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Guernsey's most senior political committee has been compared to Britain's biggest* ever boyband...but if P&R were That That, who would be who?
The comparison came about thanks to a parody account set up using the former Twitter handle used by Deputy Neil Inder.
When he left Twitter his @tothevale account name was picked up by someone calling themselves 'Deputy Neil Rinder' with a profile picture showing the TV Judge Rob Rinder, and in one of his tongue in cheek tweets he compared P&R to Take That.
I can’t wait for this documentary about everyone’s favourite boyband.
— Deputy Neil Rinder (@tothevale) December 13, 2022
Take That - The Crystal Meth Years pic.twitter.com/PWjzmcFjis
I would like to thank Deputy Gavin St Pier for bringing this to my attention, by rightfully pointing out that I am 'super fan' of Take That.
I was surprised that the clearly well educated Deputy St Pier's expansive knowledge on a variety of topics does not extend to the boy bands of the 90s (or the man bands of the noughties?) when he said that he does not know who all five members of TT are.
I fear this may be a lack of knowledge shared by others, but not to worry - I have compiled, with the help of Ben in our production team, a comparison of each member of P&R with each member of TT.
No offence to super fan @Laura_radiogsy but am I only one who can only remember names of two members of band: Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow; other three are just bland, instantly forgettable and singalong to the same tune, right? https://t.co/VxBqD7GdVZ
— Gavin St Pier (@gavinstpier) December 14, 2022
Despite Take That always being known for their harmonies featuring the dulcet tones of all five members, Gary was always seen as the leader of the band during their 90s heyday.
He was the lead singer - he was not great at dancing - he was seen as Mr Sensible. Following the band breaking up in 1996 he went solo, which went badly, and he went to ground for a few years, before coming back wiser, more humble, and ready to show off even more of his talents.
Known as 'The Captain' among fervent fans, he's seen as a sex symbol and has been tasked with important gigs like the Queen's jubilee concert.
He's still seen by many as the real talent among the band.
In my opinion this sees him match up with...Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq.
Pictured: Gary Barlow and Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq.
A sensible, safe pair of hands, with talent and humility. He may not be the leader of P&R in name, but is he seen by others as a leader locally? He spends a lot of time off-island on external relations work so he may well be seen as our leader by many.
Seen by many as the real talent in the band, none more so than himself. He even called an album 'The Ego has Landed' because he recognises that his biggest characteristic - and flaw - is his ego.
He's had well documented battles with drink and drugs, and the rows caused by his walking out on Take That in 1995 lasted for years. He has since admitted that he took out his pain, aided and abetted by his years of alcoholism and drug addiction, on most of his former boy band colleagues - most notably Gary Barlow.
But despite all the pain he caused others - Robbie always comes out on top in the public eye. He remains hugely popular, a multi millionaire, a talented singer, dancer, entertainer in one.
In my opinion, the P&R Robbie is...Deputy Peter Ferbrache.
Pictured: Robbie Williams and Deputy Peter Ferbrache.
Whatever you think of Deputy Ferbrache, he always comes out on top - he's an intelligent, well educated man, with arguably an ego and charisma that helped propel him to the upper echelons of society. A leading lawyer, leading politician, and having listened to many of his speeches over the years - he's quite the entertainer too.
The cute one, known as Markie to many - he's just lovely. Everyone loves Mark Owen.
He's kind, he's funny, he's sweet. He's also passionate about his music - he's recently released a solo album and has been on tour. His voice is distinctive - maybe not to everyone's taste, but he's learned a lot over the years, honing his craft and working away, while supporting Robbie through his most turbulent years.
He's not the front man, he's not the back up man - he's the one that's always there for the others, is pleased to be there for his fans and is happy to chat to anyone.
In my opinion, the P&R Mark is...Deputy Mark Helyar.
They don't just match up because of their names, but also their role in the group. If Robbie and Gary are jostling for the limelight, there's Mark behind them - putting the hours in, smiling, and doing it with style. I understand Deputy Helyar is also quite the guitar player.
True Take That fans will know that when the band split up in the 90s, Howard was hit the hardest.
He was loving life as the heartthrob in a boy band - he didn't want the party to end.
When the TT party did end he kept on working in music, DJing across Europe mainly.
Like Mark, he has sung lead vocals but he's never been the lead man of the band. He's known to be passionate about what he does - keen to keep the TT show on the road, always positive, with a rude sense of humour and a sense of style.
In my opinion the P&R Howard is...Deputy Bob Murray.
Pictured: Howard Donald and Deputy Bob Murray.
Deputy Murray was until very recently the Vice President of Education, Sport and Culture. He was said to be crucial to the transformation plans - a sign of his passion for the project perhaps.
He's now moved to P&R and his rousing election speech saw his passion come forward yet again - evoking memories of the island's tomato growing heydays - which are even more historic than Take That's 90's hey day.
My personal favourite Take That member - the quiet man of the band, the smouldering one, the spiritual one.
Also, maybe seen by many as the least talented musically wise. He was a dancer after all. TT fans may miss him but does anyone else? He is now believed to be living a quiet life in retirement in the Lake District. He is said to have no interest to return to the limelight.
If I hadn't reminded you of his name, would you know who he is?
For that reason, the P&R Jason is...Deputy Dave Mahoney.
Pictured: Jason Orange and Deputy Dave Mahoney.
He's only been in the States a couple of years, and unlike other newcomers he may not have made too much of an impact. Nurses and teachers have been left quite heartbroken by his words on their pay disputes but many others may not know he exists. Much like I remain heartbroken by Jason's disappearance from the spotlight, but I accept many others couldn't care less.
*I am not sure who the biggest boy band would be in terms of record sales, concerts, or whatever - but in my mind Take That have always been and will always be the biggest and best.
Signed,
A Take That super fan
