Probably my only memory of Calum Best on TV was in that MTV show where he vowed to abstain from sex for 50 days and 50 nights because he was like, a self-proclaimed total sex-maniac. Perhaps then, I didn’t quite know what to expect when I went to meet him. Was he going to be a total lad? A narcissist? A bit of a tool?
Well, actually, waiting for me when I arrived was a suited 34-year old guy who was funny, pretty charming and super excited to talk to me. I was admittedly pleasantly surprised, and now reckon he is just a young guy who’s made mistakes but has really grown up and matured in the past few years.
The reason for which I went to chat to the Malibu-born tabloid favourite was that, as I’m sure you’ve heard, he has just released a book about his relationship with his Father George. The book (aptly named ‘Second Best’) is supposed to house details of his Dad’s alcoholism, for which it has gained a few haters.
After chatting briefly about his book, I thought I’d give the guy a break and fire some fun and light hearted quick-fire questions at him instead of hounding him about the book’s details. Check out what we chatted about here.
What's on your bed stand?
On my bed stand I have ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne. This is so bad to say but I’ve never been a massive book reader. When I was going through a bit of turmoil in my life though I liked those sort of self help books because I’m not the type who would go to sit with the therapist, so when I started hearing about ‘The Secret’ I thought it sounded really coo.
Fave all time film?
The Shawshank Redemption- great movie!
Favourite app?
I am hooked to my phone! I’ll tell you about one which is really good that’s about to come out called the Cardio Guru. It’s a fitness app - I’m big into my fitness at the moment and I have a friend who’s a big time trainer and he’s just about to release that app. It talks you through your workout and makes it pretty simple.
Twitter vs. Instagram?
Jesus that’s tough, I’m obsessed with both. I’d say… Twitter.
Favourite person to follow on twitter/instagram?
Well I actually enjoy following Piers Morgan. The grief he gets from everybody and the way he bounces back with banter is just great!
Vine or Snapchat?
Snapchat
Favourite emoji?
That face which is like ‘I don’t care - the sideways face’
Last person you text?
Was probably my mother today. So cringe to say but I’m comfortable as a 34-year-old man saying it!
Most played on your ipod?
[Has a little search on his iPhone] hmmm, let’s go with the new Blessing song, it’s got Drake in it - you know the one [I clearly look perplexed] Come on, you know it!
Last gig?
The Prodigy. Love The Prodigy. They’re so good, and I’m friends with 2 of them and they brought me backstage once and it was one of the fucking coolest things ever.
What do you love on your pizza?
Extra Pepperoni [I look horrified] Is that not the one? How about barbeque chicken - we’ll go with that.
What’s your favourite sandwich filling?
Chicken and avocado.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs.
What’s your spirit animal and why?
Wolf. I’d say lone wolf - I just look at their eyes and I think they’re such awesome creatures. I’d like to be a pack leader [like in The Hangover?] Yeh exactly that. Me and my mates are fucking similar to that anyway!
What’s your most over-used word?
Dude. I use it constantly. I say it to girls too and they’re like ‘I’m not a dude’. It’s because I grew up in California so it kind of rolls of my tongue.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Vienetta - the mint one. It’s like a pound in Tesco.
Best gift you’ve ever received?
I don’t want to be too deep but I think my watch from my Dad when he passed.
A person you want to have coffee with?
Bob Marley because I liked his peaceful persona and his chilled outlook! We share the same birthday and I think he was a really cool dude.
The ultimate swear word?
Fuck - it just gets the point across!
And your favourite country to visit?
Shit, well I’ve been lucky enough to go to quite a few places. I think one of the most beautiful places I ever went was Hawaii.
If you had a superpower?
To fly. I just think it would be awesome. Invisibility in second for sure. I like the reading minds thing too but sometimes you just don’t want to know!
3 things you couldn’t live without?
My phone, my Mother and barbeque ribs [hopefully not in that order!]
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would just say always have manners and be respectful. Manners are essential for any young man and I think that I always had them but when I was drinking too much I maybe lost them. But manners and being respectful are key.
Finally on a scale of one to ten how excited are you about life right now?
I’m a strong 9. I’ve not quite peaked and I have slight anxiety about my book but overall my health is good, my heart is good, my business is good and it’s a pleasure talking to you!
Pleasure talking with you too! ;)
Second Best: My Dad And Me is published by Bantam Press, £11.89, Kindle £6.99, is out now
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Follow Becky On Twitter: @Bfearn25
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.