Merlin Elite

Jamie and Louise Redknapp's loved up ad boosts Thomas Cook holiday sales

Martina Lees for the Daily Mail:

Footballer Jamie Redknapp has helped Thomas Cook to a 15% surge in summer holiday bookings in the last four weeks. 

The ex-Liverpool and Tottenham player and his wife Louise, the former pop star, appeared in TV adverts showing the couple horse riding on the beach, lounging by the pool and dining out at a sun-drenched resort. 

Thomas Cook credited the campaign for helping to boost sales after a slow start in the peak January bookings season due to snow and bad weather. 

Chief Executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa said; 'In recent weeks, bookings for the summer 2010 season have improved significantly, marking a positive response to our current marketing campaigns and highlighting the resilience of the summer holiday.'

Redknapps - Thomas Cook

January saw the launch of Thomas Cook's new advertising campaign - spearheaded with their TV advert featuring Jamie and Louise Redknapp. The beautifully shot ad builds on the company's famous line, "Don't Just Book it, Thomas Cook it".

It follows YouGov research, commissioned by the tour operator, which suggests that consumers place their overseas summer holiday as their most important annual purchase.

Louise Redknapp

Louise has joined Nigel Lythgoe and Arlene Phillips on the judging panel for the BBC One series 'So You Think You Can Dance' to find Britain's favourite dancer. The show is proving very popular, with consistently solid ratings, beautifyul choreography and outstanding technical ability from the dancers week on week. 

Prior to the live shows Louise judged auditions and Choreography Camp, helping to select the lucky 14 finalists.

Louise also joins Tim Lovejoy as the new co-host of BBC Two Daytime's hit Sunday morning show, "Something for the Weekend". Now in it's 3rd Year, the show regularly attracts over 1 million viewers and enjoys a consistently strong audience share.

Jamie Redknapp - Football's Next Star

Jamie leads the search for 'Football's Next Star', on Sky1, following the journey of over 7000 teenagers who applied in the hope of winning a once-in-a-lifetime contract with Italian champions Inter-Milan. Jamie joins the team's head coach Jose Mourinho as mentor in this fascinating show, and plays an important part in guiding the boys towards their ultimate goal of playing for one of the world's best teams.

Matt Dawson - Channel 4 TV Show

Matt recently appeared in Channel 4's new show 'My Big Fat Diet'. Matt joined Supersize vs. Superskinny presenter Anna Richardson, and a group of women hoping to drop a dress size after the excess of Christmas. To help the ladies along, Matt creates some tasty but low fat dishes, proving that dieting and eating healthily doesn't have to be boring. 

Sheree Murphy - Baby Breakfast Club

Sheree hits the screens for the GMTV Baby Breakfast Club, bringing together mums and experts to discuss a variety of challenges that parents are faced with. 

Hosting the show weekdays at 09:10 on ITV4.

Phil Packer - Sports Personality of the Year

Major Phil Packer was honoured the receive one of Sport's most prestigious awards at the BBC's Sports PersoIn front personality of the Year awards. In front of an audience of over 10,000 people at Sheffield Arena, Sir Steve Redgrave presented Phil with the Helen Rollason Award, in recognition of his tirless work and fundraising since sustaining devastating injuries whilst serving in Iraq. 

Phil has now announced that he will be completing the 26 mile London marathon to support 26 charities, this year aiming to complete it in 24 hours. 

Only Men Aloud

After a hugely successful sell out UK Christmas tour in December 2009, Only Men Aloud will be back in New York in March to being their assault on the US by taking part in the Wales Week celebrations with the Welsh Assembly. 

They recorded a television special for PBS in 2009 which will air across America in June this year followed by an album and a tour.

Vanessa-Mae

December proved to be a busy month for gifted violinist Vanessa. She joined operatic male group 'Il Divo' as special guest during 2 of their London shows at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo and then joined them across the pond to perform a number of stunnning shows in New York and Boston.

Matt Stevens to join Saracens

Merlin's Matt Stevens, capped 32 times by England and a member of the British and Irish Lions touring party to New Zealand in 2005, is the first of a raft of major signings expected to be announced by the Premiership Club. 

The prop forward has been courted by many Premiership clubs eager to sign him. 

Saracens Director of Rugby, Brendan Venter, has described the recruitment of Stevens as "a massively significant signing" .

Stevens, who also recently opened a a new coffee shop in Bath with Bath and England hooker Lee Mears, described the move as the next phase in his rugby career: "I have many great memories and friends in Bath, but there's something special happening at Saracens and I'm very eager to be part of it."

