Ian Wright

The Wright Stuff

	I would like to play a Joe Pesci kind of role, like in Goodfellas...I feel I've got a part of that in me

Ian Wright is many things to many people. To Arsenal fans he’s a god, to Spurs fans he’s a nuisance. And to most women, he’s a gold-toothed lothario whom they’d like to take home and snuggle. As he settles in to his new role as host of Gladiators, we thought it was about time we bought the great man a drink. Not one to sit quietly, it wasn’t long before he was babbling like a Sunny Delight-fuelled eight-year-old. We listened, laughed and then begged him to give us Jet’s phone number…

Have you ever touched Kirsty Gallagher’s bottom?

No I haven’t! Kirsty is a very good friend, and I’m also good friends with her boyfriend, Sammo. Plus, he’s a hard nut - I wouldn’t touch her bottom because I wouldn’t want to seek his wrath.

What’s tougher – running the gauntlet against five massive Gladiators or trying to get past Tony Adams?

Ooh, you know something? I think running the gauntlet just pips Tony. Tony was hard to get past in training, but when you look at these Gladiators, they’re so fit and strong, it’s awesome.

Any plans to go into acting like Vinnie Jones? What part would you play?

I would like to play a Joe Pesci kind of role, like in Goodfellas. I love the comic side of him mixed with the psycho. That appeals to my kind of persona because I feel I’ve got part of that in me. If you’re going to do something such as acting, you have to play to your strengths, like Vinnie has. You’re not going to see Vinnie doing Hamlet. Do you know what I mean? If somebody offered a Goodfellas-style role to me, I would jump at it.

You don’t seem to have aged in 10 years – do you sleep in a Tupperware container?

Ha ha, I used to go to Tupperware parties with my mum! The thing is, my mum looks pretty young for her age. She’s coming up to about 80 now, but still looks about 60. I don’t go for all the moisturisers and stuff, we’re just quite lucky in that respect. Plus, I shave my head - it take years off you!

Are you mates with Thierry Henry? Do you poke each other all the time on Facebook?

To be honest, we got on a lot better before he left. Towards the end it got a little bit sour, because when you try to speak positively about Arsenal and what the team’s doing, some people take offence to it. We used to text each other quiet a lot, but we don’t do it so often now. It’s unfortunate.

Did you used to have a Jet poster on your wall which you worshipped Alan Partridge-style?

Jet’s around doing the webcam stuff, and she still looks so amazing. I’ve always said that she’s my favourite Gladiator. I didn’t have a poster, but of course I fancy her and I told her that yesterday. She looks absolutely gorgeous.

What’s the most embarrassing outfit you’ve ever worn out in public?

It was one I wore when I was working for Sky years back, some checked Versace suit. When I look back, I feel sick just looking at it. I was standing having a picture taken next to Chris Eubank and he looked a lot more sedate than me! He looked like he was saying, ‘What the fuck were you thinking, wearing that?’ I looked ridiculous. I don’t have it now, I think I burnt it.

What Gladiator game would you be best at?

I think Duel – the one with the two giant cotton buds. It’s performed over water now, but I think that’s the one I would have the best chance at. I couldn’t do many of the running games now because my ankle is not as good as it was. Maybe Hang Tough, too – those are two very good games.

Do your mates take the piss out of you for taking part in that Chicken Tonight advert? They should!

You sound like a Tottenham fan. We’re talking about a long time ago. As much as people take the mickey, the fact that you're asking me about it nearly 10 years after the event means you remember it. At the time I was a top footballer having a laugh at my own expense. People can knock it, but that advert served its purpose. And it did pay for a very nice house!