself up to 340lb and his suit was looking snug. He said he didn’t mind as it made him look even fatter. I had a thought Francois wouldn’t be too pleased as it looked like he had made the suit too small. Donnie wore a crisp white shirt and blue pinstriped braces. His gut look amazing, the overhang was so full and heavy. The braces just made his gut look so much meatier. I looked at him and smiled. He was a handsome man. I was so proud of him. Looking back I called it my Jewish mother moment. If I had a handkerchief I would have tried to wipe schmutz off his face! Donnie wanted me to come along and had a suit made for me too. We looked quite the dapper pair. The car collected us and took us to the airport. We were glad we were in first class as Donnie filled his seat rather too well. If we had been in couch his fat would have overflowed and caused a problem. We landed in Chicago and a limo was waiting for us to take us to the studio. We were taken to the back of the studio as not to arouse any suspicion. Donnie wanted his appearance on Oprah to be a total shock to anyone watching and didn’t want the surprise ruined by waiting paparazzi.

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 any 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.