Lisa Maffia (CelebAir) Interview

Starting on Tuesday 2nd September 2008, ITV2 will be taking to the skies with the brand new show, CelebAir; with a real plane, flying to real places, staffed by real celebrities!

In this new eight-part series, 11 celebrities will take on a range of jobs on the ground and in the air to battle it out ultimately to become CelebAir’s star employee and win thousands of pounds for the charity of their choice.

Lisa Maffia came to the attention of the public as a member of the infamous So Solid Crew. She would go on to enjoy various UK hits, including Oxide & Neutrino’s No Good 4 Me, and the number one hit single 21 Seconds and it’s awardwinning video, adding each to her impressive résumé. Lisa’s debut single All Over entered the charts at number two, followed by In Love, which entered at number three. Lisa also supported Christina Aguilera on a very successful arena and stadium tour of Europe. She proved a popular and very able celebrity participant of the television show The Games 2005, where she came second and earned a silver medal.


Favourite holiday destination?

I really want to go to Egypt because I’ve never been before and I’m really looking forward to flying to Ibiza with CelebAir.

Any holiday disasters?

I’ve had lost luggage before on a trip to LA. Unfortunately it was on the way out and I had to spend a week without my clothes.

My three travel essentials?

I have to have my Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, my mobile phone and my iPod.

If I could serve any famous passenger?

I’d probably like to serve someone really awkward, famous or otherwise, just because I can give as good as I get. And I’d like to go against someone who can really give good lip, probably someone like Mariah Carey because she could give a lot of hassle. I’d put her straight back in her place, without upsetting her or having her complain about me!

Am I a swimsuit or bikini girl?

Bikini.

My favourite holiday anthem?

Lonyo’s Summer of Love, it reminds me of Aya Napa.

How am I feeling about taking part in CelebAir?

I’m really excited. I’m looking forward to it because it’s a challenge. I’ve never been in any reality programme that isn’t a challenge, just like The Games. You have to put the work in to get it out. That’s not to say I wouldn’t mind getting kicked off in the first week! It’s hard work and it feels like its my new career, it’s crazy. I have now 100% more respect for airline crew; they are not ‘trolley dollys’, they are really highly skilled people and there’s a hell of a lot to it. You would turn to them for safety instructions if something went wrong on a plane and they know a heck of a lot: fire fighting, police work, the fields they cover is amazing. My opinion of them is completely different now.

How will I deal with awkward people?

I am quite a go-getting girl, I’m up for an awkward passenger! We are taught how to deal with awkward passengers but I have my own methods, it’s about your personality. How you approach or talk back to passengers determines how they’re going to react to you.

How am I finding the training?

Much harder than I thought. The hours are so long and we have to train in so many different departments: fire fighting, cabin training, customer service, there’s just so much involved. And it’s really amazing to see just how much is involved to become an air hostess.