When high flier Anthony was 17 he won a scholarship to train as a fighter pilot. But he soon realised that there's no business like show business, and declined the RAF's offer.

Read Anthony Heywood's full biography

A model subject...

Hi there,

If you're a regular viewer of QVC then you'll probably recognise Ali Rhodes, who's one of our on-air models. She really is stunning and I was lucky enough to do a photo shoot with her a couple of weeks ago.

Ali's just joined a new modelling agency and the booker said that she really needed to get some more commercial shots into her portfolio. I'm rather pleased to say that she chose me to do the shoot!

A lot of Ali's current portfolio shots are high fashion in style, so this was a chance to go back to basics and get some photos that show how naturally beautiful she is without much styling.

The day didn't start out too well as it was overcast and the light was really flat. As every photographer knows, good lighting is key to great images, so we kept our fingers crossed that it would brighten up. While we were waiting for the sun to appear we started off with a few indoor shots.

Then we got lucky, as the sun started to set we got a break in the clouds. As you can see from this photo (right), the lighting was just perfect and we managed to capture a few great shots.

Really hope you like the photos!

Till next time,
Anthony. x.

The simple pleasures of freshly baked bread

Hi there,

Have you ever experienced the aroma of freshly baked bread first thing in the morning? It's not something I've been lucky enough to wake up to for a few years now, but just the other day I got the urge to get the old bread maker out again.

A few years ago I used to use it several times a week. It wasn't so much about eating the resulting bread - although that was delicious - but it was more about the wonderful smell as it baked. It really is one of life's simple pleasures!

I had to go and do a shop for all the ingredients, and it was only when I got to the supermarket that I realised that I couldn't remember what I actually needed! Thanks goodness for smart phones that can surf the web; two minutes later I had the ingredients and quantity list for my exact model of bread maker. I love technology!

As soon as I got home it was out with the scales and I set about making my masterpiece. Just over four hours later it was all finished and the whole house had the most wonderful aroma. It was at that point I remembered why I loved making bread so much. If you've never tried it, I can't recommend it enough.

And if you're a seasoned bread maker and have any yummy recipes you'd like to share, please do post them in the Comments box below.

Until next time,
Anthony. x.

An open letter to spiders...

OK, so you just need to stop it. Do you not realise that it's my house? I pay the rent, not you. I do all the cleaning, not you.

The way I see it, it's trespassing. You just need to learn to stay outside. It's not hard. I appreciate that it's getting colder and it's lovely and toasty inside my house, but hey, them's the breaks.

Anyway, with your rock hard outer skeleton I would've thought you would be amply protected. You seem to be verging on indestructible.

One of your lot also jumped on my head last night. I'm not kidding. You seem to be developing a real attitude and once again it just needs to stop. I don't want to escalate matters and call in the authorities.

So, if you're reading this my advice would be to either stay in th garden or go and hassle the neighbours. They may be more understanding than I am (and slightly less arachnophobic!).

Thank you,
Anthony.

What's my sign?

Hi there,

Now if you're into star signs and the like, you might be interested to know that I recently met renowned astrologer, Claire Petulengro (you can find her horoscopes in The Mirror newspaper).

I have to admit that I've never really taken astrology seriously, but having listened to what Claire had to say about what was going on in my world and what was going to be coming up, I have to say that I was spookily surprised at how accurate her predications were.

So, I may have to look more closely at my horoscope in the future! Claire was an absolute delight - such a lovely person and hopefully I'm going to be shooting her new publicity pics at some point in the near future. I'll be sure to keep you updated on that, right here on my blog.

Do you believe in horoscopes and star signs - do let me know by leaving your message in the Comments box below.

Until next time,
Anthony.

My 'Finding Nemo' moment

If you've already read my blog post about my friend Stacey's dog Daisy, you'll know that I don't own any pets. But recently I've been touring with the idea of getting an aquarium, so I paid a visit to my local tropical fish store. From a young age I've been fascinated by tropical fish, particularly marine tropical varieties - think Finding Nemo!

I find it incredible the sheer range of types and especially some of the colours that these fish have evolved into - nature really is an extraordinary thing.

Unfortunately I came away without my own tank or fish as I hadn't realised quite how expensive it can be, let alone how difficult it is to look after such amazing creatures. I did manage to take a couple of photos and a quick video though!

