My lessons life from
Shop Smart, Save Money co-presenter FIONA PHILLIPS (57) reveals her dream job, the heartache of looking after her elderly parents and why she shuns social media
Old friends are precious
There’s something very special about old friends. I’ve known my oldest friend Debbie for many years. We don’t see each other very often but when we do, it’s like we saw each other yesterday. We have so many shared experiences and see eyeto-eye on so many things and we’ll always be part of each other’s lives. It’s the same with me and my old GMTV partner Eamonn Holmes – bless him! Again, I don’t see him as often as I’d like as we’re both so busy but he’ll always have a special place in my heart.
My dream job
If I could have my time again, I’d be a doctor. What an absolute honour it would be to save lives and make a real difference to people’s lives. I can’t imagine doing anything better. But I didn’t work hard enough at the right subjects at school. My comprehensive wasn’t very good and I thought school was just about having a laugh with your mates. My dad used to say to me, “It’s criminal the way you’re wasting your intelligence”.
I’m not complaining because obviously I’ve done – and am doing - all right but I’ll never save another human life through my work.
Family heartache
Caring for your family can be challenging, particularly when you have sick or elderly parents to care for at the same time as having a young family of your own. My mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers when she was in her early 60s. I had two very young children at the time and also a career and marriage to maintain. Then, after mum died in 2006, my dad was diagnosed with the same disease. Those years – when I was still on GMTV and my boys were still young – were the most challenging, difficult times of my life and the reason I quit my full-time job in 2008.
Social media is a no-no
I don’t do Facebook or Instagram. In my profession, I probably should but I think it’s a poisoned chalice that makes people feel dissatisfied and inadequate about their own lives. I’d rather have peace of mind.
Watch out for rip-offs
These days it can feel like everyone’s out to rip you off. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so anxious and insecure because of it. Everywhere you turn there are messages from companies trying to get you to buy stuff and promising the best prices. You really don’t know who to trust. That’s one of the great things about our consumer show Shop Smart, Save Money – we give up-tothe minute information about where to get value for money. We also advise viewers on how to make substantial savings from their household budgets. People need this kind of advice more than ever at the moment. It’s a bit like getting your own back if you have been ripped off!
■ Fiona presents Shop Smart, Save Money, with Gabby Roslin on Channel 5, Thursdays at 8pm
■ She was talking to Alison James