‘Never give up on your dreams.’

When I was at school and said I wanted to be a journalist, my teacher said ‘haven’t you thought of any of the professions?’

I said ‘I think journalism is a very good profession,’ but he said no. Priesthood, medicine, the law, accountancy they are professions. Journalism wasn’t regarded as a profession at all.

I still have cold sweats when I think I nearly turned down my dream job

I thought I was being offered £44 a week and I said no thank you. I later realised it was £44 a day. There was a lot of backtracking to get in there again but I did.

Being a television journalist is a bit like being an actor

Or a footballer or a sports person. Everyone thinks the most difficult part is getting into television. But that’s not the hardest part. The most difficult part is being able to stay there. You can get on the conveyor belt but staying in it takes real skill and a bit of luck.

Whatever field you work in most people are really quite ordinary at what they do

Whether you’re a teacher or work in a bank or supermarket, it’s the same everywhere. The key is to watch the ones who are in the top 1%. It’s obvious to see them whatever the profession. See what they do best and become a mixture of all those people.

Never give up on your dreams

Always have dreams. What is a life without dreams? A dream is what keeps us all going. You may never fulfil it but your life is richer for having it. I’m not saying be unrealistic, but it’s wonderful to watch people who live the dream you’re wishing for. It’s so lovely to have heroes.