The 5-minute Interview: Reggie Yates, TV and radio presenter

'Ian Wright walked over and I became a giggly schoolgirl'

At 24, Reggie Yates is already a veteran in the entertainment industry, having appeared in 'Desmond's', 'Grange Hill' and 'Doctor Who', as well as hosting 'Top of the Pops'. He presents Radio 1's 'Chart Show' with Fearne Cotton every Sunday from 4-7pm.

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

Tidying my house – it's an absolute tip. I'm usually a bit of a clean freak but somehow the plates have piled up.

A phrase I use far too often ...

"Yeeeeeah geee"; UK rapper Sway's catchphrase.

I wish people would take more notice of ...

Self-confidence. It can really open doors because believing in yourself almost always leads to other people believing in you too.

The most surprising thing to happen to me was ...

Recently I was chatting with Pharrell Williams and noticed Ian Wright walking over. I became a giggly schoolgirl.

A common misconception of me is ...

That my career took off overnight. I've been in the business since I was seven. I'm nowhere near where I want to end up but I'm well on my way.

I am not a politician but ...

If I was, I'd make the weekend a day longer. It's ridiculous how we're conditioned to live only for work.

I'm good at ...

Being a friend and having amazing people around me.

I'm very bad at ...

Admitting I'm wrong. Sometimes I should just hold my hands up.

The ideal night out is ...

An amazing dinner, a brilliant film, followed by a great club. Then maybe home to find Rosario Dawson covered in caramel.

In moments of weakness I ...

Buy trainers. At last count I had 460 pairs.

You know me as a TV and radio presenter but in a truer life I'd have been ...

An artist. I've studied art and I design my own jewellery. I'm technically still on a year out from a graphic design degree.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is:

Be passionate and enjoy life because it's way too short.