Jeff Timmons: Throwing his hat in the reality TV

Nick Lachey found himself a household name after starring on VH1’s reality series “Newlyweds,” which put him and then-wife Jessica Simpson under the TV magnifying glass.

Drew Lachey captured America’s hearts as a fledgling ballroom dancer — and eventual champion — on season two of ABC’s top-rated series “Dancing with the Stars.”

Is it any big surprise then that Stark County’s own Jeff Timmons, who sang with the brothers Lachey in the hitmaking vocal group 98 Degrees, has thrown his hat into the reality-TV ring?

Timmons, 33, is one of four boy-band veterans chosen to share a house together in Orlando, Fla., for an as-yet-untitled VH1 reality series. Also on board are Chris Kirkpatrick of ’N Sync, Rich Cronin of LFO and Bryan Abrams of Color Me Badd.

As part of the TV series, Timmons will perform a concert on Jan. 13 at his alma mater, Washington High School. A VH1 camera crew will be on hand to capture the show as well as other aspects of Timmons’ homecoming.

Easygoing, friendly and ever-upbeat, Timmons phoned Monday from his home in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., where he is busy completing his second solo CD.

So how did this concert in Massillon come about?

VH1 wanted to see me in a concert atmosphere and also to show me in my hometown with my friends, to show where I’m from. When I was in 98 Degrees everything always revolved around Cincinnati, because that’s where the other three guys are from. There was never anything about Massillon and Canton and this cradle of football where I grew up. (VH1 is) going to film everything I’m doing while I’m there. They’re trying to schedule as many activities as they can. I’m hoping people come to the show!

Wasn’t this new reality series originally going to be called “Man Band”?

Yes, but they’re definitely not calling it that now. I put it in my contract that they can’t call it “Man Band.” There’s too many derogatory connotations to that name.

Describe the series in a nutshell.

They’re taking four ex-boy-band members and exposing us in our private lives while at the same time we’re making a record together. We’re wanting to make good television, something hopefully a little different than people have seen.

When are they filming it?

January 15 to Feb. 2. It’s short but the schedule is definitely going to be packed. It’s definitely going to be a fun-filled experience. They won’t tell us all the stuff that’s going to happen. The goal is for us to record a three-song mini-CD with all the proceeds to go for cancer research. Rich is battling a rare form of leukemia.

And then when is it going to air?

VH1 is talking between April and July. It’s going to be an eight- to 10-week thing. I’m going to put my next album out when the show debuts on television.

What can you tell me about your new CD?

It’s a little more uptempo, more fun than my first one (“Whisper That Way”). There’s definitely ballads on there but some good uptempo stuff. I’ll try some new material for the (Massillon) crowd; hopefully it will be well-received.

So are you a big fan of reality TV, like MTV’s “The Real World”?

I’m not, to be honest. The last “Real World” I watched was the very first one, when I was in high school.

It amazes me how horribly people behave on those shows.

They’ll do anything outrageous to get that 15 minutes of fame. They do a fine job of casting people they think they can manipulate. Plus, a lot of this reality stuff is scripted.

You better watch out for those cameras!

I’m using this show and VH1 for me. I made them package a whole bunch of stuff with it — support my CD, play my music video. I’m hosting a countdown show and partnering with their online company. This was my key to doing this.

Don’t you have an acting gig coming up?

I’ve gotten a part on “Dangerous Love,” which is a nighttime novella like “Fashion House.” We start filming in February. I’m starting with six episodes. They’re trying to adapt these Spanish telenovelas into nighttime television for the U.S.

I’ve seen those Spanish soaps. The guys are usually shirtless and there’s lots of kissing and slapping.

(Laughs) We’ll see how good I do at this acting stuff. They’re starting me off with six episodes.

In concert

WHO: Jeff Timmons with Jeannie Ortega.

WHEN: Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Washington High School Auditorium, Massillon.

TICKETS: $20, on sale at Massillon Cable TV, the Hampton Inn in Massillon, and the ticket office at the Massillon City Schools Administration Building.

NOTE: Timmons and Ortega will appear at a private VIP party to follow the concert at the BW3 in Massillon. Party tickets, available at BW3, are $10 for ages 21 and older, and $15 for 20 and younger.

Timmons will meet fans and sign autographs Jan. 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Massillon Wal-Mart store. Ortega will follow from 2 to 3. Admission is free.

-- From CantonRep.com