MY TV LIFE
Gaby Roslin
Gaby, 56, is best known for presenting Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast and hosting Children In Need with SIR Terry Wogan
What was your first TV memory?
Blue Peter! It was an absolutely staple part of our TV diet growing up. My Dad worked as a continuity announcer at the BBC and I remember watching Blue Peter from the viewing gallery when I was three. I was hooked on TV from a very young age.
What was your first TV appearance?
I presented a show called Hippo in 1987 on a new satellite channel called Superchannel – the first pan-europe TV channel. It was similar to the Broom Cupboard, with puppets and links to other shows, and an incredible learning experience. After that I did Motormouth on Saturday morning ITV.
Who was your first TV crush?
I was in love with Donny Osmond as soon as I saw him on The Osmonds TV show. I was going to marry him! Then I ended up working with him – he stood in for Terry Wogan on the Terry And Gaby Show – and he was a really lovely guy. He got me up at his An Audience With... too. Also Captain James T Kirk from Star Trek. He was plastered over my bedroom walls as well.
What is your favourite current show?
I am utterly obsessed with This Country with the genius Daisy May Cooper and her brother Charlie. And I’m also obsessed with Succession, which is nothing like it. Those two shows got me through the early days of lockdown. We watched every episode of both.
Which TV show would you take to a desert island?
Eastenders! I love it! I’ve never missed an episode. It’s brilliantly acted, beautifully put together... and it’s given such a hard time by the critics.
What TV show would you like to put out of its misery?
I wouldn’t. The wonderful thing about TV is there are other channels and there is an off button. I might not like something that’s another person’s joy. Just turn over!
Guiltiest TV pleasure?
Probably Selling Sunset on Netflix. Oh my God, someone should have told me not to watch it. It’s so addictive. I love the properties. And I’m really looking forward to Strictly coming back.
What are you up to at the moment?
I’m co-hosting the Massive Get Together online charity night with Amanda Byram and special guests such as Sophie Ellis-bextor and Nina Conti. Ten charities are uniting for it. I’m on BBC Radio London for three hours every
Sunday too.
The Massive Get Together is on Thursday, 8pm. Details of charities supported and access: crowdfunder.co.uk/ the-massive-gettogether