Haywards Heath writer recalls meeting with gentleman David Bowie

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A writer has recalled the moment he met David Bowie as the world mourns the death of the iconic musician.

Rock star Bowie has died aged 69 after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Arnie Wilson, who lives in Haywards Heath, met Bowie and wife Iman in a London restaurant.

Arnie, who worked as a freelance showbiz writer and a ski writer, approached the couple and was astonished by their kindness.

He said: “I was very impressed and touched that he even bothered to speak to me, let alone give me a story!

“And he and Iman were really incredibly polite and welcoming to this intruder who was disturbing their lunch.”

Arnie had joined fellow ski writers for a brochure launch when he spotted the famous pair.

Writing in his book ‘Big Name Hunting’, he said: “I resisted the urge to introduce myself for at least half an hour. And then I could refrain no longer – even though I was fully aware that the eyes of my peers were on me, no doubt disapprovingly, as I made my way across to the Bowie table.

“To their great credit, both of them took my arrival in their stride. I did my usual grovelling apology, and explained that I was a ski writer attending a brochure launch.

“A little dishonest, that, but I felt if I asked them only about skiing I would have more success with getting at least a skiing story than if I said I was diary writer (I certainly would never have called myself a gossip writer.)

“To my amazement both Bowie and Iman leapt to their feet – as if the meeting had been scheduled – and shook hands with me.