Q UICKFIRE

Fashion guru and TV presenter Gok Wan on mischief, magic and meeting his style icon

with TV presenter Gok Wan

Guilty pleasure? Having fun – I’m constantly looking for mischief. Where is home? Split between London and Leicester. London is the best city in the world, but Leicester, where my family is, has 50 per cent of my heart. Career plan B? If I had to start all over again, it would be in business – maybe banking, retail or a restaurant. Who would play you in a movie of your life? My brother Kwoklyn who knows as much about me as I do myself. He’s also a massive show-off like me, so he’d love it. Biggest bugbear? I’m a stickler for tidiness and it winds me up if books aren’t straight, cushions aren’t plumped or cups are left in the sink. As a child you wanted to be… A farmer. Now that I know how much hard work is involved, I think I’d give it a miss. Earliest memory? Our family home in Leicester with my Superman bed covers, the avocado-coloured bathroom and our comfy brown sofa. Secret to a happy relationship? Honesty and compromise. Your best quality? I’m a great organiser. And your worst? I’m bossy as hell. Last meal on earth? My dad’s wonton noodles with prawn dumplings, or Mum’s Sunday roast. Can I have both? Dream dinner-party guests? Tracy Chapman, Elvis Presley, Maria Callas, Martin Luther King Jr and Michael Fassbender. Advice to teenage self? The more you worry, the worse it will be. Cat or dog? Dog. I have a French bulldog called Dolly. What do you see when you look in the mirror? A 16-yearold who wants to have fun and make the most of every second. Starstruck moment? Interviewing Sarah Jessica Parker on the red carpet at the UK premieres of both Sex and the City films. She is my style icon. Big break? Meeting my agent Carol. Career highlights? The first episode of How to Look Good Naked, my first clothing collection and, now, my new opera album. Life is full of highlights. Favourite tipple? Stella Artois. Hangover cure? A phone call to my mum, a Berocca and a Quorn sausage sandwich. Top of your bucket list? To DJ at Glastonbury, design the costumes for a production at the Royal Opera House and see the northern lights. Secret skill? Three years ago I started magic lessons and this year I am taking my Magic Circle exam. One thing that would improve your life? A better work-life balance. Philosophy? Look after your passion and love will look after itself. Worst job you’ve ever done? Recruitment consultancy – I was miserable and left after a month. Where would you time travel to? The 1950s to party with Elvis and hang out with the Rat Pack in Las Vegas. First record you bought? ‘Uptown Girl’ by Billy Joel. Most extravagant purchase? My Rolex watch. Biggest regret? Wasting so much time worrying about what people thought about me. It took me many years to be comfortable in my own skin. Biggest fear? Loneliness – I need lots of people around me. Celebrity crush? Michael Fassbender – yes, please!

Gok’s Divas, an album of 30 favourite operatic arias chosen by Gok, is out on Friday on Warner Classics