WWE SUPERSTAR BRODUS CLAY!

How did you get into WWE?

I was a bodyguard for Snoop Dogg and I ran into some people from WWE, when WrestleMania was originally in LA and Snoop was attending. They saw me breaking up some fights and said, “You should do that on TV". I was a lifetime fan of WWE anyway and never missed anything so it was a really easy decision for me!

What advice would you give for kids that want to get into WWE?

I had already finished school and college before I joined as a Superstar. Education is so important. Wrestling is a lot of responsibility so take care of education first, that can never be taken away from you. Then pursue your big dreams.

Who do you travel with?

I usually keep the Funkadactyls close to me when I travel. It can be tough at times travelling with two women though…!

Tell us about this weekends ‘No Way Out’?

No Way Out pre-show is where the party starts, pretty excited about that. Very excited about John Cena taking on Big Show – really hope Cena puts him back in his place because he is out of control right now. Triple Threat match will also be unbelievable – Sheamus too, not sure who his opponent is, but it will be great. It’s exciting.

Who was your idol growing up?

My idol growing up – Andre the Giant. I wasn’t a big Hulkamanic like most people – I always liked the guys that went after him. I was weird like that.

If you weren’t a WWE Superstar what would you be doing?

It’s hard to think like that; even when I was a bodyguard and it was exciting it was still a lot quieter than being a WWE Superstar. Maybe a librarian? Something really slow…

If you could bring a celeb into the ring, who would it be?

To dance with? J-Lo. She is a really nice lady with great moves. A celebrity for a match? Probably Jack Black!

What’s the worst injury you’ve ever suffered?

Probably when Big Show was hitting me with the side of the table, which is solid wood. I had to be carried out on a stretcher. That was pretty bad, took about 2-3 days just to feel right again!

No Way Out will be live and exclusive on Sky Box Office at 1am on Sunday 17 June (Mon). For an exclusive look go to wwe.com

We speak to mechanical whale expert Justin Buckinhamshire!

How big were the whales you were working on?

Big! From the whale’s nose to just behind the pectoral fin area, they measured over three meters in length. 

Are they the biggest thing you've ever worked on?

We have been lucky enough to have created a few different sized whales in the past. The largest thing I’ve created is a 60-foot bull Sperm Whale, which is currently lying on top of some old containers outside my workshop. We have also constructed an adult Southern Right Whale.

Did you have to get up close and personal with real whales to learn about them?

Not on this project. However, we did have hours of original material from the actual events, which inspired Big Miracle to study and learn from.

What other mechanical beasts have you made?

Quite a few over the years - everything from raccoons to Great White Sharks! Whales would always be my favourite though.

What were the biggest challenges of this job?

Ensuring that the mechanics could withstand the Alaskan elements was definitely our biggest concern. We knew that the whales worked when tested in the moderate temperatures in New Zealand; however we had a healthy nervousness about the effect of the freezing water!

How did you get into this job?

I watched a sci-fi movie in the seventies, which fascinated me so much that I went home and started making cardboard spaceships!

When will you be making robotic humans?

I’m not sure - maybe when someone comes along with the right budget!

What's the best thing about your job?

Seeing all the hard work come together and producing a successful result!

Big Miracle is out now on Blu-ray and DVD from Universal Pictures UK

ROBIN VAN PERSIE!

The Arsenal striker talks to Toxic!

Hi Robin!You're an idol to kids. Who were your idols when you started?

I had a lot of idols but my biggest idol was Maradonna because he was just so special. I met him a couple of months ago, which was a dream come true. He's a great guy I was really nervous before the meeting because of who he is but he just came up to me and gave me a hug and a kiss then started doing keepy-ups! It was just an unbelievable experience.

What's your favourite sport other than football?

I'm quite good at table tennis! I had to make a decision when I was a bit younger because I was having tennis lessons and football lessons so I had to decide which one I wanted to continue with. I also like to swim and play bowling!

What is the typical day in the life of a footballer like?

Well, my kids wake me up by tickling my feet! It is quite funny actually, every single morning it's like that. Then we have breakfast before I take my kids to school. After that I go to the Arsenal training ground. I normally get there early and have a bit of treatment and do extra exercises. After training I go back to pick up my kids from school. Then we have a gap from 4pm-7pm spending time with the kids. That can be playing golf together, that can be dancing, whatever, it can be so many things, going to the park with the family. Then I put them to bed and relax!

