THE REAL ME
TV presenter Michaela Strachan, 57, lives in Cape Town with her partner, Nick, and their blended family
What are you like first thing in the morning?
I’m pretty good. I’m a morning person and I like to get up early. I like routine, and as part of that, I have breakfast and do my exercise, whether that’s Pilates, running, yoga or taking the dog up the mountain near my house, and that’s my time.
What’s your worst habit?
Rubbing my eyes. I’m a real scratcher and I’m constantly rubbing my nose or my eyes, or scratching my head. I’m a real fidgeter and I’m very conscious of it when I’m filming live TV. Someone asked me if I’m anxious, so maybe I’m not as relaxed as I think I am.
If you’re at home alone, what do you do?
I don’t often get the chance to binge-watch a series, so I’ll do that.
I’ve just started The Traitors because I’ve filmed a show called Pilgrimage with Amanda Lovett, who is in the first series. I like having a glass of chardonnay and a bowl of cashew nuts close by while I’m watching the telly.
What makes you most happy?
As I’ve got older, I’ve found that simple, little things make me happy these days. I think if you can come out of a week and say you’re content, you’re very fortunate. I feel very content when I’m on the beach watching my dog running about, or my partner and my son playing beach cricket.
What scares you most in life?
At the moment, it’s war. It absolutely terrifies me. I watch what’s going on in war-torn countries that were functioning perfectly fine, just like the UK is. Your whole world can change overnight and it’s devastating for the people involved. I find it all so heartbreaking.
Who is your greatest love?
My family, and particularly the people very close to me like my mum, my son, my partner, my stepkids and my dog.
What are the best and worst things about ageing?
If you’re lucky, you’re confident within yourself. I’ve been myself for 57 years and I’m confident with who I am. I’ve got that real attitude of ‘take me or leave me’. I see ageing as a positive thing. Why do we feel embarrassed about it? Why would I still want to look like I’m 20? I’ve been through breast cancer, and I’ve got weird boobs and lines on them from a mastectomy. I’
