Home is…
Birmingham. I live with my son Aiden, who’s 18, not far from where I was brought up. Work is in London, but my heart will always be in Birmingham.
What has London got that Birmingham hasn’t?
West End shows. We’ve got some nice theatres, like the Hippodrome, but nothing anywhere near as good as London’s.
What is your earliest memory of the city?
Coming down for the day when I was about 16 with my best mate Jacqueline Pirie, who became quite famous playing Linda Sykes in Coronation Street. We got the train, walked around, saw Buckingham Palace, took some photos. It was a lovely day.
Which shops do you rely on?
Selfridges because you can get everything in one place — whether it’s make-up, a birthday card or flowers. I like to meet a friend there and break up the shopping with a cup of tea and cake.
Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
‘I love you so much that I don’t want to charge you!’ I said, don’t be silly and gave him my card, but he refused to take it.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I’d give free school dinners to all children, free sanitary towels and Tampax to women and free glasses to anyone who needs them.
Best place for a first date?
The London Eye is quite romantic. Just the two of you in a pod going slow gives you plenty of time for a kiss and a cuddle. And you get a photo at the end that you can treasure. It’s a bit expensive, so if I was still Mayor, I’d make that free as well!
If you could buy any London building and live there, which would it be?
The Shard because it is so striking and I like the hotel rooms there. You get a great view — and a lovely bath!
Favourite work of art in London?
The lions in Trafalgar Square. I remember climbing on them when I was kid. I still like chilling out there.
Where would you like to be buried?
I’d have my ashes scattered on the Thames. Everyone can look at the water and say, ‘There she is’, then wave.
What do you collect?
In the past year I have become obsessed with rocks. I buy them on TikTok. I’ve got a box full of them, all in different colours. I love the fact that the earth can produce such beautiful things. I find them very soothing.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
I’m not a nightclub person because that becomes like work, but I like hanging out with friends at White City House. I love the swimming pool on the roof terrace.
What is your biggest extravagance?
My hair needs a lot of maintenance. Cutting, colouring, blow drying, loads of products. And don’t get me started on waxing! That all adds up to a lot of time and money, babes!
What are you up to for work?
I’m juggling This Morning and The Great British Bake Off and Celebrity Bake Off. I get about one or two days off a week, but it is all so much fun. I think people will really enjoy the bakers this year.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Mary Seacole. I love her statue at St Thomas’ Hospital near Westminster Bridge. She was caring and charismatic and she always reminds me of my mum.
