You asked, Michaela answered…
Ann Grundy:
Is it true you kissed a hummingbird once?
Michaela: ‘I had a tonguing from a hummingbird! It was for a children’s programme where I was challenged to do various things, and getting a kiss from a hummingbird was one.
They have long tongues they use to feed on nectar from deep flower heads, so I had to stand there, lips pursed and covered in sugar. I waited for ages, no action. So I put some red lipstick in to be more like a flower, and eventually one came and wow! It put its tongue right in! It’s not everyone who can say they’ve been snogged by a hummingbird.
Jo Williamson: Who inspired you to champion nature? Michaela: Chris Packham. There’s so much I admire about him, but one thing is the fact he’s used what many would regard as a disadvantage – his Asperger’s – and turned it into a great strength. He’s a great campaigner because he’ll get hold of something and he will not let it go. And it doesn’t matter how much abuse he gets, if he believes he’s right, he doesn’t care.
Sarah Shipp: How do you feel about the Scouting For Girls song
named after you? [‘Michaela Strachan you broke my heart when I was 12’]
Michaela: Someone actually told me about it before they were signed, so I contacted them and they were like ‘Oh, gosh, yes, hope that’s okay’. They sent me a copy and I absolutely loved it! After it came out they invited me to a concert, and I went with Timmy Mallett.
It was such an ego boost hearing the band and audience singing my name! Then on the way home, there were two girls on the train who’d clearly been at the gig, and one said to the other ‘Who IS Michaela Strachan anyway?’ and the other one says ‘Oh you know the one, blonde hair, big smile, funny nose’. My ego came crashing down!