Bev Lyons: I met the One Show's Matt Baker in Glasgow and had a wee laugh at NED Gymnastics

The first episode of the BBC flagship show was aired on August 14, 2006 and although it’s made down south, it was nice to see Matt up here.

Matt was one of the surprise guest presenters for the European Championships, taking over from Clare Balding, who was also here.

I say surprise sports presenter, but anyone who knows his history won’t be that shocked.

Matt is an ex-gymnast and was a Junior British Champion who was heading for the Olympics before illness (anaemia) meant early retirement at 14.

Matt, who was staying at the Village hotel, told me he loved being back in Scotland and couldn’t wait to catch up on the atmosphere of the European Championships around town.

My mum was with me at the time and he gave her a wee wave as she smiled at him from her seat.

He’s so well known to those of all ages from his Blue Peter days to his Countryfile shows and he’s set for even bigger things.

He arrived on Friday for the tail end of the event but managed to squeeze a lot in before heading back down south for the One Show celebrations.

He actually studied drama in Edinburgh before applying for his job on Blue Peter and left before his time at Queen Margaret College was over, so it was nice to see him back.

Diamond dolls

SCOTS comedians The Dolls were hanging out at The Barras this weekend – posing like haddies for photos for their new show The Dolls Dragged Up.

I love a wee walk round the stalls looking at the vintage delights on offer – and it’s been great to see some new shops pop up there in recent weeks.

But I couldn’t believe it when I walked into Gayle Telfer Stevens and Louise McCarthy, who make up the vocal comedy duo.

The two quintessential Glesga cleaners were not alone – Glasgow drag queen Reba Martell was in tow. She’s no relation to old singer Lena, as far as I gathered.

Anyway, the three of them looked like a sight for sore eyes in the best possible way in their brightly-coloured overalls and dodgy make up.

River City star Gayle told me their last show sold out the top Scottish venues in just twenty minutes.

Co-star Louise, who is due to appear in country music film Wild Rose can’t wait to star in the next Dolls Show which is now on sale throughout Scotland. It’s called The Dolls Dragged Up and this one looks set to be a smash too.

The girls are keeping tight lipped about the plot line but I couldn’t resist asking for a wee song sing with them on the streets outside the Barrowland sign.

I’m sure some of the passers by thought it was just a normal day down there.

Cafe culture

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Barras Square Yard cafe owner Roddy McPherson and his chums at the weekend.

He’s got a wee cafe that’s frequented by bikers and people who come for a chat and a bit of counselling.

Roddy, who has led a colourful life in institutions, says he always has time to listen to other folk.

Amongst the gang I met on the day were great tattooed man Andrew and Frankie with the red beard.

They looked like something you’d see in a picture postcard.

Frankie asked me to tell you he’s looking for a good woman while Andrew wants peace and harmony throughout the world!

Bunch of NEDS

I HAD a wee laugh when I met the Netherlands gymnastics team during the European Championships. They sported tops emblazoned with the words NED Gymnastics. It made me imagine there might be prizes for necking a bottle of Buckie while chibbing someone at a street corner, or wearing a Burberry baseball cap whilst pulling up one leg on your tracksuit bottoms and running up and down the park.

Mercy Me

FANS of Overwatch video game will be chuffed to hear that I met with the brilliant Lucie Pohl in Edinburgh during the festival. I’ve actually had the pleasure of meeting the US German born comedian and actress a few times. We’ve even sung karaoke together. She is the voice of Mercy from the video game Overwatch which has received universal acclaim. You might also recognise her from Red Dwarf. She’s due to come to Glasgow Comic Con in September but has also just been revealed as a new voice for World of Warcraft’s new Battle for Azeroth game where she’ll play pyromaniac Rixxa Fluxflame. If you’re not geeked out yet you soon will be.

Steep sleep

COULD these be Scotland’s most expensive pyjamas? These little beauties designed by Scots creatives Solas Sleepwear were more than £300 at the Local Heroes exhibition in which showcased Glasgow’s designers during the Merchant City festival. I’ve since found out they are cheap compared to Derek Rose who apparently makes silk pyjamas for the Queen at a price of around £1200. I’ll stick to Primark’s finest for now.