The TV presenter on turning 65, his dangerous lockdown habits and his new sequence, Paul O’Grady’s Nice British Escape.
What was lockdown like?
I had ukulele classes on-line and, as a result of we had a lot fruit in Kent this 12 months, I began making chutney and pickling. I’ve ended up with greater than 60 jars and now I simply can’t bear the sight of it!
Did you get into any dangerous habits?
I used to be horrible. I watched all method of crap telly and every little thing went fully to pot. I’d have a jam butty at three within the morning!
All people was doing keep-fit on the telly and I assumed, ‘Tremendous, you get on with it, I’m not!’ I went by means of a horrible cake-baking section the place I used to be churning out three a day.
And I’ve received no garments left. I had a clear-out and received overenthusiastic. I did write a youngsters’s e-book, although, which might be printed subsequent 12 months.
Inform us a bit about your new TV sequence…
Kent is named the Backyard of England however all you hear about in the meanwhile is lorry parks, moveable bogs and Operation Stack on the M20.
It’s such a disgrace as a result of it’s a beautiful county. I’ve been right here for 20 completely satisfied years. There’s some fabulous stuff down right here and a variety of locations I haven’t seen. I wished to share what’s by myself doorstep.
What do you rise up to?
I’m going shrimp fishing, I’m going hop selecting and leech farming, and I’m going up in a 1935 Tiger Moth airplane. I visited castles, I met Charles Dickens’ great-great granddaughter, and I went to a wild cat sanctuary and ended up in a cage with two cheetahs.
After which I did some yoga with a load of alpacas. Even once I was six I couldn’t sit on the ground, not to mention now!
You turned 65 in the summertime…
I did, thanks for reminding me. Sixty was dangerous sufficient and then you definately begin getting pamphlets for walk-in baths. You’ll be able to find yourself saying, ‘I’m 65 now, I can’t try this.’ However you’ll be able to!
After we had been filming Nice British Escape I went on the roof of Canterbury Cathedral in gale-force wind and lashing rain.
The elevate was out of order due to the wind so that they requested if I’d thoughts going up the steps. Off I went and the crew couldn’t imagine I did that.
I feel 65 is a mind-set – till I look within the mirror and realise that the mind-set has been mendacity to me all day!
How have you ever received on presenting your Radio 2 present from house?
I do it from the bed room. The dogs kick off, I’ve received low-flying plane overhead after which the doorbell goes in the midst of it.
I say to my producer, ‘I’ve received to go and get this supply.’ The gate is kind of a method from the home so I’ve to leg it up the trail proper in the midst of the present – surprising!
Did you’ve gotten any work cancelled due to the pandemic?
We had been presupposed to go to Thailand in March to do a programme about elephants. I’d received all my outdated safari shirts out from all my different journeys and given them a swill.
Then I received a telephone name to say it was cancelled. I had a brand new studio present that was postpone and I haven’t carried out a brand new sequence of For The Love Of Canines this 12 months.
Hopefully we’re going again in December.
You’re well-known for not having the ability to withstand Battersea canines. Did any of them catch your eye this 12 months?
I visited in March once they had been shutting and many of the canines had been being fostered. There was a litter of puppies.
I sat on the ground subsequent to them and one crawled into my coat and went to sleep. I mentioned I’d prefer to foster her however they weren’t getting her again!
She’s referred to as Nancy and she or he’s fitted in so effectively with my different canines. Arthur loves her, they play consistently. Conchita is just a little bit cautious and Eddie hates her!
How are your canines?
Sadly, I misplaced Boycie throughout lockdown. He was epileptic and he had one too many seizures.
The worst factor was taking him to the vet and never with the ability to go in with him. I do know that doesn’t evaluate with individuals who can’t go to their family members who’re dying however it was nonetheless terrible.
Have you ever been capable of see your grandchildren?
No. I final noticed them final Easter as a result of I used to be in panto over Christmas. I miss them and I miss the lack of liberty.
I can’t go and go to my sister in Liverpool. You’ll be able to go and have a tattoo however you’ll be able to’t sit together with your granny – it’s insanity. I’ve stopped watching the information as a result of it winds me up an excessive amount of.
Do you take pleasure in dwelling within the countryside?
The transition from metropolis life to nation life wasn’t straightforward. There’s at all times one thing happening – a bat within the entrance room, the boiler breaking down, the web down, and the animals want taking care of.
I’ve received six pigs, three goats, six barn owls, three chickens, 4 canines and 6 sheep. It by no means stops however I really feel more healthy within the countryside.
Paul O’Grady’s Nice British Escape begins on ITV at 8pm on Wednesday.
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