Sir Sean Connery`s wig-makers spill the beans

Wig-makers Keith and Margaret Shorte know some of Hollywood's best-kept secrets - reports Islington Gazette.

The couple, of Hornsey Rise, Upper Holloway, have been making hairpieces, extensions and toupees for stars like Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, Kate Winslet and Ewan McGregor in their movies for the past 21 years.

They also created a wacky pink wig with a huge ship lodged inside it for rock star Elton John's 50th birthday party.

And they are part of a team who create the wigs for the outrageous characters in hit TV comedy Little Britain.

Mrs Shorte, 58, said: "Sean Connery has been coming here to have his wigs fitted since he was James Bond.

"I think the best one we did for him was in the Hunt For Red October when he had a short crew cut. It's really nice when you are on the underground and there is a big movie poster and you think 'That's my hair'.

"But nobody else knows which is the whole point because you shouldn't be able to tell they are wearing a wig."

Mr and Mrs Shorte work at Wig Specialities in Seymour Place, Marylebone, and also create hairpieces for West End shows like The Producers and Guys and Dolls.

They have been working as a team since 1963 with Mr Shorte, 64, responsible for dyeing hair the right colour and Mrs Shorte knotting and crocheting it together.

The cheapest handmade wig, which can also ordered by people having chemotherapy, start at £1,500.

Mr Shorte said: "I love hair and have been working with it all my life.

"We make a lot of facial hair as well and one of the best parts of the job is getting to meet people. It can be really interesting.

Thanks to `JP` for the alert.

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