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13 November 2014

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You are in: Humber > Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Humberside > Programme Presenters > Saturday Breakfast with Ruth Barcroft

Saturday Breakfast with Ruth Barcroft

Survivor of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Humberside's Breakfast and Drive shows and all round 'ginger whirlwind', Ruth Barcroft tackles some tricky questions.

Ruth Barcroft

How do you get adrenalin hits?

In the past it's been smashing a tennis ball around a court, or whacking a hockey ball into the back of a net. My biggest adrenalin high was probably when I was playing hockey for the University of Humberside against Hull University - the underdogs against 'those who didn't flunk their A' Levels'. We won 6 nil and I scored a hat-trick. Get in!

In recent years I've found radio presenting gives you an adrenalin rush. On-air my mind's always racing at a million miles an hour. Even if I'm babbling rubbish - it's well constructed rubbish, honest!

Tattoos on the small of the back: yes or no?

No, and no plans to, they're a bit last year aren't they? In fact I have none, though every now and again, I do wonder what it would be like to do an Amy Winehouse and go the whole hog. There was a woman on Jeremy Kyle the other day who had the outline of a black heart on her forearm. I guess she just fills in her latest beau as and when. Tattoos, I see the future....

What is the most overrated virtue?

Patience. Just get on with it!

Are you easy to wind up?

There was an incident a few years ago just after the birth of my son. It was April Fools Day and my hormones were obviously all over the place. My husband came bounding up the stairs with a parcel saying it was from my Uncle Stephen from Dublin. On opening it I found a large cabbage. My husband said it was Irish tradition to send a newborn a cabbage and... I fell for it hook, line and sinker.

What's the chat-up line to win your heart?

None, only twinkles of the eye win my heart, unless of course you're Daniel Craig.

Ruth Barcroft

How do you solve world conflict and environmental catastrophe?

How I wish I knew. When I'm at work and I don't know the answer, I am always told to refer up to my manager.

The French or French Fries?

French fries - Worcestershire sauce flavour - never mind the French, I'd swap them for my kids.

Which naff song would you like to re-invent as cool?

For some time now I've thought the Chicken Song should be revived. Would love to see someone belting that out on the X Factor.

What ingredient do you always put into your cooking?

Toast

Who has been your best interviewee?

In my experience 'Celebs' can provide good banter and have a certain entertainment value, but I'm always struck by the everyday people who can look me in the eye and tell me the truth, however hard that is. Recently a girl called Sarah from Howden who told me about the death of her father and the subsequent book she wrote.

One 'celeb' stands out though. Ellen McArthur is a personal hero of mine so I was delighted to get the opportunity to interview her, particularly when she mended my equipment in the first place so the recording worked.

Who is your broadcasting hero?

Stephen Fry, a highly talented "celebrity" who's also willing to be totally honest and with such beautiful articulation. Also the broadcasting legend that is Jon Snow. When I did work experience at Channel 4 News, I was ushered over to a spare desk in their office. It turned out to be Jon Snow's desk, he was on holiday at the time. For the next two weeks I sat in his chair, leafed through his books and admired his ties.

While based at the ITN building, I was also struck by Trevor McDonald. A very successful broadcast anchor at the time but with enough humility to give me, the mere "work experience laccy", a big and genuine smile. You don't often get that from TV presenters, trust me on that one.

Can you dance?

Anyone who's seen my Radio Humberside panto appearances will know the answer to that. And I'd like to think my fish-net clad, thigh slapping days aren't over so please (if you do know the answer) continue to humour me.

What’s the most pathetic hobby you’ve ever had?

One summer I became a little obsessed with those inflatable Velcro walls. You know the ones where you dress up in a fluffy suit, chuck yourself at the wall and stick to it? I was working as a litter picker at the East Of England showground in Peterborough. Luckily my boss was too busy listening to "I Wanna Sex You Up" continuously on his Walkman to notice my absence from duties.

Why are you so skinny?

I have nothing to declare except my metabolism

Ruth Barcroft

What was the last thing you bought from a joke shop?

A fake poo for Joe, my son's best friend, for his fifth birthday. He put it in his older sister's bed.

What's your favourite destination?

There are several and for different reasons. Luang Prubang in Laos for its beauty and peace and the meander down the Mekong river to get there. A train journey towards the Urals in Russia and an evening spent with young soldiers on there way to war in Chechnya. I was amazed that they had never met foreigners before. Our destinations were irrelevant, if anything best forgotten, it was a travelling moment in time that was so perfect. Also, for it's sheer magnificence and breath-taking waterfalls, Kakadu in the Northern Territories, Australia

Who is your favourite comedian?

Historically Victoria Wood, recently Catherine Tate and currently one of the mums at my son's school - not that she realises she's funny. The other day she accidentally knocked a boy off a bike. It turned out he was absolutely fine but afterwards she said she was soooooo upset she had to go and eat a McDonalds. She has me in stitches every day.

Which telly star from the past would you like to see back on our screens?

Peter Levy, it's 4.30pm and I need him back tonight. The weekends are murderous.

last updated: 05/12/2008 at 20:17
created: 21/01/2008

You are in: Humber > Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Humberside > Programme Presenters > Saturday Breakfast with Ruth Barcroft



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