"This signing demonstrates the scale of our ambition, and it also shows that top players recognise Saracens as a well-run club with a bright future," said Venter. 

"Matt is a world-class prop with his best rugby ahead of him, and I'm sure he'll flourish in our environment."

Danny Care - New Signing

Merlin Sport is pleased to welcome Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care into the fold. Joining other players including Paul Sackey and Tom Voyce, Danny is destined for big things in 2010.

Delon Armitage - New Signing

London Irish and England player Delon Armitage has joined the Merlin Elite group of sportsmen. 

Delon has recently signed a two new year contract extension, negotiated by Merlin Sport MD Mike Strange at London Irish, and has been included in the current England EPS Squad.

Mike Strange added: "This signing demonstrates the belief shown by top players that Merlin is the correct choice to look after their careers. Delon is a world class player and a tremendous ambassador for attacking rugby. He is a credit to the renowned Armitage rugby family".

Bevon Armitage - New Signing

Bevon Armitage has agreed to join Merlin Sport alongside his brother Delon, to look after his career with immediate effect.

Bevon is currently having a great season at inside centre playing in the championship with Doncaster Knights. 

Lennie Newman added, "We are always searching for clients that can enhance Merlin Sport and also assist to develop the player's career. Bevon not only fitted this criteria with his recent performances with Doncaster, but also as part of the incredible Armitage family of Rugby players."

Steffon Armitage - New Signing

Merlin Sport are thrilled that the third member of the Rugby Playing Armitage family has agreed to join them alongside his brothers Delon and Bevon. 

Steffon has also just signed a contract extension with London Irish and has been named alongside Delon in the current England EPS squad for the forthcoming Six Nations series. 

Steffon is delighted to be joining Merlin Sport and is excited to be alongside his brothers at the Merlin group.

Only Men Aloud

OMA have begun promoting their second album ‘Band of Brothers’ which is released on the 12th October. They are currently on a radio tour across the country and will be appearing on GMTV, Alan Titchmarsh, Sky and various other National TV shows throughout October.

They have also recently headlined ‘Proms In The Park’ in Swansea where they entertained an audience of 10,000+ in Singleton Park as part of the BBC broadcast.  Pearl Fishers Duet was aired on BBC1 as part of the main Last Night of The Proms program.

The choir has also been a hit on YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2r386K1XJY

After recording a duet of the classic ‘Total Eclipse of The Heart’ with Bonnie Tyler, the video had over 100,000 hits in just over a week!

Only Men Aloud’s tour starts on the 1st December and tickets are on sale now - www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Jamie & Louise Redknapp

Catch Jamie and Louise in November’s issue of Red Magazine. As the first couple to ever grace their front cover, inside you’ll find an exclusive interview plus more stunning pictures of the twosome showcasing some of this season’s key designer pieces.

Louise Redknapp

Louise took to our screens this September with the launch of the new Channel 5 show Farmer Wants a Wife. She follows single lovelorn farmers looking to find a mate. Potential partners must live on the farms of their suitors for five days taking on the challenges of modern farm life and finding out if love can blossom in the barnyards and pigsties of rural Britain! You can catch Louise's show Wednesdays, 9pm on Channel 5.

Jodie Kidd

A breathtaking spectacle at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls was put on to greet the arrival of Maserati’s latest creation: the GranCabrio. As one of Masterati’s official ambassadors, Jodie was invited to unveil the new car to fellow guests including Patrick Kielty, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson & Major Phil Packer.

Matt Le Tissier

Nicknamed "Le God" by the Southampton faithful, Matt Le Tissier was not cast from the same mould as 99% of other professional footballers. A real "one-off" if ever there was one, he was a one-club man in a 16-year career that brought little in the way of trophies but countless plaudits from footballs fans and commentators alike.

Having spent over 60 days in the Amazon charts, ‘Taking le Tiss’ is the great man′s first chance to answer all these questions and many more. It is also a delightfully self-deprecating and witty story from a player who was more of a Big-Mac-and-fries than a chicken-and-beans man.

Merlin Sport Limited

Merlin Elite Management Group (MEMG) has today announced the creation of Merlin Sport Limited. The company will be led by Europe’s longest standing rugby agent, Mike Strange, who has been appointed managing director. He will be assisted by non-executive director Matt Dawson MBE, as Merlin Sport aims to offer the most comprehensive player management offering in Europe.

