5 THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Singer and TV presenter JANE McDONALD, 54, lives in West Yorkshire with her partner Eddie, 63, a former drummer with The Searchers
1 SLEEP Some people seem to survive on very little sleep but I am definitely not one of them. Ideally I need at least nine hours of shut- eye a night and I certainly don’t function well on less than seven.
Being tired doesn’t necessarily make me grumpy but I do find it incredibly hard to focus or get anything done.
I like the bedroom to be a sanctuary and Eddie loves the fact that I do a full turn- down service every night.
I don’t go as far as putting chocolates under the pillows but I do dim the lights, straighten the bedding and make us both a cup of herbal tea. 2MUSIC My vocal talents come from my mum Jean. She has a beautiful voice yet has never had the confi dence to perform. My dad Peter, who was my roadie when I was starting out, had loads of confidence but couldn’t sing. Luckily I got the best from both of them and my love of music has defined the course of my life.
Every time I hear After The Love Has Gone by Earth, Wind & Fire, I am transported back to my teens and the heartache of breaking up with my first boyfriend. Another track I love is John Barry’s Somewhere In Time which always has me in tears.
3 COMPANY
I’ve had the same group of friends for more than 30 years and although I am not always great at keeping in touch, I am very loyal to people who are important to me.
For me, good company is about laughter and great conversation or even just contented, companionable silence. My best friend Sue Ravey, who is now my PA, is a fellow singer whom I’ve known since I was 18.
She has an incredible voice, is a lot of fun and we are completely on the same wavelength.
I love to socialise and am very happy both at home with a few friends or at a big bash.
4 SUNSHINE
When the sun is shining it is a complete game changer for us Brits. Suddenly everyone seems to be smiling and happy. The weather in this country is not a selling point, although I do think there is something magical about the changing seasons.
However as much as I like the sun I can’t see myself ever emigrating. I still love living in Wakefi eld which is where I grew up.
5 GOOD UNDERWEAR
At 35 my mum told me that it was time for me to buy good- quality underwear. She was right.
As you get older, ill-fitting under- garments not only look awful but become increasingly uncomfortable too.
So now I always invest in my smalls. I am not one to spend vast amounts of money on fancy lingerie but I do enjoy regular spending sprees at Marks & Spencer and Debenhams.
After all, it’s the little things in life that make all the difference. Making Memories is a production of songs and arrangements featuring Jane’s talented musicians and singers. The 14- day tour has new medleys, old favourites and some exciting additions. Tickets from janemcdonald.com/shows