Interview Leco van Zadelhoff

The new TV season is almost uncorked and one of our favorites will also be served. Chantals Beauty Camper, now renamed to Fred and Leco’s Beauty Camper with Chantal. Delicious joke with your iconic self-mockery, but it is true that ‘the people’ have gotten to know Fred and I think especially you even more. Do you feel that way too?
‘People usually see me as an expert when I talk about hair and makeup on RTL Boulevard. In Chantals Beauty Camper, you also see Leco-private because it is a mix of reality and entertainment. We discuss in the camper the case we are going to and if it touches our lives or experiences, then we share that. People who know me well also said: ‘You really saw the real Leco in this program’ and I find that a great compliment.’

Will we see you again this season as a driver and can we also enjoy your vocal talents again?
‘Yes, I had to drive that bus because Chantal and Fred simply don't have a driver's license and that thing doesn't drive itself. It was even a bit bigger this season so I had to get used to it, but it all went well. And yes, nothing is more fun than singing on the road, so we did that a lot, often and exuberantly. One of the favorites of this season was definitely ‘Heidi’, where my two companions were very surprised that I knew the entire text by heart.’

Which case in this series deserves a special mention?
‘I can't and don't want to choose because every case was beautiful. But I can highly recommend the first episode, in which we found two beautiful extremes.’

It's hard work, such an ENG program (filmed on location and not in a studio, MM). How does the maestro keep his cheeks a bit fresh and in an upward fold?
‘After a shooting day of ten hours, I can also look in the mirror and think: hmmm, but I'm not averse to a bit of concealer or some bronzer and I make sure my hair is well cut, so that makes a big difference.’

The summer was of course below par in the Netherlands, but fortunately we flew a bit towards more uncertain countries. You were in your beloved Mykonos. Read or seen something you want to share for inspiration?
‘I was indeed on my favorite island at our favorite little beach that was quiet and far away from all the hustle and bustle. I actually had the peace to read two books that I got from a very dear friend named May-Britt. One is The Lady-in-Waiting by Anne Glennconner, which I swoon over and is really fantastic to read, and the other is Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello. I laughed very hard at that and I could also relate to it.’

We splashed and dove like it was a joy with a slightly less pleasant souvenir: my blonde girls have now turned green. What on earth do we do about green chlorine hair, maestro?
‘I have been inundated with questions about chlorine hair and burnt hair. What you need to remember is that a beach look is nice, but you have to create it and not get it. So after swimming in the sea or in a pool, rinse immediately with fresh water. Furthermore, a good anti-dandruff shampoo can help to clean your hair well. To get the green out of your hair, I would always go to a hairdresser because you don't want your green hair that you want to get blonde suddenly turning red. So go to a professional for neutralizing toners or a good bleaching wash.’

Do you have any trends and tips for winter?
‘There will be a lot of warmth in color and we see bangs coming back in various variations. From the circus tent to curtain bangs to the straight Heidi Klum bangs. We also see some polished hair and we are letting go of the grungy look a bit. More products are also coming onto the market to achieve that polished hair. And longer hair for men is becoming more common, which is also nice to mention.’

Finally: when are we sitting with popcorn in front of the screen?
‘Chantals Beauty Camper will be on air starting this Wednesday, September 1, at 8:30 PM on RTL 4.’