If you had to be stuck in a lift with someone, who would it be and why?

A lift engineer, hopefully he would get us out safely and quickly. Failing that, Spiderman, we would know what to do.

What is your biggest fear?

Birds in the house.

Do you have any superstitions?

I always cross my fingers when I walk under a ladder. Frogs are lucky.

If you could have one song on your iPod, what would it be and why?

Don't You Remember by Adele.

What's the most expensive thing you've bought not including your property?

My kitchen.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given?

Never to forget that however far the tide goes out, it always comes back in again.

What's your indulgence?

Breakfast.

What item could you not live without?

My Blackberry, my lipstick or my thesaurus.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Not to be so work-driven and make time to read a book a week.

Where are you next going on holiday?

Vietnam.