I'M NO ANGEL BUT THE INFLUENCE OF A FAMILY IS MASSIVE'
OK! UK|August 07, 2023
BLUR BASSIST ALEX JAMES, HIS WIFE CLAIRE NEATE AND THEIR KIDS SHOW US AROUND THEIR STUNNING FARM
MITYA UNDERWOOD
I'M NO ANGEL BUT THE INFLUENCE OF A FAMILY IS MASSIVE'

As Blur’s floppy-haired bassist Alex James proudly shows us around his sprawling 200-acre Oxfordshire farm, it swiftly becomes very apparent that the 54-year-old is fully embracing this “second act” of his rock star life. It’s a world away from his rather hedonistic early days in Blur, the band that dominated the Britpop music scene in the mid-90s with the likes of Song 2, Girls & Boys and Parklife.

Late nights of drinking have been swapped for cosy breakfasts, feeding his family “à la carte eggs” (he likes his mixed with a dash of cream and baked in hot butter, for the record), healthy workouts in the home gym and meetings for his annual Big Feastival – a sort of Glastonbury-meets-MasterChef mash-up.

Flanked by his five teenage children, who he shares with wife of 20 years Claire Neate, Alex takes us for a stroll around the grounds of his stunning 18th-century home, complete with its polytunnels, orchards, beehives, woodlands, walled gardens and animals.

He has shared the rural idyll – the love of his life, as he refers to it – for almost two decades with his wife, a former music video producer. Completing the set-up are sons Geronimo, 19, twins Artemas and Galileo, 17, and daughters Sable, 14, and 13-year-old Beatrix, whose wardrobes have now expanded considerably thanks to our shoot, which Alex jokes “is easier than taking them all shopping” for them!

“Claire and I bought the farm on our honeymoon at the point when Blur needed to go off and do other things and I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into it ever since,” he tells us.

Bu hikaye OK! UK dergisinin August 07, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye OK! UK dergisinin August 07, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

OK! UK DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
SEASONAL SHOPPING
OK! UK

SEASONAL SHOPPING

Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 25, 2024
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
OK! UK

BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH

As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here are some of the steps we can take to help protect ourselves

time-read
2 dak  |
November 25, 2024
'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'
OK! UK

'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'

Comedian Ruby Wax shares her long-term struggles with mental health as she backs a brand new campaign to inspire and help others

time-read
4 dak  |
November 25, 2024
I'm happy to be the one who says no'
OK! UK

I'm happy to be the one who says no'

TV presenter Helen Skelton might love the adrenaline rush of a new adventure, but when she's not busy breaking Guinness World Records she has learned how to take the pressure off herself

time-read
5 dak  |
November 25, 2024
My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'
OK! UK

My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'

I'm A Celebrity star Alan Halsall on how his loved ones feel about his Aussie adventure and what he will miss most while away

time-read
3 dak  |
November 25, 2024
'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'
OK! UK

'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'

Race Across The World stars Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi on letting the cameras into their private life with their new reality series and taking on their toughest challenge yet

time-read
5 dak  |
November 25, 2024
"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'
OK! UK

"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'

MAFS UK'S Sacha Jones says she's devastated following her heartbreaking split from \"husband\" Ross McCarthy

time-read
6 dak  |
November 25, 2024
THE ROYAL WEEK
OK! UK

THE ROYAL WEEK

Armistice Day was remembered, entertainers were honoured and the King celebrated his birthday

time-read
2 dak  |
November 25, 2024
KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE
OK! UK

KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE

\"This is Kate's night,\" a royal expert tells OK!, as the Princess of Wales reveals she will be hosting her annual carol service this year

time-read
6 dak  |
November 25, 2024
I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'
OK! UK

I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'

JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz introduce baby son Shiva to the world in our exclusive OK! shoot

time-read
7 dak  |
November 25, 2024