The 5-Minute Interview: Ruby Turner, Singer

'In another life, I'd have been a hospital matron'

Jamaican-born Ruby Turner, 49, joined Culture Club in the mid-Eighties and has since recorded 13 albums, including 'Live At Ronnie Scott's', released earlier this year. For information about her latest tour, visit www.rubyturner.com.

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

Listening to the Blind Boys of Alabama in my car and old Jamaican calypso. An old friend of mine, Simon, has been reminding me of my culture and the music I grew up with. Calypso is fabulous!

A phrase I use far too often ...

"Let's see how it goes". I'm an optimist, but also one who uses caution.

I wish people would take more notice of ...

The "real deal" rather than the superficial side of things. I would like it if people could spot talent or kindness before superficiality.

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

Hearing from people I have lost contact with or, fallen out with, for reasons I don't know.

A common misperception of me is ...

That I'm very confident. I'm actually very shy and humble.

I am not a politician but ...

I believe in justice and in being fair.

I'm good at ...

Being in the company of people I'm good friends with. I'd like to think that I am a really good friend. Also, I was born late so I like to be punctual.

I'm very bad at ...

Resisting sumptuous puddings! Particularly the M&S chocolate sponge pudding from last year with the runny chocolate. It's delightful.

The ideal night out is ...

Dinner with friends. West Indian food if I'm at home, or Italian food when I go out. I love the simple but delicious ingredients.

In moments of weakness ...

I give in to bossy people, or agree to things that I sometimes regret.

You know me as a singer but in another life I'd have been ...

The matron of a hospital, all scrubbed and starched.

The best age to be is ...

The age I am now. You go through the learning, earning and returning stages and I'm still in the earning stage.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is ...

To thine own self be true, because only you can be disappointed when you're found out. Live honest and lovingly and watch the blessings return.