Pharrell Williams' bodyguard is eager for the Neptunes producer to get a girlfriend - because it will mean he can finally take some holiday time.

Imposing BIG BEN EDWARDS, who has worked for Usher and Bow Wow in the past, has been protecting Williams for the past three-and-a-half years and admits that while he enjoys his job, it's often extremely demanding as his employer hardly ever takes time off.

He says, "I have the longest days ever - sometimes 9am to 4 the next morning. If Pharrell goes to the movies, I sit behind him. He goes to dinner, I'm at the next table. At the end of the day, I take him all the way home or to his hotel room.

"I have no complaints, but you do have to sacrifice your time. Whatever your principal wants to do is what you have to do. I've been to Paris and never seen the EIFFEL TOWER. And when your client goes to clubs, you're not partying. As their employee, your job is to look after them.

"Pharrell hasn't taken one vacation in four years. That tells you how much I'm off. I can't wait till he gets a girlfriend."

But Edwards insists he's a truly devoted employee, adding, "If it came down to a bullet, yes, I would take one for Pharrell. I love him like a brother, and I wouldn't let anything happen to him."

04/05/2004 09:07