What’s the highlight of your career so far?

Reaching 100 goals for Arsenal this year. That was a massive highlight and a dream come true. I remember when I came to Arsenal, the first thing I did was watch Dennis Bergkamp who scored 100 goals. I was still only 20 at the time and so I thought scoring 100 goals was impossible!

How pleased were you to win the PFA award?

Winning the PFA award was something really special mainly because it's voted for by your fellow players. On the pitch you play hard on each other and tackle each other so it gave me one of the best feelings ever knowing that my fellow colleagues voted for me. It was a big honour.

How well will Holland do in the Euros?

It's funny because in every single country, whoever I speak to, they all expect to win! When you look at England or Holland or Germany or Spain or Italy, every single team thinks they will win. We came really far during the last World Cup. We just missed out on a couple of minutes. If you look at the Euros, our group is the hardest group of all. We first have to play against Denmark, second against Germany and then Portugal, so it will be so hard and so difficult but we will have to go for it!

Robin Van Persie and Cartoon Network team up to launch ‘Cartoon Network’s Golden Boot Camp’ Exclusively on Cartoon Network and cartoonnetwork.co.uk

THE MUPPETS!

Are you guys more famous than ever after this film?

KERMIT: I guess so.

MISS PIGGY: It would be impossible for moi to be more famous, but if you say I am I’ll take it.

GONZO: We’re famous?

MISS PIGGY: In your case…infamous.

How’s Walter fitting in with the gang?

KERMIT: I think we should let Walter answer that. How are you fitting in?

WALTER: Just great! This is a dream come true for me. Even though I seem to be spending most of my time running errands for Miss Piggy.

MISS PIGGY: And loving every minute of it!

WALTER: Whatever you say, Miss Piggy.

KERMIT: Yup, he’s definitely got the hang of surviving around here.

Are you guys getting together for another film?

KERMIT: Yes, we are.

MISS PIGGY: We’re not allowed to tell you anything about it.

FOZZIE: Mostly because we don’t know what it’s about either.

WALTER: But I hear it will involve a frog, a pig, a bear and a….whatever…

GONZO: That’s me!

Would you do any reality TV shows?

GONZO: I don’t do reality. However, I am open to doing a surreality show, ideally one where I got to swim through liquid nitrogen.

WALTER: That sounds very dangerous.

GONZO:  Very dangerous is my middle name.

FOZZIE: I thought it was “the”

What’s your favourite cartoons to watch?

MISS PIGGY: The Muppet Babies. It’s like watching home movie.

KERMIT: Actually those were home movies.  We also love anything by Pixar. I’m really looking forward to their new movie “Brave” starring a valiant young heroine!

MISS PIGGY: Is it about moi?

KERMIT: No.

MISS PIGGY: Well, I’ll give it a shot anyway.

If you could have any celebrity in the Muppets who would it be? Why?

KERMIT: We’ve been lucky; we’ve worked with so many celebrities over the years.

MISS PIGGY: Everyone dreams of working with moi.

GONZO: I don’t think “dream” is the exact word they used.

MISS PIGGY: Watch it, weirdo.

KERMIT:  The Muppets are equal-opportunity entertainers; if you want to be one of us, you’re welcome aboard.

MISS PIGGY: Just remember to bring me a present.

What’s the best thing about being a Muppet?

KERMIT: Being surrounded by my best friends and getting to sing, dance and make people happy. 

MISS PIGGY: Being with Kermie. And being ludicrously famous…in that order.

FOZZIE: The audiences!  I love to hear an audience laugh…or guffaw…or chuckle…or…snicker….Heck, I’ll settle for a stifled chortle.

GONZO: This is where I met Camilla.  It’s also one of the few place where I’m accepted for who I am.

MISS PIGGY: Who are you?

GONZO: Beats the heck outta me….which is the way I like it.

Where’s the strangest place you’ve been recognised?    

KERMIT: At a French restaurant. Someone mistook me for their entrée.

MISS PIGGY: At the Oscars! So many people thought I was Angelina Jolie, but of course when they got closer, they realised I was even more beautiful.

KERMIT: Did you just make that up?

MISS PIGGY: Of course not! My publicist did.

The Muppets is out on Blu-ray and DVD on 11 June.

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