HOW DO YOU UNWIND AT THE WEEKEND?
I have a hot tub. It’s more of a glorified inflatable paddling pool. My friend built a wooden shed to house it - that protects my neighbours from having to see me... I leave my phone in the house unless I’m listening to music, I put on a swimming costume, step in... and whoosh, the day disappears. I’d have a beer or a Prosecco, or get together with girlfriends for a gossip. I also borrow two dogs and go walking. One, a King Charles spaniel-bichon mix, belongs to my friend Ryan and is a determined character. We cross four bridges and he knows to wait for a treat on each one. The other dog’s a collie called Willow. Swimming in the sea is my other relaxation, mainly at Helen’s Bay, but I want to extend my repertoire.
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT WEEKENDS GROWING UP?
I grew up in Carryduff and my parents are still in the same house. My father used to take my older brother Mark and me out for walks, work the legs off us, partly to give my mother a break. We’d go to Lady Dixon Park in Belfast, or Newcastle and Dundrum Castle. I also took part in dancing on ice, could do the jumps and got grade seven in the subject – but I wouldn’t have made the Olympics.
IS THERE A MUST-LISTEN WEEKEND RADIO PROGRAMME?
A true crime documentary on the Assume Nothing podcast (BBC Sounds) about the tragic murder of Michaela McAreavey on her honeymoon in Mauritius. It goes into her family’s point of view. And I listen to our show in the car on the way home. There’s a magic in the show, in working with Vinny; when you get the headphones on, it
takes over. I sympathise with Holly Willoughby over the Phillip Schofield case. When the professional partnership ends – and people think they’re your friend – it’s tough on everyone.
IS SUNDAY STILL SPECIAL?
Not special in a faith sense... but relaxing. It’s a day when you catch up with things in the house you need to do.
HAVE YOU A FAVOURITE EATERY OR IS IT A TAKEAWAY?
I like Trademarket on the Dublin Road. They’ve got about a dozen food outlets offering pizza, Filipino food like their more delicate version of patata bravas, burgers. I went there with Vinny the other day and tried his Filipino dish which was great. Not too spicy and everything’s about a tenner. For takeaways, I might well get fish and chips.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ON SUNDAY NIGHT ABOUT MONDAY MORNING?
I love my job, so no anxiety.
Vinny & Cate is on Monday to Thursday live on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster from 6pm-7.30pm
