Born in London, Kate Humble, 54, was a BBC researcher before becoming a presenter on Holiday. Further credits include Animal Park, Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Lambing Live, Living With Nomads, Back to the Land and Escape to the Farm. Her latest book is Where the Hearth Is: Stories of Home. She lives with her husband on a smallholding in Wales.
When were you happiest?
The first time I stood on top of the hill that I now live on, in 2007.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
People having really loud conversations on their phones in public places.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
The very first day that I was filming Top Gear, for which I was so unqualified because I’d only ever driven a Fiat Uno. I got into a DB7 Vantage Volante outside the Aston Martin factory, put my foot on the accelerator and bunny-hopped across the gravel because I’d forgotten to take the handbrake off.
Aside from a property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
A brilliant hi-tech, low weight tent.
What is your most treasured possession?
My health.
Describe yourself in three words
Scruffy, infuriating and kind.
What would your superpower be?
I would like to be a mermaid: to be able to swim underwater without having to hold my breath.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The effect that gravity has.
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
The earth before humans evolved.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
It would probably be a golden retriever.
What makes you unhappy?
Unkindess.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Eating peanut butter out of the jar with my finger.
What scares you about getting older?
Not feeling old but everyone treating you that way.
Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
Moby-Dick.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be in the circus.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“We’d love you to be on the cover of our magazine and we’ll give you a makeover.”
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
I would choose somewhere in between, which is sort of what I have.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Drinking red wine in the bath.
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To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
My husband, Ludo, for not really getting why war movies are fun to watch.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
It’s a toss-up between my husband and my dogs, Teg and Mouse.
What does love feel like?
Panic and euphoria.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“I was thinking in the night … ”
What is the worst job you’ve done?
I lived in Cape Town, and I was spotted on the street and signed up by a modelling agency. I did about three shoots before I realised I hate having my photograph taken and I like food.
How often do you have sex?
Whenever I feel like it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My friends.
What keeps you awake at night?
Middle age.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
I’d rather have a dog than any of them.
What happens when we die?
The worms get to feast.
