The one lesson I’ve learned from life
Presenter Gok Wan
Gok Wan MBE, 47, is a food expert on TV’s This Morning, and has fronted other shows such as How To Look Good naked and Gok’s Fashion Fix. The presenter lives in London with his bulldog, Dolly.
IT’S OK TO STICK TO YOUR OWN LANE
i’Ve Been appearing on this morning for two decades and have even stood in as a replacement host for Holly [Willoughby] and Phil [schofield].
i enjoyed it, but i don’t know if i was any good. some people are straight-up presenters, and then there are others, like me, who are better in an expert role, speaking about food or fashion.
it’s fair to say i always feel far more comfortable with a pie-making machine or a needle and thread in my hand, so i feel it’s best to stay in your own lane.
And although tV is super-exciting and gives me a huge adrenaline rush, it’s a very tough gig, and i believe there are others who do it way better than me.
Another thing i’ve discovered with live television is that you can’t have a down day. it’s likely we might have something going on in our personal lives, which could throw us off on-screen. Yet that can’t happen when you’re presenting live tV, so it’s a huge responsibility and one that always makes me feel slightly nervous.
therefore, i have huge admiration for the broadcasters who do it every day, because they leave their personal world behind once they go on-air, and that’s not easy.
moreover, i think naming your strengths is one of those things i’ve learnt as i’ve got older. i get much more of a buzz from teaching people, so whether that’s advising women on what to wear or showing viewers how to whip up a wicked Asian dish — i’m here.
my career has enabled me to meet some very famous faces, and even forge friendships with some of them. i count [comedian] Alan Carr as a close pal, and i’ll never forget walking into his living room and seeing [singer] Adele sitting there. i knew she and Alan were mates, but i’d no idea the Grammy winner was going to be at his house. i loved how down to earth she was, and that her last ever meal would be a Big mac. that’s my kind of girl!