I grew up in west London, just off Portobello Road, in a lovely housing trust flat on a beautiful Georgian street. It was a very special place — such gorgeous architecture. Everything looked really beautiful but it was also juxtaposed with this huge melting pot of multiculturalism and different classes and vibes. I was brought up around a lot of different kinds of people, which I think is why I love people.
What was your childhood home like?
We never had any money but then my mum [Andi Oliver] got a job on TV doing a show [Channel 4’s Baadasss TV] with Ice-T for a year. We suddenly had a bit of money and my mum painted every room in jewel colours. Her artist friend helped her do it. We had this multicoloured home with a rich indigo carpet. Meanwhile I wanted it to look like an office. She had an open door: we’d have waifs-and-strays Christmases, so anyone who didn’t have anywhere to go could come to us.
Where is home for you now?
Clapton, east London. My stepdad is from here. My parents lived here for 25 years, they’ve only recently gone to the suburbs. When they moved in it was called murder mile. I live really high up and have a beautiful view of the marshes and also the city.
Do you live with anyone?
I lived with flatmates until about three years ago. Living alone is the best thing I ever did. I do share Scout, our dog, with my mum [and stepdad]. She’s on Gogglebox with us. She’s a bigger star than us.
What does home mean to you?
Safety and roots. I always managed to make wherever I am feel very “rooty” for that moment, even if it’s a hotel room.
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Which room brings you the most joy?
The dressing room. It’s mad organised. My mum’s a bit chaotic so I really love organisation. Our wardrobes are our personal history. Everything I did and have been, and have become, every heartbreak and joy is in there. It’s so deep — it’s not just a wardrobe.
Where did you get your love of second-hand shopping?
My Caribbean grandma my whole life always shopped in charity shops. She comes from a generation of people who made things.
What’s your best ever find?
My sofa. It’s a big, midnight-blue sofa. And my coffee table, which was from Gumtree. I’ve always been so obsessed with clothes, I didn’t know how good homeware was second hand. I want things that have a story.
Do you have any tips for shopping second hand?
With second-hand clothes you have to go with your gut. You have to really figure out what you like. I buy all my crockery in charity shops. Gumtree is my new scroll addiction. You look at how you consume differently. It takes more patience but you’re rewarded greatly because you’re surrounded by things you really love and that have spoken to you for a certain reason.
How would you describe your interior design aesthetic?
French baroque mixed with Italian Nineties interiors. A bit French, a bit London and a bit New York loft.
Whose design taste do you particularly admire?
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My favourite home growing up was my auntie Alison’s house, Lily [Allen’s] mum. I do love the way Lily does her houses. She’s been my BFF since day one. Her new home is pretty out there. She has this big lovely house in the country. She always had adult homes before we were adults. Her flats always felt very grown up.
You became the co-presenter of Popworld in 2001, aged 16. What was it like working in TV so young?
I got the job at 15 and turned 16 when we started. To be part of something that the whole country is watching and laughing at and getting the country through hangovers and uni and school was a beautiful feeling. It was completely wild and crazy to be part of, but also so much work and so rewarding. Simon [Amstell, her co-host on Popworld] is one of my best friends.
Who was your favourite interviewee?
Justin Timberlake. It was the Like I Love You [era] — I was so nervous. We had the best day, we had to run around the Mandarin Oriental hotel together. And he made me laugh all day. He was a bit flirty — I was 18 so I was losing my mind. That was when I was like, “Oh, this might be the best job in the world.”
What was your favourite moment from Popworld?
Probably around the end of year two, when we really got into our stride, we were suddenly given all this power. We never did TV talk. We were always very honest. And it was just f***ing funny. It was the glory of my youth.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
I definitely would go and have a skip. Skipping is like an active meditation. Now that we’ve launched Ropes, my skipping brand, it is on my mind a lot.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
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Really nice French red wine.
Are you a homebody?
Very much so. My mum and I both have a really big team — I love having my team here. We’re like a big family. I’m always making soups or teas. I hope it’s a nice working environment for everyone.
Do you have any possessions that have survived all your moves?
A travel wallet from Smythson. I got it when I was 17, when I started travelling a lot for work. I thought it was the most stylish, adult thing I could ever buy. It has survived about 12 house moves.
