THE MANAGER of Only Way Is Essex TV star Jessica Wright’s first band, spoke fondly this week of the “feisty, mischievous, sweet looking redhead” who had a driving ambition despite her tender years.

Doug Rogers contacted the Recorder and revealed how he offered to manage Yo-Yo, who performed at the Redbridge Show in 1999, after they were put together at Stage One acting school, Westbury Lane, Buckhurst Hill.

Doug spoke of his shock after seeing Jessica on television by accident when the show premiered two weeks ago.

Ironically Doug was watching a video of Yo-Yo for the first time in years when he switched to the TV to see a grown-up Jessica in a trailer from the ITV2 reality soap show.

“It was actually quite poignant,” he said. “Talk about having the passing of time shoved in your face.”

The reality TV show, the latest episode which will be screened tonight at 10pm, previously featured Jessica in a new girl band Lola, who it is reported have been signed up by a record label.

“If Lola ever do make the pop big time, I feel it would be an appropriate moment for Jessica to celebrate her performance apprenticeship, partially with Yo-Yo, but mainly at Stage One, where it all started for her and the girls,” added Doug.

As for the young Jessica Wright, Doug told us his memories stood out a mile.

“Mischievously feisty, yet always well-mannered, she was a sweet-looking redhead with a dazzling smile that could light up a stage,” he said.

“Quite apart from her innate ‘mini’ pop-star quality, though, she also displayed a drive and ambition that went far beyond her tender years, being extremely dedicated and mature in her approach to recording sessions, however daunting they seemed.

“Not only did she impress me with the professional ‘can-do’ attitude, but of all the girls, without doubt, she relished being in Yo-Yo the most. Even then, it was clear she was determined to improve her skills and succeed – it was quite impressive.”