’I’m a kids’ entertainer but my biggest fans are mums

GIGGLE and Hoot star Jimmy Rees has been called the One Direction of Children’s Entertainers. Here, he reveals how he copes with the pressures of being an unlikely sex symbol.

Jimmy Giggle never expected his current “sex symbol” status. Picture: Helen Melville

GIGGLE and Hoot star Jimmy Rees has been called the One Direction of Children’s Entertainers. Here, he reveals how he copes with the pressures of being an unlikely sex symbol.

YEARS ago, a Facebook page popped up called “I Could Teach Jimmy Giggle A Thing Or Two”.

It went gangbusters really quickly. My wife, Tori, and I thought it was very funny. I think any person in the entertainment industry gets some sort of attention, but we didn’t expect it to be like that!

I do get stopped in the street and it’s usually the parents who notice me. They’ll say, “Look, it’s Jimmy Giggle,” and their kids will go, “No it’s not. Where’s Hoot? Where are his pyjamas?” I have to try to convince them. Sometimes the kids spot me: once, I was in a lift and a little girl tugged at her mother’s dress. The mum said, “I’m so sorry, she thinks you look like this guy on a TV show.” I was like, “She’s right.”

ABC Kids TV star Jimmy Giggle is often recognised. Picture: Chris Eastman

Then there are the people who come to our shopping-centre appearances without any children. It’s a bit awkward to ask if I’m signing something for them … Once at an event, an enthusiastic mum wrote her phone number on a piece of paper for me — but instead of giving it to me directly she gave it to my wife, who was helping kids off the stage. Being a preschool show, I didn’t expect to achieve this kind of “sex symbol” status. I really don’t know why I’m such a hit with the mums — I didn’t know that sideburns were still in!

Jimmy Rees is better known as Jimmy Giggle.

I think there are different layers to our fan base. The kids obviously believe in the wonder that is Giggle and Hoot; they go on these adventures and they’re enchanted by it all. The parents, who unfortunately have to listen to all the songs too, appreciate it in a different way.

I’m watching a lot of kids’ TV now because my son, Lenny, is 19 months old. Becoming a dad has given me a bit of perspective about what children enjoy and how intelligent they are.

Kids are the hardest audience. If you don’t engage them, they’ll fall asleep. Giggle and Hoot doesn’t speak down to children, we speak fast and they have to keep up. The kids understand that and they pick up the catchphrases.

Jimmy Giggle with Hoot and Hootabelle. Picture: Adam Head

I love doing live-action shows as you can see the excitement on the kids’ faces.

They see Jimmy Giggle in real life and they really appreciate us being there.

Read more Stellar articles online.

We’re rehearsing our Christmas tour now. When we get into a theatre and put on the show, it’s a truly magical time. For kids and mums alike.

JIMMY’S TIPS FOR FENDING OFF UNWANTED ATTENTION

1. Always look like you are going somewhere. Some people can talk forever, so you have to come across busy.

2. Disguise yourself. When I grow a beard and get a tan, no one knows who I am!

3. Have your tongue firmly planted in your cheek — I don’t take anything too seriously.

Originally published as ’I’m a kids’ entertainer but my biggest fans are mums