Camille O’sullivan

Award-winning London-born architect, actress and singer Camille, 47, is best known for her interpretations of songs by Nick Cave, Jacques Brel, Bowie and Radiohead.

What was your first TV memory?

The Clangers and Sesame Street in England, and then in Ireland, Wanderly Wagon about a magical flying wagon. My parents let me watch Kenny Everett, Benny Hill and Dallas, and I remember a weekly show about a cattle auction.

Who was your first TV crush?

David Bowie after seeing him on Top Of The Pops. My sister bought me my first single, John, I’m Only Dancing.

And probably Cary Grant.

What was your first TV appearance?

The first big one was The Late Late Show with Gay Byrne in Ireland. I was terrified but he was amazing. I did an Ella Fitzgerald song with another girl. And then Later With Jools Holland of course.

What is your favourite current show?

I’m a bit sad. I love Endeavour because I loved Inspector Morse. I even went on the tour in Oxford for £30.

Which TV show would you take to a desert island?

Maybe Alfred Hitchcock Presents which was brilliant and inspired my murder mystery fascination. If I could smuggle in Hitchcock films, all the Gene Kelly musicals and The Royle Family as well, I’d be delighted.

What TV show would you like to put out of its misery?

So many! Love Island, I’m A Celebrity, all celebrity shows in fact. And most of all Naked Attraction. It’s gone too far.

Guiltiest TV pleasure?

It’s really sad, it’s Say Yes To The Dress. I love the theatrics of it, the families arguing. I watched it a lot during lockdown.

What are you up to at the moment?

I have a new show at the Edinburgh fringe in August called Dreaming, about the wheels falling off and being delighted to be back in a room performing. And then

Union Chapel in London in November.

See Camille O’sullivan: Dreaming at Underbelly at the Edinburgh Festival from August 3 to 28. Details at edfringe.com or underbelly.co.uk

For Union Chapel, camilleosullivan.com

GARRY BUSHELL