One of QVC's longest-serving presenters, Julian has come a long way from his first job - selling Wagon Wheels and crisps from an orange tray at Old Trafford during Manchester United games.

Read Julian Ballantyne's full biography

The Brothers' Official Weekend

So last weekend was the 20th anniversary of my Brothers' Official Weekend. 'What's that?' you may ask. Well, one weekend a year, all the five of us go away together for a weekend without girlfriends, kids, wives etc.

Over the years we have had many fun trips including Floyd's house at the weekend in Ross-on-Wye, my place in London, Ivan's house in Exeter, Carl's house in Blackpool and various other places including  Ireland, France and Spain among others.

We all look different because my mum is white and her first two boys, my eldest brothers, have a white father and are obviously white. Mum then met my dad who was black and had my elder brother Ivan, then me so we are both mixed race. She then married a white fella and had another child, Alex, who was born with jaundice.

A little girl called Tracey, who was about eight at the time and a family friend, commented about how clever my mum was by stating 'Aunty Marge has two white boys, two black boys and a yellow one'.

The things kids say.

Jb  x

My fantastic birthday in Ibiza

So, I am another year older and to celebrate I went to Ibiza. I am so lucky with my friends and had such a wonderful time on the White Isle.

The weather was awful. So bad that, in a strange sort of way, it was perfect. At my birthday lunch, at a gorgeous location outside on the beach, there was the most incredible thunder storm, which brought all the people huddling together because of all the commotion.

All the different groups of people bonded and friendships were made that wouldn't have normally happened. Lunch went into dinner and at about half past eight, I was ready for my bed!

However, I was kept up by my mates well into the early hours and had the hangover from Hell. The thing is, when it's self inflicted, nobody gives you any sympathy. Thank God birthdays are just once a year!

jb xx

The joys of a live studio audience

So, this week has been fun. I have replaced my Big Brother viewing with X-Factor, which, incidentally, I only like when it's in its embryonic stages. My voice is terrible so I shouldn't laugh but at least I know I am bad. I do think Simon Cowell says the things we all think and I also believe that Sophie was the deserved winner of Big Brother.

On the QVC work front, Sunday was fun. For the first time we had a live audience in for DIY on Sunday.  They were a really nice bunch and we did a studio tour and sat and had tea and cakes, and shared some funny telly anecdotes that have happened over the years.

Also some of the guests donated some great products, including drills and the Exacta saw, and everyone went home with a 'goody bag'.

A great day all-round!

Jb xx

World Athletics Championships - highs and lows

So who absolutely loved the World Athletics Championships. To see Mr Bolt break two World Records was incredible but if anything has tainted the games in my opinion it's all this gender testing nonsense for the poor South African girl, which has been handled so badly.

I feel so sorry for her that after her amazing acheivement in the 800 metres she will always be known for this situation. I say just pat her on the back and say 'well done'.

Ok, rant over. On a brighter note, did anyone see the lovely Amanda Lamb on QVC with her luggage? A true professional and a joy to work with.

Til next time,

Jb x

Back in the (squash) game

So, just when I thought I would never fit into any of my old suits, my hamstring is a little better and I'm back on the squash court. Don't get me wrong, I've lost every game but I'm definitely on the comeback trail.

Recently I went to the pictures on consecutive nights and I can't remember the last time I went before this. I saw two very funny films; Bruno, the latest Sacha Barron Coen film was dead funny, although a little OTT - I loved it. I also saw The Hangover, a format which has been done before, as in a trip to Vegas with the boys, but it was laugh out loud funny!

Until next week,

Jb x

Cars, cash and reality TV

I was lucky enough to go to a sports car event with Anthony this week. He loves his cars and so do I but there was some serious drooling going on with so many amazing supercars about. The most spectacular was the new Aston Martin, but at a cool million dollars I'd better wait for my National Lottery tickets to come in.

On that subject, did anyone see that news story about a couple who found a National Lottery ticket yesterday and it was a thirty thousand pound winner? They decided to go on a shopping spree and spent half before they were found and brought before the courts.

Tellywise I think I'm the only one watching Big Brother this year. I know many believe it to be a format that is past its best, but I am a sucker for these reality shows and am loving it.

I am still waiting for summer to return but I think we might have had it back in June and with the soccer season returning in three weeks, roll on autumn!

Jb x

It's official... I am old

I tried to play tennis with a young mate. The challenge was set over a poker game and yesterday we met at Queen's Park to do battle. 

I knew I was in trouble when he turned up with more rackets than I had balls and this man made me run, sweat and chase all over the court. 

The first set was a formality for him winning 6-1 but in the first game of the second set, we both heard a snap. Bingo, a torn hamstring. 

So if you see me limping ever so slightly, I'm clearly going for the sympathy vote.

Love Jb xx

Men and their BBQs

I am delighted to say that BBQ season has begun!

I know for sure in London - and I expect everywhere else in Britain - that as soon as the sun shines all of us men seem to turn into BBQ experts and feel that it is totally our domain.

Even the slightest hint of anyone but the primary male of the house having a say on which charcoal to use or the cooking time for your average sausage will be met with stern disapproval.

Strange really, because when it's all over we don't seem to have the same enthusiasm for the clean-up operation, instead choosing to nurse a beer in a garden chair with a smug sense of satisfaction as if we had just flown the space shuttle to Mars and back!

Jb x

Getting active again

So it's official, I'm Podgy.

It's come to my attention that despite the fact that I was a very active young lad and pretty much played sport for most of my life, I have turned into an armchair footballer, as opposed to a player, who will jump in the car rather than walk just round the corner. So I've decided to buy a bicycle.

I feel like a kid again. I bought all the extras, even a silly back-pack that you fill with water that makes me look like a camel. Despite the extra weight I'm carrying, I am having a real blast.

My plan is to cycle to work on the odd nice day this spring, so if you see an out of breath old man struggling through Hyde Park worry not, it's only me on the way to work, but if my telly make-up is streaming down my face, I'm on the way back home.

I will keep you posted.

Jb x

Richard and I in Kew Gardens

So another week in the world of Jules. I was at Kew Gardens last week for a gardening event with none other than Richard (Roots) Jackson. It piddled down on the first day and if it wasn't for the old man's question time, and a fab lunch for all with a Champagne reception, it could have been a struggle.

The second day saw fantastic weather and Kew really shone. It's always nice meeting our viewers and our Gardening viewers are amongst the finest. We are all looking forward to Chelsea (the flower show, not the soccer team).

Love  Jb x