from LIVE & KICKING MAGAZINE - January 2001
RITCHIE IS IN THE LOVE ZONE
Brace yourself, Mr Neville, 'cause you're in the Love Zone! Juicy bits at the ready please!
Were you a heartthrob at school?
Without blowing my own trumpet, I did OK! Put it this way, I wasn't ignored when kiss chase was being played! I used to love that game, actually!
Do you remember your first kiss?
Yes, I do, it was with a girl named Joanna Griffiths. I was only about eight so it wasn't much more than a peck on the cheek to be honest.
What about your first full-on, tongues out snog?
I would have been about 11 and it was with a girl called Rebecca Harold behind the brick pavilion at school. Thing was, I wasn't on my own! My best mate and his missus were there too!
Who was your first crush on?
I used to have a crush on my best friend's older sister. She knew about it too so whenever I was round his house she used to play me up and tease me! That really used to do my head in!
Who was your first girlfriend?
I'd had relationships before this, but only for a month or so, but my first proper one lasted about a year. I was 16 and that was my first taste of what a real relationship could be like - it had its good bits and bad bits, just like real life!
Have you ever two-timed anybody
Yes, I'm ashamed to say. I think I got it out of my system though, 'cause I certainly wouldn't do it now, I have a lot more respect for people nowadays.
Do you have a 'Type'?
I used to have a really strong idea of a 'type'. If you'd have asked me that a few years ago, I'd have said blonde with blue or green eyes, but these days I like everything!
Do you think you're romantic?
Yeah, absolutely! I've done loads of different stuff but I guess the most romantic thing I've done - and this means more 'cause I wasn't famous and didn't really have any money - was when I saved up about 300 pounds one Valentine's and took my then girlfriend out for a swanky meal and on to a nice hotel afterwards. Flash or what?
What's your favorite perfume on a girl?
Romance by Ralph Lauren. I love it!
So Rich, have you ever written a love letter?
Oh God, yeah! I used to write one every other day at school and then I'd pass them around the classroom!
What's a big turn-off?
Girls who are a bit too loud, you know, like 'lad-ettes'. I'm not saying I want a girlfriend who just sits there smiling and not saying anything, but someone who's spouting off about everything and anything all the time is no good to me.
Are you a really bad flirt?
Yeah, I'm quite a bad one actually. I'm afraid I'll pretty much flirt with anyone!
How do you let someone know you like them?
It depends on the situation, but I wouldn't go back to Primary school tactics and go up and slap them! I don't think that would work these days. I guess it's all down to eye contact.
Who was the last person who made you think 'Mmmmm'?
It was probably just a girl in the street to be honest. It happens all the time.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
Yeah, and it was terrible! I don't really want to say any more than that.
Would you go on a scary blind date?
Absolutely no way! I couldn't think of anything more embarrassing!
Would you ever go out with a fan?
No not really. I don't want to be horrible or anything but I don't think they would understand my lifestyle, and it wouldn't be fair on them.
And finally, who's the ultimate babe?
Ooooh blimey - there are so many! When you're a teen you kinda have one, but nowadays there's too many to say!
