Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The 5-minute Interview: Gavin Esler, journalist and television presenter

'I'm not posh – I lived in Glasgow'

John Hall
Monday 19 May 2008 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Gavin Esler, 55, has been on the front line of the BBC's current affairs broadcasting since 1997. He joined the 'Newsnight' team in 2003. His latest book, 'A Scandalous Man', is available now in hardback.

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

Talking to Penelope Cruz. She's holding on the other line.

I wish people would take more notice of...

The no-parking sign when blocking me in.

A common misconception of me is...

That I must be posh. I spent the first three years of my life with my parents, grandmother and two aunties in a tiny council house in Glasgow.

A phrase I use far too often is...

"I must paint that skirting board in the hall."

The most surprising thing to happen to me was...

Surviving my infancy. I almost died at three weeks.

I'm good at...

Cooking.

I'm very bad at...

Home improvements and dealing with very stupid people.

I am not a politician but...

I mostly like politicians. Very few of them are evil, although quite a lot are delusional.

In moments of weakness I...

Begin to think Jonathan Ross is entertaining.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

This is the only life I'm ever going to have, so shouldn't I at least try to be happy?

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in