Under the microscope
CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?
YES. I have two younger children, aged one and seven, and they keep me pretty active. I also live in London, so am able to walk everywhere. I love so many sports but am accused of being a teensy bit lazy. I go to a high-intensity dance class. I also love a personal trainer — nothing more spoiling than a trainer forcing you to do what you should want to do anyway.
GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?
PROBABLY. All of the family munch merrily on raw carrots, cucumber, celery, cauliflower, peppers with hummus. We also have green juice, kiwi with granola and natural yoghurt to kick-start our day. I am married to an Italian who is a wonderful cook. It goes without saying pasta is popular in my home — however, we’ve switched to Kamut pasta, made with organic, wholegrain wheat, which is very nutritious and just as delicious.
EVER DIETED?
I AM blessed in this department. I have always been slim, not skinny and, with a little restraint, I can eat what I like. I do love naughty sweeties, crisps and the odd Cadbury’s Flake, but all in moderation. I am one of those annoying people who can eat half a Twix and save the other finger for a rainy day! I am also lucky to be itty-bitty in the bosom department, so I appear much thinner than I am.
ANY VICES?
I DRINK champagne with ice possibly a little too fondly, but I am trying to grow up gracefully.
EVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?
I AM pretty determined that will never happen.
ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?
MY MOTHER dying, aged 68 in 2011 from endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining) was a wake-up call for me. She was never ill and we were all just in shock. I think we as a family are very on it with regular check-ups for everything now.
COPE WELL WITH PAIN?
I ALWAYS thought I was a bit of a wussy, but having had three children and come through remarkably unscathed I now know I am tough as old boots.
WORST ILLNESS OR INJURY?
TOUCH wood, nothing to report. I occasionally get a sort of unexplainable hivey rash. I’ve just seen a dermatologist in Austria who thinks it could be stressrelated and due to supreme exertion — such as my efforts in The Jump (the TV winter sports competition).
IS SEX IMPORTANT?
I BELIEVE it is. My husband would argue I don’t give it nearly enough emphasis!
EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?
NOT properly. I’m one of life’s eternal optimists. And I live by my grandfather’s motto of ‘keep buggering on . . .’
HANGOVER CURE?
IF ONLY I had one!
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE?
MOSTLY I can sleep any time, anywhere. Though if I am having to get up at silly o’clock, I wake up every hour until the alarm goes off . . .
LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?
NO — but I would like to live to see my three beautiful children grow up and give me a couple of gorgeous grandchildren.
TAMARA is one of the founders of the Gynaecological Cancer Fund. gcfund.co.uk. The Jump, Channel 4, Sun, 7.30pm.