Question Time: Kim Wilde

Work: Since chart success in the 1980s with “Kids in America”, Wilde, 48, has written about horticulture and presents a show on Magic FM, 12pm on Sundays

Life: Married for 12 years to actor and producer Hal Fowler; they live in Hertfordshire with their two children, Harry and Rose

Balance: Walking Jess, the family’s Airedale terrier

What are you doing at Magic FM?

This is the first regular presenting show I’ve done. With Secret Songs, I play the songs that bring back special memories for listeners. I can choose my personal favourites, too; I recently played “Pinball” by Brian Protheroe, from the 1970s, which reminds me of the school coach trip!

How did you first get into the media?

I started writing a monthly gardening article for Prima magazine in 2000. I had spent some time studying horticulture and was involved in a successful garden makeover show called Better Gardens, hosted by Carol Vorderman. I always loved song-writing, but working with words again – and waxing lyrical over something about which I felt so passionately – was a new and challenging experience. I have since written two books as well as regular columns for Bella, Period Homes, Healthy and The Guardian Weekend, and other articles for gardening publications.

Didn’t you do The Big Breakfast too?

I worked on The Big Breakfast in 1994, co-hosting with Chris Evans. It was fully live, so it was one of the most challenging media roles I’ve ever had.

Your singing career is enjoying a renaissance in Europe – is performing as much fun as ever?

Much too much fun – no pressure, great band and a chance to jump up and down on very high shoes, singing my heart out! Apart from the travelling and the fact that I miss my family, there’s no real downside.

Who would you most like to work with?

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. He talks my language.

Do you have a dream job?

I’m already doing my dream jobs – music and horticulture. Asking for anything more would be greedy.

What are your desert island media?

Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time; The Royal Horticultural Society magazine, The Garden; and I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.