Fearne Cotton is the bubbly presenter who has been gracing our TV screens for more than ten years. With her busy schedule as a presenter, broadcaster and now a fashion designer for Very.co.uk, We caught up with the art- and animal-loving fashionista to see what it’s like in her world…
How would you describe yourself?
Enthusiastic, determined, undecided and bubbly on the outside but shy on the inside.
What’s been the highlight of your career
Interviewing Prince William and Harry. I was completely in awe of the whole situation but I had to look like I was in control during the interview, even if inside I was freaking out!
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you while interviewing someone?
At the Golden Globes last year I was interviewing the cast of Entourage, and Ricky Gervais poppedhis head in to our live interview and then joined in our conversation. It was a very surreal yet dream interview situation!
What is it like working with Reggie Yates?
It is the best working with Reg. He is like family to me and I miss working with him weekly now, as we don’t present on Radio One together! We always have plans to work together in the future, though.
Do female presenters have certain pressures that their male counterparts don’t?
I think there is still a slight inequality with the male/female balance in this industry but there are enough strong women out there, doing their bit for the ladies. Presenters like Davina [McCall] have carved a route for other women to be heard in this business.
Do you think there is a general misconception that presenting is easy?
Yes! The hardest thing about it is making it look easy. Whatever chaos is going on in the gallery or studio you have to make everything look calm and serene. It has taken me 15 years toget to the point of comfort I am in the job now… but I still have a long way to go!
What is it like being interviewed rather than being the person doing the interview?
Odd. I usually end up asking the interviewer questions in the end.
Who would you love to interview?
Jimmy Page and Robert Plant! They are my heroes!
You’re a presenter and broadcaster and now you’ve added fashion designer to your repertoire. Have you always been interested in fashion?
Yes. I had no style growing up as I was too eager to experiment. Colours clashed, styles conflicted, but I just wanted to wear everything at once. I used to spend hours drawing shoes, so to now do it as part of my job for Very.co.uk is a dream!
Tell us something about yourself we wouldn’t know.
I love painting and I’m planning an exhibition of portraits. It’s my main passion.
This issue of Flavour is our naughty but nice issue. Tell us about something you’ve bought that was naughty but nice – and you just had to have it!
A Chanel watch! I had been looking at it in the shop window for a couple of years. I then had one of those moments where I just thought ‘Sod it’ and before I knew it I was walking out of the shop with it in a bag.
Who would you describe as naughty and nice?
Holly Willoughby. She is all sugar and sweetness! We’ve had some wild nights out in the past!
You’re very passionate about animals. Is this why you’re a vegetarian?
I watched a documentary when I was 11 and said to my mum ‘That’s it, no more meat,’ and I’ve never looked back!
When you first started in the industry did you actually believe you would have the success you already have?
I think deep down I always knew I could do amazing things if I really gave it my all. Once you’ve been given an amazing opportunity in a job, you have to work to make it happen and I knew I couldn’t muck it up!
Did you ever have aspirations to do anything else?
Yes I wanted to be an air hostess when I was little and even wrote a letter to BA to tell them so at age six. I have a reply they sent back still at home!
Finally, can you tell me five songs that you are listening to on your iPod at the moment.
Alberta Cross – Old Man Chicago
The Middle East – Blood
We Have Band – Divisive
Diagram of the Heart – Dead Famous
Led Zeppelin – Black Dog
Fearne’s spring clothing and Converse collection is available via Very.co.uk now
Words by Denise Kodia
