Can you run up the stairs?
No. I’ve not felt fit since my 20s. I’d love to play golf, but I’ve had so many orthopaedic problems from a young age (my hips were malformed and in the wrong position), I haven’t been able to play a full round for 15 years. I walk our dog every day and do Pilates once a week.
Do you get your five a day?
Yes. If I were on a desert island, as long as I had large oranges, I’d be happy. I also love pineapples, beetroot juice and celery drinks. Breakfast can be anything from pies to fruit, to a bacon sandwich.
Ever dieted?
Yes, and I’ve learned that fasting for 12 hours is the best way to lose weight. It helped me lose a stone this year [he’s 6ft and weighs 15st].
Any vices?
Crisps!
Pop any pills?
Vitamin D because I’ve literally got none. I had a blood test a few years ago and my reading was a fraction of what it should be.
Had anything removed?
I had a double hip replacement when I was 55. I was told almost 30 years previously I should get it done, but I kept putting it off. If I could live my life again, I wouldn’t have waited so long. I put on a lot of weight from being inactive due to the pain I was in.
Any family ailments?
Yes, my dad died of a heart attack at 64, so I go for regular testing. So far, so good.
Do you cope well with pain?
As well as the next person, but people don’t appreciate how daily chronic pain affects you. Before I had my replacement, the hip pain spread to my lower back and it was very difficult to live with.
Tried alternative remedies?
Since my late 20s there’s not been a week where I haven’t tried something for my pain – from osteopathy and acupuncture to massage and physiotherapy. It can help.
Do you sleep well?
No – probably the result of 26 years of breakfast television confusing my body clock. I’m always thinking, writing notes, worrying. Getting a solid four hours' sleep a night is good for me. Not like Ruth [Langsford, his wife] – when her head hits the pillow, she’s asleep in seconds.
Ever been depressed?
I’m more of a worrier, but I’m good under pressure because I’ve faced a lot, living through the Troubles in Northern Ireland and being on TV since the age of 19.
Would you like to live for ever?
Gosh, no! We aren’t designed to live to even 90. I hope I go before that.
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