Good times with… Julie Etchingham

News presenter Julie lives in London with her husband, Nick, and their two teenage sons.

 The last great film you saw…

The Courier starring Benedict Cumberbatch. It’s based on the true story of a British businessman recruited by MI6 and it’s gripping.  The film you could watch over and over… Watching Elf with the family at Christmas has become a bit of a tradition.

 The performance that made you cry… The late Helen Mccrory playing Euripides’ Medea at the National Theatre – an astonishing portrayal of a woman who loses everything and exacts revenge.

 The one you’d tell everyone

to see… It’s A Wonderful Life. Feelgood, tear-jerking, gorgeous.  The podcast you loved… I listen to so many on politics for work – Westminster Insider is one of my favourites – but I love a good crime podcast, too, such as West Cork.

 The last boxset you binged on…

I’m loving ITV’S The Ipcress File and

I can’t wait for Borgen to return.

 The album you loved…

Consequences by Joan

Armatrading. I had the privilege of interviewing Joan during lockdown. She said, ‘I was born to do what I’m doing. My purpose is to write songs.’ I hope she never stops.

 The one you want to hear…

I haven’t got to ABBA’S Voyage yet, but my handbag is on the floor ready to dance around once I do!  The book that inspired you…

I had a big dive into Edna O’brien last summer and read The Country Girls trilogy at last. They’re iconic stories of female emancipation.

 The best recommendation you received… A brilliant producer called Ellie Swinton gave me a copy of Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld, which imagines what would have happened if Hillary Clinton hadn’t married Bill. It’s so clever and sharp.  The ticket you’d love to get your hands on… Dolly Parton. Anytime. Anywhere.

 Julie is helping celebrate CBBC Newsround’s 50th anniversary. Catch Newsround on BBC iplayer, CBBC and bbc.co.uk/newsround

I’d love to see Dolly Parton. Anytime. Anywhere