The 5-minute Interview: Norman Jay, DJ

The DJ Norman Jay, 50, was made an MBE for services to music in 2002 and his show on BBC London 94.9, 'Giant 45', ran for 11 years, until February. He is playing at Nokia Skate Almighty, a free music event throughout July in London, Manchester and Birmingham

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

On my way to the dentist. I am actually dreading it.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Come on you Spurs".

I wish people would take more notice of...

"Do not park" signs. There is a massive no parking sign in front of my driveway, but people consistently park there.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Being born, firstly, and then being invested as MBE by the Queen for services to music.

A common misperception of me is...

That I have thousands of records. But I don't.

I am not a politician but...

If I were, I would abandon the congestion charge and ban political correctness.

I'm good at...

Making people dance. I think it's what I was born to do.

I'm very bad at...

Trying to like Arsenal FC, or even acknowledge them.

The ideal night out is...

To listen to some of my favourite DJs, like Gilles Peterson and Jazzy B.

In moments of weakness I...

Don't panic.

You know me as a DJ, but in truer life I'd have...

Cured cancer.

The best age to be is...

Thirty. You've lived half your life – making mistakes – the other half will be spent trying not to repeat them.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

Don't take life too seriously, it's not a dress rehearsal.

Deborah Sterescu