David Essex, singer & poet: One minute interview

Essex has released a poetry collection, 'Travelling Tinker Man & Other Rhymes

Essex says he resembles Walter Mitty: 'He's a diverse character but also a dreamer' (Paul Marc Mitchell)

Where are you now and what can you see?

I am in Covent Garden where I have lived for the past 10 years, a terrific location for theatre and almost everything else. From where I am sitting, I can see Seven Dials.

What are you currently reading?

The Circle and the Cross by Caiseal Mór. A fascinating read.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire her/him

I admire Charles Dickens, mostly for the texture of his writing and the colourful characters he created. His work gives us, I think, a valuable insight into life in that period of time.

Describe the room where you usually write

I write in the garden room, on my terrace at home in Covent Garden.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

Walter Mitty as he's a diverse character but also a dreamer. He has fascinated readers through many incarnations from James Thurber's short story, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, from 1939, right up to the recent film.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

It's a toss-up between my father and Che Guevara. They are definitely my heroes outside of literature. Che was a revolutionary, doctor, author, leader and a global symbol. Growing up in the Sixties, his poster, alongside Jimi Hendrix, would be on many a boy's wall. Of course when I played him in the musical, Evita, and researched his life, there was a dark side to the man, but I do admire his idealism. Meanwhile, Dad – a great man too.

David Essex's poetry collection, 'Travelling Tinker Man & Other Rhymes (illustrations by Carlotta Christy) is published by Head of Zeus and is out now (£10)