Gregory Porter

Californian Gregory, 49, is an awardwinning jazz singer who has had four UK Top Ten albums including 2013’s platinum-selling Liquid Gold

What was your first TV memory?

Tom And Jerry – I was crazy about that – and I really loved the Jackson Five cartoon series, The Jackson 5ive.

Who was your first TV crush?

It was Janet Jackson in a sitcom called Good Times. She was so beautiful. She played Penny, a difficult role because she was an abandoned child and I empathised with her. She needed to be saved and I have saviour syndrome. You can hear it in my lyrics even now.

What was your first TV appearance?

On the local TV news. My mother was doing a fundraiser for homeless people. They interviewed me and I was so nervous I kept repeating myself over and over.

What is your favourite current

show?

I love watching The World’s Most Extraordinary Houses. It’s fronted by Caroline Quentin and an architect called Piers Taylor and they visit fantastic houses built in forests and on mountains; even underground. I’ve watched every episode.

Which TV show would you take to a desert island?

Star Trek, the original series with Spock and Uhura and Captain Kirk. I got to meet Nichelle Nichols who played Uhura and she was wonderful.

What TV show would you like to put out of its misery?

Singing talent shows. Can you imagine Billie Holiday going on a talent show and winning? Louis Armstrong would have been kicked out by Simon Cowell!

Guiltiest TV pleasure?

Countryfile. It interests me, seeing another side of England. I’m fascinated by the UK and the regional differences. Wherever I tour, I like to walk amongst the people, although I get recognised now. I also love Gogglebox. It’s hilarious, I love all the characters.

What are you up to at the moment?

I have a new record out, Still Rising, and I’ve also done a film for Disney called Love Runs Deeper. There’s a single of that name too and the proceeds all go to Make-awish International.

● Gregory Porter’s new album, Still Rising, is out now