Dame Joan Collins and Michael Brandon Celebrate New Memoir Launch at London Event
A touch of celebrity glamour descended on Waterstones in London’s King’s Road this week as Dame Joan Collins attended the launch of US actor Michael Brandon’s much-anticipated memoir, *That’s All I’m Sayin’*. The event drew not only enthusiastic fans but also a notable crowd from the world of entertainment, all gathered to mark the release of Brandon’s latest literary offering.
Dame Joan Collins, revered for her decades-spanning career in film, television and literature, made a striking entrance. The 92-year-old actress arrived in a chic ensemble of white trousers and a matching top, paired with a distinctive jacket adorned with flamingos and palm trees – a look that drew admiring glances from those present. Her presence at the signing event created a buzz, offering both a nod to the golden age of British television and a testament to her ongoing engagement with the creative community.
Michael Brandon, famed for his role as James Dempsey in the classic 1980s crime drama *Dempsey and Makepeace*, was in high spirits as he greeted well-wishers and fans keen to have their copies of his autobiography signed. Dressed in a relaxed blue shirt and brown trousers, Brandon spent the afternoon exchanging anecdotes and signing books for enthusiastic attendees who queued throughout the bookshop.
Joining Brandon was his wife and former co-star, Glynis Barber. Barber, best known for her portrayal of Detective Harriet Makepeace alongside Brandon, opted for a stylish combination of white pinstriped trousers and a sleek black top. The couple, whose onscreen partnership in the ITV series captivated audiences in the mid-1980s, have remained in the public eye since marrying in 1989, three years after the programme ended.
The guest list was further bolstered by the appearance of actress Cherie Lunghi, a former *Strictly Come Dancing* contestant, who wore an elegant green dress for the occasion. Adding to the evening’s star quality was Bill Wyman, former bassist of the Rolling Stones, who chose a sporty England cricket jacket teamed with a striped shirt and grey trousers.
*Dempsey and Makepeace* first aired in 1985, quickly becoming a favourite among viewers enthralled by the unlikely crime-fighting duo – an American detective from New York and a British noblewoman, brought together as part of an elite Metropolitan Police team. Despite the characters’ evident chemistry, the series concluded in 1986 without a romantic resolution for the two leads, a fact that only served to fuel the interest of its loyal audience.
Brandon’s memoir offers an in-depth look behind the scenes of his long career, reflecting not only on his time as Dempsey but also on the relationships and experiences that have shaped his journey in show business. Fans attending the Waterstones launch were treated to a rare glimpse into the camaraderie that exists among the cast, as well as the enduring appeal of one of British television’s most memorable dramas.
Throughout the event, attendees remarked on the genuine warmth evident between Brandon, Barber, and their colleagues – a testament, perhaps, to the strong bonds forged during the making of a much-loved series. For many, the afternoon was more than just a book signing; it was a celebration of enduring talent and nostalgia.
As the evening drew to a close, Michael Brandon thanked his supporters and colleagues, expressing his gratitude for their ongoing encouragement. With the book’s release now officially underway, fans both old and new can look forward to reading the personal insights and colourful stories of a career that has spanned both sides of the Atlantic.
The memoir launch indicates the continued fascination with classic British television and its stars, as well as the powerful allure of candid, personal storytelling – aspects sure to make *That’s All I’m Sayin’* a compelling read for audiences far and wide.