The 5-minute Interview: Zoe Ball, Radio and television presenter

'I have the unique ability to remove the flavour from any meal'

Zoe Ball hosted the 'Big Breakfast' and was Radio 1's first female breakfast host. This Christmas she participated in Oxfam's Unwrapped Presents campaign, which aims to get the public to donate through Christmas gifts.

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

In bed watching movies and eating junk food. When I get time off there's nothing better for relaxing. Recently I've become a bit of a film buff though I'll still watch even the worst film through to the end.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Literally". The worst thing is I never use it in its literal sense.

I wish people would take more notice of...

What's going on around us. People need to make more of an effort to make a difference by being proactive and educating themselves on Africa.

A common misperception of me is...

That I drink beer. I did a shoot for a magazine holding a pint and from then on I was referred to as "beer swilling". I feel embarrassed to admit but I'm a bit of a lightweight these days.

I am not a politician but...

I feel that every parent should have the right and resources to feed and clothe their child.

I'm good at...

Lego. At the moment Norman, my son and I are building the Death Star.

I'm very bad at...

Cooking. I have the unique ability to remove any flavour from a dish. My friend came round for chilli con carne last week and she said it just tasted like a heap of mince.

The ideal night out is...

A night in. On anniversaries Norman [Cook, my husband] takes me for a kebab and we sit on a bench outside the shop eating it. It's a tradition.

The best age to be is...

26: everything is possible at 26. You're not too young, or too old. At 26, I had an amazing summer travelling around festivals with my friends in a camper van. It was fantastic discovering all this great music.

Philip Harrison