So between these and the screensaver on my computer, this is the closest I've got - guess it'll have to do for the time being! But I haven't given up on the idea, so if you've got any tips or advice on keeping marine tropical fish, I'd love to hear from you.

Till next time,
Anthony. x.

Willard Wigan's amazing miniature creations

Hi there!

Now I know I've been a bad boy and not posted much on my blog recently - it's not much of an excuse, BUT I have been working away a fair bit.

Recently I was out in Las Vegas and I was fortunate enough to meet an incredibly talented individual called Willard Wigan, who's an MBE, no less!

He originally hails from Birmingham but now travels the world showcasing his work, and what amazing work it is too! He's best described as a 'mirco sculptor' and he creates miniature pieces, many of which can fit through the eye of a needle.

My trip to Salon Privé

You might remember a couple of blogs ago I mentioned that I was off to Salon Privé, the fabulous car show-cum-garden party at the Hurlingham Club. I was joined by one of our producers and TV's own Julian Ballantyne.

Fortunately the weather held for us and the day was a real success. Most of the top car manufacturers were showcasing their latest and greatest designs, and certainly one of the highlights for me was getting to see and even sit in the amazing new Aston Martin One-77 (you can see me with it here in this video Julian kindly shot!).

At £1.2 million I won't be ordering one anytime soon, but they've already sold 43 of the 77 they're building, and they don't even go into production until next year. There are some VERY wealthy people out there... somewhere!

Another highlight of the afternoon was the parade of both modern and classic cars through the grounds of Hurlingham House. It featured everything from a classic Plymouth to a chrome McLaren SLR - a touch over the top but cool all the same.

It really was a 'posh' day out with free lobster and champagne throughout the afternoon. It's a shame that I don't eat lobster or drink, but it's OK as Julian had enough for the both of us ;-)

Till next time,
Anthony. x.

Don't miss the Q Technology weekend

Hi there,

Now many of you may know that I love technology, and if you do too then be sure to tune in for our 18-hour Q Technology event that we've got lined up for you this coming weekend.

We really have found something for everyone, from tiny MP3 players to huge flatscreen HD TVs. We've got all kinds of techie treats from many of the world's leading brands such as Samsung, JVC, Epson, TomTom and Fuji. As part of the mix we'll also have two fantastic technology Today's Special Values on both Saturday and Sunday.

I'll be joining you between 11am and 2pm on Sunday 16th with the High Definition Experience, Computer Solutions and The Electrical Home, so if you've got time, please join me then.

See ya then,
Anthony.

Q Technology is on-air on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August at 12am - 2am, 11am - 2pm, 4pm and 8pm - 11pm daily.

Daisy Dog comes to visit

Unfortunately, as I live alone, work lots and travel abroad regularly, it's really not practical for me to have a pet. So it's always a treat when my friend Stacey pops down to see me and brings Daisy Dog with her.

Daisy's a two year-old Japanese Chin and I have to say she's one of the cutest looking dogs I've ever seen. She actually reminds me of a Mogwai before they turn into a nasty green Gremlin!

She can be a real character too and she's very excitable when she first arrives at the house, running amok and doing chin spins. But after a mad few minutes she quickly settles down and loves to laze around on my sofa (just like me!). Unlike me, she snores very loudly like a little old man, which is actually quite endearing.

Unlike some dogs, Daisy just love bath time, especially when it comes to being dried off with the hairdryer. Here's a little video of Daisy in action for you to enjoy - I'd love to know what you think of her!

Till next time,
Anthony. x.

Salon Privé - cool cars galore!

Hi there,

On Thursday I'm lucky enough to be heading over to Salon Privé, which is sort of a cross between a car show and a garden party. It's actually run by Andrew Bagley (our regular Gatineau guest) and his brother.

It's held at the Hurlingham Club in West London and it's a really prestigious event in the London social calendar. It's a showcase for some of the world's top super cars, and there's a fabulous classic car section too.

I'm very excited as Aston Martin are going to be launching the One-77 at the show. Priced at a cool £1.2  million, I don't think I'll be placing an order for one anytime soon, but it will be great to see it in real life.

Julian B and one of our producer's are going along as well, so hopefully it should be a fun event. Let's hope the weather holds! With any luck I'll post some pictures up next week.

Till next time,
Anthony.