Blue Star Duncan James Opens Up About Life with Mum and Lost Friendship
Duncan James, the 48-year-old singer from the pop group Blue, has candidly revealed the one major drawback of still living with his mother: she has a habit of stealing his beer. The All Rise vocalist explained that after returning from a tour, he discovered his fridge had been emptied of its alcoholic contents by none other than his mum, Fiona.
The Beer Incident and Shared Living Arrangement
Duncan recounted the amusing yet frustrating episode, saying, "I went to the fridge to get my beer, and my mum was: 'Oh, I've drunk them all. I had my friends over and we had the lot'. She did message me while I was away to tell me it was delicious. She said she couldn’t resist it." Despite this, he emphasised his appreciation for a cold beer on a summer day, whether for himself or his mum's friends.
The singer moved in with his mother during the Covid-19 pandemic after selling his London flat, as she was living alone. Post-pandemic, they enjoyed each other's company so much that Duncan decided to purchase a shared townhouse in Surrey. "I have my own floor, she has her own floor," he noted, adding that while she drank his beer, she also welcomed him home with bacon and eggs recently, which he found lovely.
Embracing a New Lifestyle and Promoting Cold Beer
Duncan has embraced the move from London to a more relaxed pace in the home counties, enjoying a large private garden and hosting neighbours for barbecues with cold beers. He recently returned from skiing in Italy's Dolomites, where he savoured beers on the mountain, and looks forward to summer beer gardens and festivals, including a performance with Blue at Live at Chelsea in June.
In a promotional effort, Duncan has launched a new track with Coors to help fans serve beer at the perfect temperature. Fans place Coors in the fridge and message "BLUE" to Coors on social media, prompting Duncan to send a reminder when the beer is chilled. "It’s an anthem to let people know when their beer is chilled at the right temperature," he said, describing it as a fun nod to the noughties and a mission to ensure the nation's beer is cold.
Remembering a Cherished Friendship
When asked who he would share a beer with, alive or dead, Duncan named his late best friend, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, who passed away nine years ago at age 45. "I really miss her. She was such a huge part of my life," he shared, recalling how they met in 2001 on CD:UK after her stint on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.
Duncan fondly remembered their instant connection: "She shook my hand in a very formal fashion, but I could feel something in my palm. She’d written on a piece of paper in eyeliner: 'Hi Duncan, here’s my phone number. Give me a call. Love, Tara.' I will never forget that." He praised her energy and impish humour, expressing a deep wish to sit down and have a beer with her again.
