Fact is, famous people say fame stinks because they love it so - like a secret restaurant or holiday island they don't want the hoi polloi to get their grubby paws on.

The quote by Julie Burchill, "Fact is, famous people say fame stinks because they love it so—like a secret restaurant or holiday island they don't want the hoi polloi to get their grubby paws on," offers a cynical and humorous take on the relationship celebrities have with fame. Burchill suggests that when famous people complain about the downsides of fame, it’s often because they secretly cherish it and want to keep it exclusive. This highlights the paradox of fame as both a desired status and a burden.

By comparing fame to a "secret restaurant or holiday island," Burchill implies that celebrities treat their fame like a prized possession they want to protect from the general public (the "hoi polloi"). This metaphor captures the exclusivity and allure associated with being famous, as well as the reluctance some stars feel about sharing that spotlight with everyone else.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Burchill’s work as a journalist and cultural commentator, where she is known for her sharp and often provocative observations about celebrity culture. Her words critique the performative complaints about fame, revealing a deeper attachment and possessiveness toward it.

In summary, this quote exposes the complex and sometimes contradictory attitudes famous people have about their own celebrity. Julie Burchill’s witty analogy reminds us that behind the complaints about fame often lies a genuine love and desire to keep it special and exclusive.