I saw William Roached (Ken Barlow) once going to Manchester from Euston. He'd reserved two first class eats so that no-one could sit next to him...
I sat behind Carlton Palmer, between Stockport and Dore. He was manager of Stockport at the time and I think he was banned from driving. He spent the whole journey on the phone.
If the seat is unoccupied then anyone with a valid 1st class ticket is entitled to sit there - but I guess thats a topic for another thread.
I sometimes get asked for an autograph when noticed on the train and am always happy to oblige.
A few years ago I sat across the aisle from Alec Stewart on a crowded 455 heading into Waterloo, not long after he stopped playing. I don't remember where he got on, but he got off at Vauxhall, presumably to walk to the Oval. I said "good morning Alec" to him as he got off and got a "good morning" and a grin back![]()
I met Mike Atherton on a train from Newcastle ( he had been covering a test at Durham). We were in first class, a bit drunk and he took it all very well and joined in with a bit of the fun. He was very happy to chat and seemed like a really nice guy.
On trains at Portsmouth Harbour I've seen Michael Sheard, Joanna Lumley, Linda Bellingham, Ben Fogle, Linda Robson and Angela Rippon. All were very pleasant, except Angela, who was very rude.
I'm such big fans of Angela and Joanna! What happened with Angela? How was she rude - I can't imagine her being anything like that!
Once David Icke was seen coming up the ramp at Portsmouth Harbour station from the I.O.W ferry landing, I was in the announcers room at the time, and the comment was made, to which the question was asked, "Has he come on the boat?", some wag replied (Quick as a flash), "No! He's walked!!!"
In my time, I have met, quite a few "Famous people", but I feel something are best left private! However, I might just drip feed a few things, when I recall.