Laura Jackson, 30, co-host on Take Me Out spin-off The Gossip, which is back on our screens this week, brings us all the backstage low-down…
You host Take Me Out: The Gossip, which this year goes out as its own standalone show on Sunday nights… Yes – it’s so exciting! I guess me and Mark (Wright) are the glue holding the show together. We’re there to get all the backstage gossip and find out what happens behind-the-scenes on the main series. Who fancies who and what’s going on. We’re like the nosy mum and dad…
It looks like a fun show to work on; what are the highlights?
Filming in Tenerife! Though the viewers know it as the Isle Of Fernando’s of course. Though it’s no holiday; we live and breathe Take Me Out while we’re out there – it’s all-consuming, but in a good way. We film all day and most of the evening, but it’s like a big family and you feel like you’re in a big house with your mates. Me and Mark really love it.
What do you do in your downtime?
On our night off we all go out for dinner together, which is really lovely. The Take Me Out crew are amazing; it just doesn’t feel like work. And you get on well with your fellow presenter Mark Wright? I love presenting with Mark! We get on really, really well and we have really good fun. We’re like brother and sister really; we argue and bicker but, you know, we’re the best of friends as well. Michelle (Mark’s wife, Michelle Keegan) comes out when we’re filming, if she can. I love Michelle, and she’s so beautiful it actually hurts my eyes to look at her. She’s one of the best people ever.
You’re getting married later this year?
I am, in September. I met my boyfriend (John) in the pub; we were in a big group of mutual friends. I haven’t done any wedding planning yet – I’m hoping my fairy godmother will appear and it will all just miraculously happen…
You always look fabulous; do you have any beauty or diet secrets you can share with us all?
I don’t believe in diets. I like my food and I eat a lot of it. I’m fortunate that I have a good metabolic rate, and I’m just constantly on the go. I probably wouldn’t eat a hamburger every day but I do like everything; especially a big slab of cheese. I love a good cheese and biscuits spread.
Working on Take Me Out, are you battling hangovers at all?
No hangovers! Work is work. Occasionally on a night out we’ll have a sip of something, but filming is really full-on and it’s important for us that we’re at work, doing our best. ● Take Me Out: The Gossip, Sat 23 Apr, 9PM, ITV2