Born in Essex, Giovanna Fletcher, 39, studied at drama school. She made her fiction debut in 2013 with Billy and Me, writes young adult fiction with her husband, musician Tom Fletcher, and in 2017 published the nonfiction book Happy Mum, Happy Baby, which became an award-winning podcast. In 2020 she won I’m a Celebrity and her theatre credits include 2.22 A Ghost Story and Ivanov. She is starring in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Peacock theatre, London, until 23 March. She and Tom have three children and live in Hertfordshire.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Judi Dench – not only is she super talented but she is also really humble.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My need to be liked.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Self-importance.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
At the TV Baftas last year I was wearing these heels that had stiff bows on the front. One heel locked into the other bow and I went arse over tit.
Aside from a property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
Art: a James McQueen piece that says, “It’s all shits and giggles until someone giggles and shits.” It’s in our bathroom.
Describe yourself in three words
Prepared, focused, a bit silly.
What makes you unhappy?
My kids being unhappy.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve got little piggy toes.
What scares you about getting older?
Forgetting things.
Who is your celebrity crush?
In 1997 it was David Beckham. He was in the paper all the time and I’d put his photo on the wall. I’d cut Victoria out.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An actress. I started when I was 13 at theatre school. My first assembly, Tom and I were sat next to each other.
What is the worst thing anyone’s ever said to you?
A friend and I were talking about eating disorders and he said: “Well, we never have to worry about you not eating.”
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What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Chips and curry sauce.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Thomas Fletcher. We dated for two days when we were 13, then he dumped me. In year 11, we dated for the whole year, then I dumped him at 16. We both dated other people but got back together at 18, 20 years ago.
What does love feel like?
Love is comfort and warmth, being accepted as you are.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Um, like, treacle, sweetheart, pickle.
If not yourself, who would you most like to be?
In my husband’s brain for a bit to see if he hears me, or is it selective hearing?
How often do you have sex?
Probably not enough.
What keeps you awake at night?
Worrying about my kids, self-doubt and creaky noises.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
Sex.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a nice person who did all she could to make a positive change in the world.
Tell us a secret
My favourite band is Bananarama.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Block out the noise and trust your gut.
