We catch up with our favourite Blue Peter girl, Janet Ellis.
Who or what inspired you most when you were starting out in your career?
The first film I saw was ‘Pollyanna’ and after that, I wanted to be just like Hayley Mills. And I had two wonderful drama teachers when I was a child –Fern Flynn (mother of Jerome) and Penny Phillips – who made me feel that it was possible for me to be an actress.
What has been your career highlight?
I loved Blue Peter- of course- but the last job I’ve done always seems like the best-so it was Alan Bennett’s ‘Green Forms’ with Jan Ravens earlier this year.
What are you working on at the moment?
Finishing a novel, and guesting on The Wright Stuff.
What’s the last useful thing you learned?
If you plan to walk all day, take several changes of socks. And, the best places to eat are in Sicily.
Where do you go to get away from it all?
Cornwall is a fantastic part of the country – we try and go a couple of times a year. Porchester Baths, for steaming and the ice-cold plunge pool, is a wonderful escape. If neither are possible, a good long walk does it.
What can you simply not live without?
A daily coffee. Cooking and eating. Walking. And, ‘Ginger Fawn’ lipstick by Tom Ford.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My witty, wry husband whose lateral take on life is irreplaceable! My friends and family are funny too – my grandsons are coming on nicely. And our dog – Nancy.
What’s your best piece of styling advice you were ever given?
Dress for who you are, not who you wish you were. And, always check yourself in a rear-view mirror.
What do you love from MV’s current collection?
This is like being let loose in a sweet shop….The The Leaf Cardigan is such a fabulous colour, the Maya Print Shift Dress is a wonderful, wearable shape. The soft clear colours of the Foundation Collection are so useful – and very delicious. I love the Pencil Skirt, the Ivory Lace Shell Top, and I’d happily wear the Shell Pink Parka to any event from dinner out to dog walking.
What’s your motto?
Be brave. It’s what my mother used to say, and it seems to suit most things in life.
Interview in association with Wellbeing of Women