Brett Ellis on the privileges of famous nepo babies

Having reached the age where I have finally, in my 50s, become accustomed to never hitting the heights, or getting with a country mile of success in the things I really enjoy, such as radio or being a newspaper columnist, the realisation has dawned that it just isn’t going to happen.

The reason why I say this is twofold: Nepotism and the education system.

Now, much as I would like to be a national columnist, 54% of the ‘top’ journalists attended private seats of education, compared to 7% nationally.

The TV screens are littered with nepo babies who, arguably, would not have got anywhere near their levels of fame, at their ages, if it weren’t for mummy and/or daddy.

Roman Kemp, son of one of the Spandaus, is a point in question, seemingly coming from nowhere to present a flagship Capital radio show, before the One Show and lucrative telecoms adverts.

He is vanilla at best, and in another life, having been sired from different loins, he would no doubt be selling double glazing from an industrial estate in Llandudno.

The Osbournes are another example. Kelly and Jack are a million miles away from their late father’s background, and their nasally drawl, no matter how street they attempt to be, never cuts muster as they drop down through ITV1 to ITV26 by courtesy of their famous parentage.

Brett Ellis wonders how many famous nepo babies would have made it on their own merit Occasionally the odd outlier breaks through on merit, granted, such as boxers Eubank and Benn, in a game where you will easily be found out if you fall short, but in the main that crucial first step is enough to ensure your child coins in the fame and fortune for speaking to camera or sharing dull anecdotes with those more worldly wise than they.

Footballers Kenny Dalglish’s daughter, Kelly, and Terry Yorath's daughter Gabby Logan, Ramsey's daughter and, oh well, the frustrating list goes on...

Although more prevalent now, it is not a new phenomenon.

Stella McCartney, who was in my brother's class the year above me at school, left and studied fashion, again with my brother, at Hastings College in the late 80s.

He went on to run a building company, and she is a leading light on the catwalks.

But can they be blamed?

In such a competitive world, where we all shout to be heard through whatever medium is at our disposal, usually social media, or even a local newspaper column, if you were given a shortcut to the front of the queue, you’d be silly to turn it down now, wouldn’t you?

• Brett Ellis is a teacher.