S MAGAZINE ★ 4 AUGUST 2019 23
Not a lot of people know this, but I’m very
good at... synchronised swimming. I learnt
when I was at school and when I’m in the pool
on holiday I sometimes show off a few moves.
My daughters are like, “Oh God, Mum’s doing
a dolphin again.”
My nickname is... Crumb. It was my big
brother’s fault. He called me Katie Crumb.
I’m not even sure why, I think it was a joke.
But it stuck. My nieces and nephews now
call me Auntie Crumb.
The bravest thing I’ve ever done is... take part
in Strictly Come Dancing. It was utterly brilliant
and I loved every second, but never have I been
more terrified and outside of my comfort zone.
Showing 11 million people my pants on a weekly
basis was a bit mortifying, too.
My perfect evening would be... spent at home
relaxing on the sofa with my feet up and a glass
of wine in hand while watching the new series
of Killing Eve.
I’d like to say sorry to... my violin teacher, who
is also my stepmum. I played
all the way through school
and at university, but I didn’t
practise my scales or trim
my nails or all those things
you were supposed to. I
didn’t take it as seriously
as she wanted me to.
The one thing I would
change about myself is...
the fact that I’m far too
conciliatory. I would like
to be more opinionated.
The best thing my parents
taught me was... anything
is possible. And to stand
up straight.
The last time I cried was... at the end of
Fleabag series two. It was so good. I loved
both series, but Phoebe Waller-Bridge [star
and creator] really took the second instalment
up a notch.
The first record I bought was... Kim Wilde’s
Kids In America.
My greatest weakness is... My friends and
family might tell you all sorts of things, but
I’d say it’s eating cake.
If I could pass any law, I would... ban
dry-clean-only clothes. As soon as I buy anything
that says that on the label, I’m guaranteed to
spill something on it the first time I wear it
and then I’ll never get around to cleaning
it. I know there are more important things in
the world to worry about right now, but let’s
start with something small. Everything should
be washable.The shop I can’t walk past is... Leon. I have
to say that, don’t I? [Katie’s husband John is
co-founder of the fast-food chain]. Although,
it’s not far from the truth – I’m always in there
because I’m a bit addicted to the gluten-free
chicken nuggets.
The most expensive thing I have ever bought
is... a painting for my husband. On our 10th
wedding anniversary I got our daughters painted
for John. It was a lovely – but extravagant – gift
and it now hangs on the wall in our kitchen.
The actor who would play me in a film is...
Meryl Streep – in my wildest dreams. You know
you’ve made it in life if Meryl plays you. That
would be the ultimate accolade.
The worst job I have ever had is... telesales.
It was my first job when I moved to London,
in the basement of a really grim office in
Soho, and I found out after day one that I’d
been selling bogus advertising space. So
I didn’t go back on day two. There was also
a photography studio for glamour models next
door and I saw all sorts
of things I couldn’t tell
my parents.
My favourite place in
Britain is... my garden.
It’s heaven. I spend a lot
of time out there when
I’m not working – there’s
always so much to do at
this time of year.
My perfect Sunday would
be... spent with friends,
John, the dog and the
kids, with a nice roast
lunch somewhere, too.
The car I drive is...
a very old Audi estate,
which fits the dog in the back. We live in the
countryside in Sussex and it’s just practical for
navigating all the muddy roads and tracks.
The book I am currently reading is... Educated,
which is a memoir by Tara Westover, who didn’t
have a formal education and managed to
educate herself. It was recommended to me
by a colleague and it’s brilliant so far.
The best day of my life was... when I had both
of my kids.
If I had half an hour left on Earth, I would...
combine all of my above answers. Eat cake,
drink wine, do some gardening, spend time with
my family and watch Fleabag and Killing Eve.Katie is one of the presenters of BBC classical
music festival Proms on BBC iPlayer and on
Radio 3 and also presents Proms Encore
on Saturdays at 7pm on BBC2.The presenter,
49, lives in
Sussex with her
husband John
and their two
daughters,
Natasha, 19,
and Eleanor, 14
Words by Kirsty Nutkins
“Showing
11 million people
my pants on
a weekly basis
was mortifying”
BBC●S