Where were you born?

Whitehaven, in Cumbria

What’s your comfort food?

Sushi rice, with avocado, salmon and plenty of wasabi and soy

What’s your favourite tipple?

English Breakfast tea

Dog or cat?

Dogs! I have two basset hounds, Bonham and Violet

What keeps you sane?

Going home to the Lake District – Wastwater and a few Herdwick sheep puts everything in perspective

What scares you?

 Robert Peston

Town or country?

A bit of both; I love the countryside, but I still get excited by red buses, black taxis, and that promising smell of London on a warm summer night

What’s your favourite holiday read?

Cold Comfort Farm, by Stella Gibbons, or Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes

What is the best present you’ve ever received?

A blue Kitchenaid mixer

What have you learned about yourself as you’ve got older?

I don’t like martinis. And that’s fine.

What would people be surprised to discover about you?

My toenails are always painted emerald green or peacock blue

Sweet or savoury?

Sweet

What is your favourite sport?

Rugby. Although if you’d asked me during the Olympics I would have insisted it was dressage/cycling/archery, etc.

What is your favourite way to travel?

I love driving – I’m a closet car freak – and adore a long road trip with a stack of good music, and a winding route ahead.

Would you rather read the book or watch the film first?

Read the book, definitely

Night in or night out?

Night out. I think anyone who works mainly from home would go for a night out!

What are you currently listening to?

Hot Cakes by The Darkness

What are you currently reading?

Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson, and The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes