'I'm a celebrity bodyguard - here's what A-listers won't tell you'

CJ has worked as a close protection officer for several years having first got into surveillance in 2016. With a martial arts background he began his career working in popular night clubs including Sugar Hut - once a go to hotspot for stars from The Only Way Is Essex. CJ said, "One of the first clubs I worked in was Sugar Hut in Essex, so meeting and greeting and looking after high-profile people was part of our role while working in the club."

He has now given Express.co.uk a candid behind the scenes insight into the lives of celebrities. CJ has worked with models, singers, actresses, politicians to presenters on shows such as GB News. He revealed some of the closely guarded details stars won't divulge to you. During his childhood, CJ took up Taekwondo at a local community centre in London. "When I was young my parents took to me to a Taekwondo club. It was more like a community - somewhere we could chill and train. The adults who worked at this club also worked as security in nightclubs. So I grew up in that environment and as an adult began working in nightclubs."

Celebrities have a circle of people who they trust and will often do favours for one another including recommending security detail.

CJ recalled a time where he was advised not to speak directly with a high-profile star.

"I got advised to not speak [to her] unless spoken to. I'm my own person and I would often say, 'good morning' and 'good evening'."

The celebrity in question would also be provided with an unlimited amount of free clothes.

"The clothing [celebs] wear they don't even have to pay for," he explained. "So a fashion designer would give them an unlimited amount of clothes. They would have to wear it and be seen wearing it. Half of their wardrobe was free."

Most celebs, when you get to a certain level, don't have to pay for much. They get asked to wear certain clothes. Go on certain holidays, drive certain cars. It's free promotion."

But sometimes things don't always go according to plan and as a close protection officer he has been caught up in hostile situations.

CJ accompanied a team of security officials who visited Calais with GB News presenter Patrick Christys.

"I've been to Calais and walked into the migrant camp where the presenter had arranged to meet a smuggler," he explained. "But sometimes you have to make a quick getaway."

He continued: "I was on standby. We had the car engine running, got our client in the car and had to speed off."

The close protection officer explained being snapped with a celebrity is part of being bodyguard and it's not uncommon for him to be available to offer his assistance for last minute engagements. Most notably, with famous clients located abroad who require protection when out and about in London.

His duties can vary from protecting their family members to taking the celebrity to the best night spots.

CJ has continued to work in the industry with his close protection expertise allowing him to travel the world.