TV
- The history channels are my favourite - I can get lost in them for hours. Next best is a well-done period drama. I love Downton Abbey and the new Upstairs, Downstairs. I recently watched the film The Duchess (pictured), based on the life of Georgiana Cavendish - an ancestor of Princess Diana - and fell in love with it. For light relief, I’d choose Him amp; Her, Pulling and my old favourite, Cheers!
Books
- It is a cliche but I really don’t read as often as I’d like to; I never make the time. When I do, it’s usually biographies and fiction, and I rattle through them - I got through seven books lying by a pool in Mexico last summer. The last one I read was Sister by Rosamund Lupton, a psychological thriller with a twist. It had me hooked from the first page.
Music
- I’m not sure I would be comfortable putting my iPod on “shuffle” at a party. My playlist bounces between Jim Reeves, Beyonce (pictured), Bruno Mars, Dr Hook, Elvis (Presley and Costello), Toni Braxton and Imogen Heap. My wide range of tastes was probably influenced by my dad, who would play Elvis and country songs when I was growing up.
Films
- I grew up watching old movies such as Imitation of Life, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and The Song of Bernadette - anything that makes you cry and has that classic Hollywood feel. I was old before my time as a 10-year-old! Spike Lee’s Malcolm X is a favourite - when I was a teacher I used it in lessons. I love sidesplitting comedies such as Anchorman, The Hangover and Superbad. At the other end of the scale, I will never tire of watching Goodfellas and Casino.
