HOW DO YOU UNWIND AT THE WEEKEND?
I am chairperson of St Agnes’ Choral Society, so singing. Most recently we did The Addams Family musical at the Grand Opera House and I played Lurch, the mute butler. But I am not normally silent. I’ve been a member for 15 years. I also played a comic role in Shrek the musical. It is good fun. I didn’t fall into the day job and used to be a teacher at St Teresa’s Primary School in west Belfast, in charge of year 7. I left for health reasons, but keep in touch with colleagues and still miss the classroom from time to time. But since 2018 I’ve been in TV.
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT WEEKENDS GROWING UP?
Trips out in the car. We’d go up the north coast but my favourite place was Pickie Park in Bangor, with those famous pedal-swans on the lake – it was a great day out. I like hiking and go from Shaw’s Bridge to Drumbo along the towpath, stopping off for a sneaky pint at Bob Stewart’s along the way...
HAVE YOU A MUST-LISTEN RADIO WEEKEND PROGRAMME OR PODCAST?
I like Joanne McNally, whose comic timing is perfect.
IS THERE A MUST-WATCH TV PROGRAMME OR IS IT NETFLIX?
TV is playing better via online platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus with new audiences. But it’s still good on Saturday night. I love games and quiz shows, Catchphrase, the Richard Osman Game Show, but I do miss the likes of The X Factor and am not a fan of reality TV. My guilty TV pleasure is Gogglebox. I’m series producer of the Irish version of Gogglebox. It’s an institution because it’s relatable and makes viewers want to watch something they’ve missed – or maybe not...
IS SUNDAY STILL SPECIAL?
It’s not spiritual although I do have a belief system and would have gone to Mass. If I have time, I’d go to St Ignatius’, where I live in Carryduff.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EATERY OR IS IT A TAKEAWAY?
I try to experiment and ring the changes. I like Tedfords in Belfast for its white fish. My favourite takeaway is traditional fish and chips from the Cod & Cow at Four Winds.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ON SUNDAY NIGHT ABOUT MONDAY MORNING?
I don’t worry as I love my job and work. The awards ceremony I’ve been working on is a real celebration of the television work in Northern Ireland, and talents like Lisa McGee (Derry Girls).
:: Limited tickets are available for the RTSNI Awards at rts.org.uk/table-booking/11684
Jane Hardy
