Some write it hot for Curtis fans

From a distance it can be difficult to spot Hollywood legend Tony Curtis.

Not because his face is hidden by his Stetson or that he is sitting in a wheelchair. Simply because he is surrounded by his fans, who have travelled hundreds of miles to rub shoulders with the Some Like It Hot star for the weekend.

Tony Curtis may be an octogenarian but the twinkle in his eye as he grabs many a female hand to plant with a kiss.

"I have never been to Birmingham and I'm just starting to enjoy myself," says the former Hollywood heartthrob as he gives a cheeky wink.

"I've done a few of these autograph shows in America and what I enjoy about them is meeting people, saying a few hellos and also travelling around the world.

"At these events everything has been organised for me so I just have to sit back and enjoy it – it is nice to meet people that are so keen to see you."

Also appearing were former Dr Who assistants Anneke Wills and Jennie Linden. Anneke appeared in the TV series from 1966 to 1967 along with William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton. Jennie was in the 1965 film Dr Who and the Daleks.

Tony Curtis, aged 82, is taking part in the Autographica event at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole this weekend, where visitors get to rub shoulders with the stars for a weekend.

Among the other guests at the show is Lindsay Wagner, who was the original Bionic Woman, as well as a host of Dr Who and James Bond stars as well as war heroes and astronauts. Lindsay Wagner, who was with her son Alex Pingi, says she is staying in England on her way to India.

"There is a temple in India that I have studied and so we decided to go and see it," she says. I decided to stay over in England and a friend said I could combine the Autographica event with my trip."

Between posing for photos with his legion of fans, Curtis went out of his way to politely answer questions – including about his former co-star Marilyn Monroe."A lot of people ask me about Marilyn Monroe as she was my main leading lady," says Tony. She was a lovely person but I think everyone felt her vulnerability. She was a dignified person, who died in a very undignified way."

Curtis came close to death when he contracted pneumonia in December 2006 and was in a coma for several days. He now uses a wheelchair and can only walk short distances. Married five times Curtis now lives in Las Vegas with his wife – 42 years his junior. "I like the desert that surrounds Las Vegas – and the climate is wonderful," he says. Among the astronauts at the show is Jim McDivitt who flew in the Apollo 9 spacecraft and was programme manager for Apollo 13.

"You can't describe the first time you go into space – but it is amazing," he says.

"A lot of people ask me if it was scary, but it isn't, it is just very exciting."

Former Dr Who star Anneke Wills says: "I was the first sexy Dr Who companion in 1966.

"I'm now a permanent fixture on the Dr Who scene and I have an autobiography coming out.

"However, I feel it is a privilege to be here with the big stars like Tony Curtis – he is a real legend."

By Cathy Spencer.