Still Got it, Never Lost it: My Story

by Louie Spence

‘I did everything my sisters did, that's how my dancing days started they went dancing, I went dancing and I just kept on dancing.' Still Got It, Never Lost It is the much-anticipated autobiography from Louie Spence, star of Pineapple Dance Studios and Louie Spence's Showbusiness. From a very early age Louie was a little boy who loved to dance and had high ambitions. He attended every disco dance class he could and excelled each time, with the constant support of his Mum and Dad. Before long Louie's blue leotard had become a mainstay in the family home, and soon enough he was accepted into the Italia Conti School of Theatre Arts. And he never looked back. From dancing on the Spice Girls World Tour to performing in London's West End in Cats, Louie Spence lived out his dreams. Now a TV personality in his own right, the star of Pineapple Dance Studios and his own series Showbusiness, Louie has become a much-loved household name. This hilarious, warm and compellingly-written autobiography takes us back to Louie's early days in Essex, with a cast of characters that includes Nanny Lock (who lived down the Enfield lock), Nanny Twinkle and Nanny Downer (with whom Louie, as a kid, would go on trips to the local Londis for cans of Special Brew). Still Got It, Never Lost It is the story of the real-life Billy Elliot--a tale that proves nothing can stop you when you think big and hold on to your dreams.

Genres: Autobiography, Biography, Nonfiction

312 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are no surprises in this book and no ‘amazing’ revelations. With this book, what you see is pretty much what you get – I’m not knocking it though, it’s a light read and, for what it’s worth, it’s quite interesting.

There is always going to be a crew of us around who lived through the dance years. I did from my early youth to my mid-twenties and Spence is someone I know of from the circuit and ever-competitive audition rounds. Living in the commercial dance world is never easy (most of my friends, including me, gave it up and went on to ‘other’ things), Spence stayed with it and succeeded with his own mix of personality and honesty. This book, as if you didn’t guess it already, is all about HIM!

This tracks his route from early childhood to where he is now and whilst it’s not ‘War and Peace’ (not that it wants to be in any way!) it’s entertaining and seems quite honest. I would say that you need to have quite an interest in dance and/or entertainment to deal with some of the commentary. Those who hate reality television and things a little less unstructured will hate the deliberately camp and playful narrative. Ditto book snobs.

If you like autobiographies or just personalities in general then this could also appeal. It’s not for anyone wanting to read anything complex but is a quick read of light entertainment. Sometimes you don’t feel like reading anything too heavy and, for those in-between times, this was a decent filler read for me. Would also be a good beach read – something that doesn’t need a lot of thinking or ruminating about.

[Emmie Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Still Got It, Never Lost It' is the biography of Louie Spence. I'm sure you've heard of this burst of energy, when I heard he had a book I knew I had to purchase it on my kindle.

I wasn't disappointed in it.

I'm always really interested to hear of people's journeys especially them of famous people, to find out how their journey began etc. I imagined him speaking throughout the whole reading and it really was very much to him and his humour.

I would definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys dancing as a hobby (like myself) as it really inspires you.

[Sandra Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book from my local library and read it within the week! Love Louis, and you can really hear his voice when reading this, loved the humour and the lust for life and dance which springs from the words on the page. If you're wondering what you will get from this read, you can expect insight into the glittery life, sure, but also lovely personal reflections on his life, loves and an inspirational story about a man who has been lucky to be in love with his work.

[Lesley]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. There's nothing revelatory in it - just the simplified version of how he came to be a tv star, but prominently displaying his absolute passion for dance.
I love Louie, so was never in danger of not enjoying the book.

[Colin Lindzey]

Very readable and humorous book. If it was ghost written they did it very well as its just like how you imagine Louise would be talking.

[Carolyn Villar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, made me lol at times as you can hear his voice in your head.

[Gary Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, I read it one holiday in the Med. It's a nice easy read and flowed well from chapter to chapter.

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT. I never thought I'd end up a fan of Louie but this book was a joy to read from start to finish and I'm just gutted to have reached the end. One of the best autobiographies I've ever read (and I've read a lot). A must read for Louie fans.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this more than I expected, Louie really annoys me normally however came across as a very likable human being in the book. Nice quick showbiz read.

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really thought this was going to be funny but thoroughly disappointed a very 'straight' biography, was expecting to be laughing all the way through but unfortunately not.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Loved it!