Cultural life: Geri Halliwell, Singer

Books

I recommend 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's a story set in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death, about a little girl, Liesel, who's lost her family and begins stealing books. She finds comfort in words, even ones she's too young to understand. Liesel is also hiding a Jew in the cellar, and her innocence amid such danger creates a lot of tension. Trust me – read this book!

Television

'The X Factor'! There are some really talented people in the competition, and they have such a strong group of singers this year. I'm backing Diana [Vickers]; I like that she is quirky and individual.

Film

I just watched 'Billy Elliot' for the second time. Watching it again, it felt much darker and I absorbed more of the political story – how hard it was for the miners.

Theatre/opera

'No Man's Land' by Harold Pinter. I was advised to appreciate it scene by scene rather than try to figure out the story. I love Michael Gambon, he's a great actor. He has such an amazing presence. David Walliams certainly lit up the stage and more than held his own.

Meet Geri Halliwell at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent on 6 November at 4pm, when she will read from and sign copies of her 'Ugenia Lavender' books before switching on the centre's Christmas lights