FIRST IMPRESSIONS: CHRISTINE BLEAKLEY
What are you working on?
My most recent project was a new series called Wild Ireland, which allowed me to travel the length and breadth of the west coast of Ireland. I got to visit a lot of fascinating places and meet some fantastic people along the way.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m back home and I’ve got my family around me – my parents, my sister and Frank – and no one has very much to do other than relax and maybe go to a nice local pub for a Sunday roast. That’s pretty much an ideal day for me.
What is your greatest fear?
Not having good health. I’m very aware of looking after yourself and your health – you’re nothing without it.
What is your earliest memory?
I actually remember my second birthday. And I also remember six months later and my little sister coming home from hospital with my mum just after she was born. I remember really vividly Mum and Dad putting her in my arms and being absolutely amazed and excited about it.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
Fussiness about keeping the house clean constantly, and my knees – they must be covered at all times!
Who has been your greatest influence?
My parents. Purely because I’ve lived by their rules and have been brought up to hopefully be nice and honest, which all comes from them.
What is your most treasured possession?
My engagement ring because of everything it symbolises.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Rudeness. I can’t stand it when you hold a door open for someone or let someone out when you’re driving and they don’t thank you.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I have very frizzy, awful hair. I spend a lot of time on it!
What is your favourite film?
Dirty Dancing, because I wanted to be Baby.
And your favourite record or piece of music?
The Mission soundtrack by Ennio Morricone. He’s a movie score composer.
What is your favourite meal?
No question: it’s a Sunday roast – with all the trimmings.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Some people who can make me laugh or who I can talk to about their careers – Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Peter Kay, Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock.
What is the nastiest thing someone has ever said to you?
I remember when I was seven and I got the blame for tapping my pencil in class and it was the girl next to me. I took the rap for it and the teacher was absolutely horrible to me.
Do you believe in aliens?
No.
What is your secret vice?
A good red wine.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes, I do. I think it’s a really nice thing to do. It’s quite oldfashioned nowadays, but I think it’s important.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
I say ‘to be honest’ quite a lot.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
I am very grateful for my lot, so I’m happy.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I enjoy painting and have a few pieces at home. I like using acrylics and oils. I was accepted by an art college but I studied politics at university instead. I sometimes wish I’d gone to art college.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
Something funny, such as ‘I told you I wasn’t faking it…’
Christine Bleakley presents Wild Ireland, Mondays at 8pm on ITV.
My most recent project was a new series called Wild Ireland, which allowed me to travel the length and breadth of the west coast of Ireland. I got to visit a lot of fascinating places and meet some fantastic people along the way.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m back home and I’ve got my family around me – my parents, my sister and Frank – and no one has very much to do other than relax and maybe go to a nice local pub for a Sunday roast. That’s pretty much an ideal day for me.
What is your greatest fear?
Not having good health. I’m very aware of looking after yourself and your health – you’re nothing without it.
What is your earliest memory?
I actually remember my second birthday. And I also remember six months later and my little sister coming home from hospital with my mum just after she was born. I remember really vividly Mum and Dad putting her in my arms and being absolutely amazed and excited about it.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
Fussiness about keeping the house clean constantly, and my knees – they must be covered at all times!
Who has been your greatest influence?
My parents. Purely because I’ve lived by their rules and have been brought up to hopefully be nice and honest, which all comes from them.
What is your most treasured possession?
My engagement ring because of everything it symbolises.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Rudeness. I can’t stand it when you hold a door open for someone or let someone out when you’re driving and they don’t thank you.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I have very frizzy, awful hair. I spend a lot of time on it!
What is your favourite film?
Dirty Dancing, because I wanted to be Baby.
And your favourite record or piece of music?
The Mission soundtrack by Ennio Morricone. He’s a movie score composer.
What is your favourite meal?
No question: it’s a Sunday roast – with all the trimmings.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Some people who can make me laugh or who I can talk to about their careers – Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Peter Kay, Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock.
What is the nastiest thing someone has ever said to you?
I remember when I was seven and I got the blame for tapping my pencil in class and it was the girl next to me. I took the rap for it and the teacher was absolutely horrible to me.
Do you believe in aliens?
No.
What is your secret vice?
A good red wine.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes, I do. I think it’s a really nice thing to do. It’s quite oldfashioned nowadays, but I think it’s important.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
I say ‘to be honest’ quite a lot.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
I am very grateful for my lot, so I’m happy.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I enjoy painting and have a few pieces at home. I like using acrylics and oils. I was accepted by an art college but I studied politics at university instead. I sometimes wish I’d gone to art college.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
Something funny, such as ‘I told you I wasn’t faking it…’
Christine Bleakley presents Wild Ireland, Mondays at 8pm on ITV.