MEMG manages many current sportsmen, as well as former stars who have flourished in retirement as they did while playing.  These include Jamie Redknapp, Graeme Le Saux, Alec Stewart, Andrew Castle, Matt Le Tissier and Paul Sackey.

Richard Thompson, MEMG chairman, said: “With Mike’s wealth of international experience, he is the number one agent in world rugby, while Matt Dawson is a World Cup winner and rugby legend. Together, they will provide a unique offering with unrivalled experience and insight for the modern player. We intend to make further announcements in coming weeks as we demonstrate our expansion into other areas, through acquisition and also organic growth.”

Mike Strange, Merlin Sport managing director, added: “I have been waiting for a challenge like this for some time. Working with Matt really excites me. With the broader Merlin Elite Group offering the most insightful marketing and media support in the industry to a list of amazing clients, it wasn’t a hard decision for me to join.”

Matt Dawson says: “Having been a client of Merlin for the past six years, I know what the group can do for me as a player and in pursuing a career out of the game. The demands on modern sports professionals have changed a lot, but I feel I can offer support in helping them achieve the best from the talents and make the right decisions as their careers grow.”

Louise Redknapp

Continuing as the face of Triumph underwear & Orbit chewing gum, Louise will also be joining the popular Sunday morning BBC show ‘Something for the Weekend’. Co-hosting alongside Tim Lovejoy & Chef Simon Rimmer, Louise will be presenting 3 shows in total.

Tune into BBC iPlayer to catch last Sunday’s show!

Jodie Kidd

July saw Jodie successfully host her 3rd annual Golf Classic. Joined by celebrity friends & supporters such as Bruce Forsyth, Sir Ian Botham and Dougray Scott, the day saw teams take to the famous Downs course at Goodwood in aid of Jodie’s own charity Foundation which in turn supports the NSPCC, The Monsoon/Accessorize Trust, Greatwood and The Fredericks Foundation. With the sun shining and guests in high-spirits, the event was a huge success raising more valuable funds for some very worthy causes.

Jodie returns to West Sussex this week as fashion reporter for Channel 4 Racing and their coverage of Glorious Goodwood.

Matt Dawson

Matt spent the month of June touring South Africa with BBC Radio Five Live where he presented coverage from all of the games including the 3 Test matches. Matt also hosted Five Live’s weekly Lions preview show plus a special Lions 606. Whilst in SA, Matt took some time out to visit a UNICEF project in Johannesburg. Here he met a number of families & individuals affected by HIV/Aids and witnessed first-hand the vital and important work the charity is doing for these people.

July saw the transmission of new ITV show Anonymous. With a prime-time Saturday evening slot, Matt was joined by X-Factor judge Louis Walsh and Coronation Street actress Jennie McAlpine. Disguised using impressive prosthetic make-up and costumes, Matt spent 2 days as ‘Ian Hooper’ a London theatre director. His target was former team mate Austin Healey who fell hook, line and sinker for the gag and much to Matt’s delight!

Jamie Redknapp

As an ambassador for Audi, Jamie attended the famous Festival of Speed at Goodwood to join them in celebrating their 100th anniversary. As part of the festivities, Jamie joined a number of other sporting personalities to take part in a special version of A Question of Sport. Jamie also had the pleasure of interviewing football legend Sir Bobby Charlton as part of the Audi Experience.

Andrew Castle

June & July saw the British tennis season at its finest with both Queens and Wimbledon taking place. As usual Andrew was there to provide expert commentary alongside other tennis greats such as Boris Becker, Tim Henman & John McEnroe. He also joined Tim plus Bjorn Borg and Martina Navratilova at the launch of HSBC’s Champion of Champions event at the V&A where he hosted the morning’s activities including the revealing of a specially commissioned piece of artwork by artist Rolf Harris.

Andrew also continues to be in great demand for corporate events with previous clients including Emap, Abercrombie & Kent, The Sunday Times, the Learning & Skills Council and Ariel.

Alec Stewart OBE

As English cricket revels in its recent Ashes win, Alec continues to be in demand as one of the countries best-loved sporting heroes. As a popular pundit for BBC Radio Five Live, Alec is also an ambassador for Vodafone & Clydesdale Bank. 

Tune in to Five Live Sport to hear Alec’s expert commentary over the summer. For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/

Paul Sackey

Paul is now half-way through his tour of some of the most popular UK coastal resorts in support of O2’s Scrum on the Beach. The idea is to get kids outside and playing rugby during the holiday season and what better place to do this than the beach! As Scrum on the Beaches main ambassador Paul has spent lots of time meeting and chatting with fans as well as talking to regional radio and press about the initiative.

