What’s your perfect time of day?
An Italian meal at a lovely restaurant in Bologna with friends, sitting on the street outside, sharing dishes recommended by a local person. None of us is watching the clock or being conscious of the hour passing.
Which era would you like to have lived through, and why?
I like understanding the mechanics of things, so it would have been fascinating to be an engineer during the Industrial Revolution.
What is your favourite time of day, and why?
When I have to get up early for work and it feels like I’m the only person in the world who’s awake. Apart from the birds, it’s super-quiet when I step outside, like a golden hour of stillness. I talk in a whisper so as not to disturb the peace and magic that’s there.
If you could spend five minutes with someone famous, alive or dead, who would it be?
Leah Williamson, the footballer. I’d love to understand how she adapted her mentality once the Lionesses started getting global attention, how she approaches her leadership, and how she handles the pressure she’s under with so much grace.
When was the last time you cried?
Watching a video online of a conductor whose birthday it was and an orchestra, who surprised him, mid-bar, by playing John Williams’s version of Happy Birthday. As soon as the unsurprisingly beautiful French horn section came in, I started bawling.
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What period of your life do you daydream about the most?
The music room at school when I was 17. My teacher, Emily Burch, was brilliant. She encouraged me to explore the world and to have fun doing it. I take comfort in the knowledge that she’s out there, helping kids on their journey.
What do you never have enough time for?
Getting friends together. There are so many external demands on us all that it’s hard to get people in a room without someone being late or having to leave early, and for everyone to be fully present.”
When was the last time you stole something?
I’m adopted, so I don’t look like my parents, but sometimes when I speak I realise it’s words I’ve taken directly from my mother. “Pootle” is one – having a little pootle somewhere.
When did you last check social media?
Yesterday, on my favourite F1 driver, Alex Albon. It was always on in my house, growing up. I didn’t get it then, but once I understood the tactics, the inner workings and the politics of it, I was hooked.
When was the last time you danced?
Dancing in the kitchen, to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole while making pancakes is a great way to start a Sunday. I’ll dance by myself, or with my people, or with dogs. I love dancing with my stylist’s cute puppy, actually.
If you make it to your 100th birthday, what will be the reason?
Pure luck, and probably a hell of a lot of scientific intervention.