1. When you were a child, did you have a dream job?
From a young age I always loved entertaining – singing, dancing, acting. I’d put on little shows in the living room with my older cousins and make my parents and aunts and uncle watch it (mostly against their will). We also had a karaoke machine that we used to record a ‘fake’ radio show on to a cassette. So from a young age I saw myself performing somehow. Apparently I wanted to be an actress or ‘Lois Lane’, which maybe explains my journalism degree!
2. What were you like as a teenager? Did you go through any tough times?
No one escapes the teenage years without A LOT of challenges. I had many. I was awkward. Petrified of boys. I was scrawny with no boobs. I grew up in a small house with just my mam and felt quite lonely at times. I always thought I wasn’t cool enough in school, I was in the ‘nerd’ crew. I actually enjoyed studying.
3. Did you have any role models or mentors growing up? How important were they? Any inspirations (Famous or otherwise…)
Well my number one role model is my mother. She’s amazing! (don’t tell her I said that). She raised a daughter as a single parent and had a full time job. We didn’t have a lot of money but I never wanted for anything.
TV wise, I think Davina McCall is fantastic . She’s paved the way for women in the broadcasting world. She’s had tough times but come out the other side. And she’s just brilliant on the telly- so warm and so professional.
4. You’re doing really well – what do you think has been the secret to your success? Any inner virtues…. patience, hard work, courage?
I think if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. It’s tough as some people may get more opportunities than others but at the end of the day it is ‘hard work’ that gets you where you want to be and keeps you there.
5. The celebrity world is known to be a bit hectic and often unhealthy. How do you stay grounded in it all? Are you healthy? Any tips?
The ‘showbiz’ world is a bit silly really. It’s not real. When I first moved to London, you could get free drinks every night – but believe it or not you get bored of that. And it’s not good for you. I try to live a healthy life, but have learned that’s it’s okay to treat yourself. I love running and yoga, and these are things you can do yourself no matter where you are.
6. What frustrates you about Ireland? What would you like to see change?
I really love Ireland and the positives outweigh the negatives but I think as a nation we don’t talk about ‘real things’ like feelings enough. Or if we are going through a bad time we can’t share those emotions with people close to us.
We are also designed to see ourselves negatively, the opposite of Americans who can talk about their fantastic characteristics for hours. But maybe we should be able to talk about what we’re good at without feeling embarrassed.
7. Do you tend to go with the flow in life, or have a masterplan?
I think you have to go with the flow. Though that’s completely different than coasting through life. You have to be adaptable to change but ambitious with your goals. Who knows what lies ahead for me.
8. A lot of young people are struggling with body image, peer pressure and pressures from advertising and marketing. How do you think this situation can be improved?
It’s always going to exist. It’s the nature of the beast. But I feel being self-confident and secure in yourself is very important. So what if you’re not like everyone else?! It makes you individual.
9. You’re an ambassador for Plan’s ‘Because I am a girl’ campaign. Why did you get involved in this?
I got involved 6 years ago as I’ve always been an advocate of female rights. I feel very lucky that I come from a place where I had opportunities, not everyone is as lucky. People with a voice should use it to help those that don’t have one.
10. Who is the most inspirational person you’ve come across recently and why?
I was hosting an event called ‘We Day’ in London last year and Malala was there (the girl who was shot in Pakistan for speaking out about her right to education). She was only 17 at the time and spoke with such passion and clarity, it was very emotional.
11. And an extra last question – sure why not! If you had one wish for the world, what would it be?
For people to be happy with who they are. It’s a simple thing and it has nothing to do with where you come from or how much money you have. If you’re not happy, only you have the control to change.