Sheree Murphy - ITV1's This Morning

Last month saw Sheree feature as a guest presenter on ITV’s This Morning talking about the latest baby gadgets on the market. Viewers were even treated to an appearance from Sheree’s baby daughter Matilda who ‘demonstrated’ the various products live on TV!

Louise Redknapp - ITV1's Super Skinny Pregnancies

April saw Louise return to our screens in the ITV documentary ‘Super Skinny Pregnancies’. The show saw Louise investigate the shocking phenomena of women who actively diet to stay slender during pregnancy. This was part of the 3-part series ‘The Truth About Beauty’ produced by RDF and also featuring shows presented by Fearne Cotton and Coleen Nolan.

Last month also saw the release of Louise’s new Triumph underwear ads featured in magazines and on billboards across the UK.

Jodie Kidd

Aside from working on her forth-coming golf day, Jodie has just returned from a once in a lifetime trip to India with the Monsoon/Accessorize Trust – a charity linked to Jodie’s own Foundation. Here Jodie got to visit some of the projects supported by the Trust including a number of schools and hospitals within the slums of Delhi and Udaipur.

Back at home, Jodie recently launched St Tropez’s new odourless range ‘Aromaguard’. Taking place at Boots flagship store on London’s Oxford Street even the shop’s security ‘sniffer’ dogs couldn’t detect the new tanning product!

Andrew Castle - new ITV1 quiz show

Merlin Elite are very excited to announce the launch of Andrew’s new prime-time quiz show Divided. The brand new show from Endemol will air on ITV1 at 5pm every week day. The show features three complete strangers who must work together to win tens of thousands of pounds. But when it comes to dividing their winnings, can they stay united or will they be Divided?

Tom Voyce - move to Gloucester Rugby

Last month saw Tom play his final game of the season and his last game for London Wasps after 6 years at the club. The game was a triumph as Wasps thrashed Gloucester with a 34 – 3 win. Tom assisted in the outstanding result scoring a well earned try in the first few minutes of injury time. 

Sarah Webb - charity challenges!

Last month saw Sarah take part in a sky dive in aid of the Jubilee Sailing Trust. As a keen supporter of the charity, it took Sarah away from her usual comfort zone on the water and 13,000 feet up into the air!

Sarah’s charity work continues into June too when our double Olympic gold medalist prepares for 882 mile bike ride. Athletes from Be Number 1 are joining Sarah to tackle the route from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) in aid of Be Number 1 and The British Heart Foundation. The project aims to raise £100 per mile as athletes join forces to travel the distance in all forms of self driven transport (bike, wheelchair, kite surf).

We wish Sarah the very best of luck with her latest challenge!

Paul Sackey – Powerade & Six Nations

International star Paul Sackey was persuaded to strip naked for the latest Powerade campaign. Joining England captain Steve Borthwick and Welsh winger Shane Williams, Paul impressively illustrates the real make-up of a professional rugby player in these strong and powerful images.

Currently representing England in the Six Nations Championships, Paul and his fellow team mates took on Italy in their first game of the tournament, storming their way to a 36-11 victory. The London Wasps winger showed much enthusiasm on the pitch and we hope for continued success for the England squad throughout the competition.

Jodie Kidd

In the midst of the Strictly Come Dancing training Jodie found time to guest present the popular Capital Breakfast show alongside Johnny Vaughn. Jodie - out of her usual comfort zone - thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was a perfect fit for the role!

Jodie was also the cover star and feature interview in ‘Red’ magazine. Shot by David Gubert, the full length interview is featured in their February edition.

Matt Dawson – Young’s Seafood

After the brilliant success of UKTV Food’s ‘Mitch and Matt’s Big Fish’ we are delighted to announce Matt as the new face and ambassador for Young’s Seafood. Starring in their latest TV campaign, Matt demonstrates how easy it is to cook simple & healthy food with their new frozen fish range. To see Matt’s ad click on the following link - www.youngsseafood.co.uk

Jamie and Harry Redknapp – EON

Jamie and his father Harry Redknapp have joined forces with FA Cup sponsor EON and their ‘Family Football’ initiative. The campaign gives families a chance to apply for free FA Cup tickets, entrance into family lounges, competitions and much more. Surely Jamie and Harry are the perfect family duo to encourage family attendance within the game!