Caroline Feraday: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

20 questions with broadcaster Caroline Feraday

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

Never be boring. You may now pass judgement on whether I achieve this below.

“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

Kind thoughts, kind words, kind deeds.  Sometimes this occurs for me through very gritted teeth though.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

Hiding in plain sight like Jimmy Saville but I’m not just talking about Jimmy Saville. I’m talking about criminals who make so much positive media noise that it’s unacceptable for anyone to think badly or point a finger at them even though they deserve to have questions asked.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

Does he? I think he hated it by the end and loves his new suntan and wealth. I try not to miss things, and just be happy that they have happened. Although I do miss my 20s when I could eat and drink what I liked with no impact.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

A winning EuroMillions ticket.

Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?

How long have you got? The idea that hard working peoples’ pensions are worthless because some rich banker gambled it, whilst he still took his big fat bonus pains me greatly. I’d like more accountability, but that’s not only for bankers, that’s in all parts of life. They probably get a worse press than serial killers which is perhaps a little strong.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

When people say, “I’m sweet enough” when you ask them if they take sugar in their tea. It has always grated on me. “No thanks” will do fine.

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

The indicators of a decent society are how we treat the weak, although the idea that teaching a man to fish is preferable to giving a man a fish is clearly sensible. My beautiful god daughter has a rare genetic condition called EB which affects the fragility of her skin and is pretty painful. She is called Grace and deals with it with true grace each and every day, the brightest and most inspirational little girl, so DEBRA who support sufferers of EB is a cause close to my heart. I’m an Ambassador for the Global Angels Charity too.

The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

I’m a total hypocrite where this is concerned. I complain others being absent in mind whilst present in body whilst being a total phone addict.

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

My husband is incredibly interesting and I never fail to enjoy his company so I’d better start with him. I’d also like to share the journey with John Oliver from The Daily Show, Rick and Rachel Parfitt, two school friends of mine, Nicola and Suzie, my friend Neil Smith who has just appeared in Game of Thrones (although we have been on the Orient Express together before), my parents, my incredible 97 year old grandmother, I find Ross King (off Daybreak) unfailing good company so hopefully he can come, then some musicans – Beverly Knight, Billie Myers, Dolly Parton, and comics Tim Vine, Rob Deering, Anna Keirle, and Rankin to take photos of the whole shebang.

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

Usually I don’t like to miss a meal but I’ve a feeling my appetite might be at an all time low in this circumstance. Maybe just a decent Hendrick’s and tonic with cucumber.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

When I used to present a radio show finishing at 6am, I’d often catch a 7.20am flight to Ibiza for the weeken and think nothing of having a gin and tonic as it was the end of my day. I got some funny looks for that from fellow passengers, mind. I’ve just realised that combined with the previous answer I sound like a total alcoholic. Hic.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

I can’t stand beer and I’ve had a bad experience on martini (long story) and don’t do caffeine. Got any coconut water? (oh god, how did I become this person?!)

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Mine, ha ha… I’ve always liked to throw a party.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Lizzie Cundy has the kindest heart, and a smart mind. She’s hugely positive. She turned up for my birthday party on the day she discovered her husband had cheated on her, because she didn’t want to let me down, and didn’t breathe a word.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Watching Take Me Out. And enjoying it.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

I have one of two butterflies on my hip. I don’t know whether that sums me up or not.

If you were a car, what marque would you be?

I checked why someone would use “marque” instead of “brand” and dictionary.com says the subtle difference is that you’re more likely to use marque for a luxury brand. So thank you. I’m just happy with that.

Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

I supported the Spice Girls at Wembley.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

My cat, the nimble little bugger.

Caroline Feraday is an English television and radio broadcaster. She has worked for Capital FM, This Morning and ITV and appears occasionally on Five’s The Wright Stuff.

Follow her on Twitter @CarolineFeraday.

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