FIVE MINUTES WITH: TV presenter and writer Soraya Wilkinson- Wyke, from Monmouth (From South Wales Argus)

FIVE MINUTES WITH: TV presenter and writer Soraya Wilkinson- Wyke, from Monmouth

3:10pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News

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

My late father. I get so claustrophobic I won’t even go into lifts, but I felt safe anywhere with him. I could get the last chance I missed to tell him howmuch I adored and loved him, and to thank him for everything he did.

● What is your biggest fear?

Suffering from a disease like Alzheimer’s or dementia. I’ve seen several friends’ parents and grandparents go from incredibly smart, fit, interesting, charismatic, capable and proud people to a shell of themselves.

● Do you have any superstitions?

I know it’s stupid but I freak out if I see one magpie and will always salute it.

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

The Stranglers’ Golden Brown. I loved the melody before I even understood the lyrics, it just sends shivers down my spine.

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

When I earned much more money than I do nowI would take friends on expensive holidays – for one of my best friends’ 30th I took them to NewYork and spent about £8,000 in five days. After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease my values and priorities have completely changed.

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

There are two pieces I try to live by: “there is so much that will happen in life beyond your control, just concentrate on the stuff you can change” and “forgive everyone everything, including yourself”.

● What’s your indulgence?

Food and drink. I have such a strict diet because of my medical condition.

But very occasionally I will eat a dessert or have a really fabulous cocktail in a beautiful bar or hotel.

A healthier one is buying first edition books when I can afford it.

● What item could you not live without?

The sushi place near my home. I never cook and never have. I once rented a house and it was over a year before I realised the oven wasn’t working and that was only because a girlfriend tried to light a cigarette on the hob.

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

I am told I’m quite obsessive-compulsive.

I realise it can be disconcerting for people that don’t know me that I can’t leave a DVD out of its case or a glass unwashed.

● Where are you next going on holiday?

Venice – I’ve never been, and love art and architecture.