My favourite film
Just Go with It because it’s escapism. I also like Elf at Christmas. Even though I’ve seen it a million times it still makes me laugh. I like watching films, but often I’ll watch them on Netflix rather than going to the cinema.
Overrated
I didn’t really enjoy The Lord of the Rings. I didn’t even watch all of the first film.
Underrated
Sam Heughan. He was brilliant in Outlander. I think he should be more famous.
My favourite TV series
Line of Duty. It keeps you captivated because the story Jed Mercurio writes is so vivid.
The box set I’m hooked on
Slow Horses. I binged series one and I’m looking forward to watching the second this weekend. The character Jackson Lamb, played by the brilliant Gary Oldman, is yuck, but he comes good in it. But it’s not twee or sugary, candyfloss fluff.
Advertisement
The last TV programme that made me cry
The Queen’s funeral. I met the Queen a few times and she was such a lovely person. The whole funeral was so moving from start to end.
The last TV programme that made me laugh
Flipping through the TV channels, I saw Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em with Michael Crawford — he just has the best facial expressions and it made me laugh because it’s so ridiculous.
I wasted an evening watching
Tokyo Vice. It was all right, but I don’t know if I’d bother watching another series.
My favourite piece of music
Anything by Bryan Adams — probably Please Forgive Me. I’ve seen him live lots of times. He’s humble, writes good music and stands the test of time.
The lyric I wish I’d written
I love all of Love Will Keep Us Alive by the Eagles. I’m definitely a big romantic.
The song that saved me
Advertisement
Music like Bryan Adams, Elton John, Queen — music that lifts your spirits. Crazy Little Thing Called Love makes you want to dance and sing along.
The concert or play I’m looking forward to
I’d love to see the Eagles. Also Adam Lambert with Queen — he took over Freddy Mercury’s role and he’s got a fantastic voice. I’ve just been to see Robbie Williams. And I want to see The Mousetrap again.
My favourite play
Jersey Boys. It’s so uplifting.
The play I walked out on
A farce at the local theatre, I don’t remember the name of it. It had won accolades so I thought I’d give it a whirl, but it was just shocking.
My favourite book
While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins — it takes you backwards and forwards with flashbacks, is full of intrigue and romance and doesn’t come out the way I expected. When I was a teenager it was Gone with the Wind — I felt really discombobulated at the end because you really want Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler to get back together. I didn’t think I was a happily-ever-after kind of person, but clearly I am.
The book I’m reading
Advertisement
Santa Montefiore’s latest, Shadows in the Moonlight. It’s a really nice, colourful work.
The book I wish I had written
One of Richard Osman’s — you can relate to them. I’ve met him and he is a clever man. I’m excited for the film, he’s done incredibly well.
The book I’m ashamed I haven’t read
Jilly Cooper’s latest book, Tackle!, which I haven’t even bought yet. I don’t have an awful lot of free time to read, but when I go on holiday I read two or three books.
The instrument I play
I had a stab at playing the piano, but I’m not very good at it. I prefer singing, but I’m not very good at that either.
The instrument I wish I’d learnt
The guitar and saxophone. I would play music by Kenny G from many moons ago. It’s just such a sexy instrument.
The music that cheers me up
Advertisement
Perfect by Ed Sheeran. I met my husband when that song was out so it cheers me up because it reminds me of him. It’s just so beautiful and was the first song at our wedding.
If I could own one painting it would be
Klimt’s The Kiss. I have quite a big copy in my living room.
The place I feel happiest
At home in Berkshire. I love going walking with the views, wildlife and wildflowers.
My guiltiest cultural pleasure
The Venice Biennale because I’ve been so many times — I should probably go somewhere else. A work I saw there that stands out is Lorenzo Quinn’s Building Bridges, huge joined hands showing unity.
I’m having a fantasy dinner party, I’ll invite these artists and authors
Bryan Adams, Richard Osman, Jilly Cooper, Joan Collins, Ian Rankin and Lee Child.
And I’ll put on this music
Advertisement
I don’t think I’d play classical music with them because this would be a fun group. So it would be something quite lively, maybe Eighties.
Once Upon a Time in Venice by Carol Kirkwood is published by HarperCollins on July 18; Kirkwood presents the weather on BBC Breakfast
