Nigel May

"Ideal World is the place I've always wanted to work."

Since the start of his career, Nigel May has shared his time between journalism, TV and working as a DJ on hospital radio

Nigel has interviewed a number of names including Richard and Judy, Cindy Crawford, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Ideal World's own Debbie Shore! This was one of Nigel's earlier encounters, when Debbie was presenting Children's ITV.

Born in Swansea and raised in rural Gloucestershire, Nigel studied journalism at the London College of Printing. He still writes for a selection of newspapers andmagazines on subjects ranging from travel and relationships to celebrities and showbiz.

Before coming to Ideal Shopping Direct, Nigel appeared on a variety of TV channels including QVC, Avago and Channel 5, in addition to his work as a DJ.

Nigel lives in London with his faithful pooch, Dolly, and his feline friend, Diva. His hobbies include cinema, gym-training and shopping. Not that I need to leave my house for great shopping any more, he adds.

"With Ideal World, value for money and fantastic quality are just a phone call away!"

Q & A:

What did you do before IW?

I have been a journalist for years interviewing all sorts of celebs such as Britney, Pamela Anderson, Boy George, Jon Bon Jovi - pretty much everyone! I have also written stories on everything from travel through to relationship issues for loads of mags and papers. On TV I have worked as an on-screen bingo caller, celeb interviewer and as a film pundit.

Most embarrassing on-screen moment?

At Ideal it would be falling off a Didi Car live on air - elsewhere it would be being caught out with a live microphone whilst going to the toilet. The whole studio could hear me tinkle!

Tell us a secret

I was the one of the first journalists in the UK to interview Take That. I was the Editor of the official East 17 magazine, launched a Boyzone magazine and have been to dinner with Dannii and Kylie Minogue. I've been around. Oh...and I was in a film a few years back called Framed. A small one-line part, but hey...I was in it!

What’s your idea of the perfect Sunday (when you’re not working)?

Lazy lie-in with the other half, a good long dog walk to wake up and then a fantastic plate-full of roast pork dinner. I could eat pork crackling all day every day but sadly my belly gets bigger!

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Dolly Parton - the woman has the voice of an angel, does a huge amount for charity, has a massive empire and still seems to be a really genuine fabulous person. I would move heaven and earth to interview her.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself / others?

In myself it would be self-doubt. In others it would be pompous self-righteousness. Talking about yourself constantly is so not cool.

Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you've bought?

A car, but nothing swanky. Apart from that it would be holidays I think. I adore going away to the sunshine or off for a city break whenever I can.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

I adore trash TV - I could watch America's Next Top Model or Ugly Betty or Desperate Housewives every day. Being part of a show like that would be awesome.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a nice guy who had fun, coped with life, made the most of it and made people happy both personally and professionally. And as the best ever presenter of the Eurovision Song Contest (not that I've done it, but it would be my dream job!).

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

You never know what is around the corner. That and you need to make the most of every day and that nothing ventured is definitely nothing gained.

Favourite IW/CC product?

Countless craft items, Jerome Alexander's Italian marble, the Kenwood Patissier and Paul Brodel's cook book.

Which phrase do you overuse?

"Bless your heart" and "as well". I try not to but it just slips out.

If you could travel back in time, which period would you visit?

I'd like to have been a bit older back in the late 60s/1970s so that I could have been one of London's hip and happening scene. Everyone looked so groovy! Either then or back to the Tudor period to hang out with Henry VIII.