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You ask the questions

(Such as: Trevor McDonald, have you ever sat behind the news desk in a jacket and tie, wearing jeans and trainers underneath?)

Wednesday 31 March 1999 00:02 BST
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Trevor McDonald, 59, is the presenter of the recently launched ITV Evening News, moving on from ITN's News at Ten which he presented for nine years. He has won the Newscaster of the Year award twice and was awarded the OBE in 1992. He began his television career back in his native Trinidad in 1962, and now lives with his wife and son in London.

What is your favourite drink, and why?

Kerry Martin, Teeside

Curiously enough, it's water. I've become a great fan of sparkling water. Of course, I do like elegant drinks like champagne and the occasional whisky, but I think I would miss water most of all if it were taken away.

Was it your idea to stand up and move around rather than sitting behind your desk as you read the news?

Daniel Packwood, Barnstaple, Devon

It was not my idea and I don't move around. We thought it would be nice to see more of our attractive new set - hence the standing position after the commercial break.

Who is the most irritating person you have interviewed?

Joan Howarth, Wimbledon, London

I've been terribly fortunate in never interviewing irritating people. In any event, they would make terrible interviewees.

Were you surprised at Prince Charles's outrage at News At Ten being replaced by the ITV Evening News? Did you think the move was a good idea?

Campbell Fraser, Ipswich, Suffolk

I was not surprised that Prince Charles talked about News at Ten moving, because the programme became a national institution. Our purpose now is to make sure the 6.30pm Evening News does the same.

Have you come into contact with racism, institutional or otherwise, during your career in television?

Nigel Graves, Cambridge

No.

What different character traits in yourself and your brother led you to have a serious broadcasting job with an English accent and he to have a fun radio job [in Canada] with a Caribbean accent?

Sean Lineham, Highgate, London

I think we both speak in very much the same way, with an emphasis on good language, clarity and accessibility.

Have you ever sat behind the news desk in a jacket and tie, wearing jeans and trainers underneath?

Rebecca Percy, Stroud, Gloucs

No - I am boringly conventional.

When was the last time that you caught a bus?

Margaret Anderson, Harrow

I genuinely cannot remember.

Some people feel that all that matters now in television is the race for money and ratings. Do you agree?

Deborah Haynes, Acton, London

I do not believe - but neither does ITV - in ratings at any cost. But I do think that every television channel makes programmes because they want them to be seen by as many people as possible.

Do Jon Snow's ties represent a daily challenge to you?

James Ribble, Stonebridge Park, London

No. We each have our own distinctive taste in ties.

What is your favourite sport, and why?

Will Lewis, Leamington Spa, Warks

Tennis. This is because I play the game every week and I am beginning to convince myself that I'm getting better at it. And can I say I like golf and cricket, too?

The scandal over the Vanessa show has proved that we can't believe everything we see on television. Is it true that even news stories are sometimes fabricated?

Gary Kemp, Shenfield, Essex

Never. We may not always get them right, but we must always try to be fair, accurate and well-balanced in everything we report.

What were your impressions of Glenn Hoddle when you interviewed him? Do you think he is guilty of maligning disabled people?

Chris Maitland, Godstone, Surrey

I thought Glenn Hoddle was an honest, decent man who probably expressed himself terribly badly. I did not form the view that he set out to malign disabled people.

How do you plan to celebrate the millennium?

Beverley D'Souza, Bedminster, Bristol

Unfortunately, I think I shall be working.

What was the first record you bought?

Kelly Gardner, Ladbroke Grove, London

It was something by either Pat Boone or Elvis Presley, I forget which.

If you could host any television show, which one would you choose?

Laura Staff, Crouch End, London

I am already doing it - the 6.30pm Evening News. I also like doing Trevor McDonald Meets... on ITV2.

What is the most difficult news story that you have had to cover?

Julie Cavanagh, Linton, Cambs

Before the Gulf war, I went to Baghdad to interview President Saddam Hussein. It was probably one of the most difficult assignments I have ever had.

Next Week

Griff Rhys-Jones, followed by Ian Botham

SEND questions for the actor and comedian Griff Rhys-Jones and cricketing legend Ian Botham, to: You Ask the Questions, Features, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, London E14 5DL (fax 0171-293 2182, or e-mail yourquestions@ independent.co.uk), by 12 noon on Friday 2 April

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