Good times with... Mary Nightingale

ITV Evening News presenter Mary lives in London with her husband, Paul, and their two children, Molly, 18, and Joe, 16.

Michelle Obama is a goddess in pretty much every way

 The last great film you saw…

I was knocked sideways by Promising Young Woman – an extraordinary directing debut by Emerald Fennell. Carey Mulligan was mesmerising.

 The film you could watch over and over… My all-time favourite is Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. I interviewed Jack years ago and was worried he might not live up to my fangirl expectations, but he was wonderful – so funny.  The performance that stayed with you… Tony Bennett at Ronnie Scott’s a few years ago. He was well over 70 then, and utterly compelling. We had a table right by the stage, and he interrupted one of his songs to kiss my hand! I was smitten…

 The one you’d tell everyone to

see… I’m a huge fan of Hamilton. My daughter, Molly, got me hooked, and we’ve seen it six times so far.

 The podcast you loved…

Fortunately… With Fi And Jane is entertaining – I enjoy the on-air relationship of Fi Glover and Jane Garvey. It’s irreverent and fun, with a sharp edge. My colleague Robert Peston’s Calling Peston gives a real insider’s view of politics. I’m looking forward to the return of Julie Etchingham’s Ask A Woman, too.

 The last boxset you binged on…

Schitt’s Creek, which helped my family in lockdown. I presented the 6.30pm news during the pandemic, which became pretty depressing. It was a relief to take refuge in that warmth and optimism after work.

 Top of your TV planner this

month… My current go-to is The Great British Sewing Bee. I used to make my own clothes as a student so I’m pretty handy with a sewing machine. My kids are always wishing I’d do a reality show, but I couldn’t face dancing or skating – or eating maggots in the jungle. But I reckon I could hold my own on Sewing Bee!  The album you loved… I always return to the stuff I’ve loved forever, such as Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis.  The book that inspired you…

I’m reading Michelle Obama’s Becoming – long overdue. She is a goddess in pretty much every way.  The ticket you’d love to get your hands on… I’d love to take Molly to Hamilton when it reopens.  Mary Nightingale is lead presenter of the ITV Evening News, weekdays at 6.30pm