QUICKFIRE: Newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy on Madness, middle age and his mum’s curry
Biggest bugbear? I’m intolerant of stupidity – I get cross when people are being dim
Guilty pleasure? The X Factor.
Where is home? I grew up in Lancashire, but I would say London.
Career plan B? Actor. I was going to be one, but then I got a job as a TV presenter.
Who would play you in a movie of your life? Obviously Lenny Henry.
Biggest bugbear? I’m intolerant of stupidity – I get cross when people are being dim.
As a child you wanted to be… A doctor like my dad and grandad.
Earliest memory? An ant infestation in the house where I was born.
What is your best quality? I look after my friends.
And your worst? I’m impatient.
Last meal on earth? My mum’s curry. It’s my favourite.
Dream dinner-party guests? Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Bashar al-Assad, Samuel L Jackson, Madonna and maybe Tony Blair. The first topic of conversation would probably be World War Three.
Advice to teenage self? Don’t worry so much. Chill out.
Secret skill? I’m quite techie – I could be your computer support man.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? I see an overweight, middle-aged man so I try not to look too much.
Starstruck moment? Probably when I was 18, during my first interview with Depeche Mode. I was a real fan of them as a teenager so I was blown away.
Career highlight? It’s always the last thing I did that really mattered so it’s probably highlighting the famine in Yemen last year.
Big break? Presenting Open To Question on BBC2 when I was 18.
Favourite tipple? A good bordeaux.
Hangover cure? Nurofen before bed, lots of water and a Berocca when you wake up. What did you have for breakfast this morning? Two pieces of toasted soda bread.
Top of your bucket list? I would quite like to jump out of an aeroplane.
Biggest inspiration? Sir Robin Day. I remember watching him as a kid as he interviewed politicians with a healthy contempt.
One thing that would make your life better? Knowing that my family is going to be happy.
Philosophy? Keep reaching. Never give up.
Worst job you’ve ever done? I haven’t really done any bad jobs. I’ve been lucky.
Last film that made you cry? Moonlight.
First record you bought? I think it might have been a Madness record.
Favourite book? Animal Farm by George Orwell.
Biggest extravagance? Eating out. My favourite food is Japanese.
Biggest regret? Not working harder at university – I was too busy making TV programmes.
Celebrity crush? I used to have one on Geri Halliwell about 15 years ago. I met her recently and she’s nice – I said ‘I love you, I’ve read your book.’ She was quite surprised!
Happiness is… A happy child.
Krishnan Guru-Murthy is an ambassador for Stand Up To Cancer, a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4. Join the rebellion this autumn. Visit standuptocancer.org.uk
