Q&A with Vivian Shepherd

VIVIAN Shepherd, who is married to Paul with three children: Julia 19, Paddy 18 and Harry 17, is getting ready to take to the stage of the Island Hall with Lisnagarvey Operatic Society’s production of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’, which runs from April 16 until April 20. Tickets are on sale from the Box Office on 9250 9254.

What do you like doing on your day off?

A bit of shopping followed by lunch with my mother and sisters (a weekly event), then a bit of a lie down on the sofa before everyone arrives home and I cook the tea whilst watching my favourite quiz programme – ‘The Chase’!

If you were to choose your favourite meal what would it be, where and why?

A big plate of lasagne and chunky chips in Italy (my favourite holiday destination) with Paul and the children (although, if it was in Italy it would probably come without the chunky chips!).

What has been your proudest moment?

Watching my husband receive his OBE from Prince Charles last December.

What was the most frightening moment of your life?

When my dad died and we got the awful phone call in the middle of the night.

How would you describe your taste in clothes?

Terrible, I have no taste in clothes! Seriously though – anything plain and comfortable that doesn’t make my tummy look too big!

What would you do if you won a million pounds?

All the usual boring things – pay off the mortgage, have a holiday etc. plus open a gift shop – I’ve always wanted to have one.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Something embarrassing happens to me almost every day but if I had to pick one particular moment it would be when I fell head first into a flower bed in front of my teachers and Headmistress at the end of the school formal.

What music do you like?

I used to be a bit obsessed with Barry Manilow and knew all the words to his songs. I don’t have a particular favourite now but Michael Buble and Bruno Mars are pretty good!

What sports person do you most admire?

Roger Federer. He’s not only a fantastically skilled and stylish tennis player but he’s always a gentleman – on and off court.

Describe your best holiday?

Although we love to go to Italy, I think our best holiday was a few years ago when we went to Majorca. We had a great hotel on the beach and the children were just around the right age – old enough to be very little trouble and young enough not to be bored with their parents’ company!

What would your dream holiday be?

More of the above but unfortunately they’re too old now!

What is your greatest remaining ambition?

I would love a small part on Coronation Street – I always fancied myself as Jim MacDonald’s long lost sister!

If you could spend a day with a celebrity whom would you choose?

I’d like to say Nigel Havers because I have a bit of a crush on him but I think I’d have more fun with Graham Norton!

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?

Since I am addicted to a certain well known diet drink I would have to say - a large supply of Diet Coke, a TV and Gino D’Acampo to make that lasagne with chunky chips!

Favourite things:

Car: Ford Capri (I used to think they were the coolest thing out)

Film: Brief Encounter

Comedian: Peter Kay

CD: Barry Manilow’s Greatest Hits

Book: Anthony Trollope’s Barchester Towers

Actor: Michael Kitchen

Actress: Emma Thompson

Drink: Diet Coke (what else?!)

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