Derry actress and comedian Diona Doherty
When did you think about a career in comedy/acting and what were your first steps into it?
I always wanted to be a performer growing up and I dabbled in everything from singing, dancing, presenting, acting – even a bit of karate, until I settled on being an actor. I started in comedy in 2011 with a comedy sketch group and my first comedy TV booking was BBC Northern Ireland's Sketchy. From there I got stuck in, mainly creating my own comedy, from Edinburgh Fringe shows to online content, which eventually led to television, radio and live stand-up work.
Best gigs you've been to?
My first music gig was Blazin' Squad in the Millennium Forum when I was a teenager. I was devastated to then learn that two girls from my class ended up kissing two of the fellas in the band after the gig, while I had a curfew. I went to Peter Kay in the Odyssey with my two housemates and we had a ball. I was worried about comedy being difficult in such a big space but Peter Kay nailed it. Finally, watching my husband, comedian Sean Hegarty, get four yes's on Ireland's Got Talent in 2018. There were so many brilliant acts on stage and the atmosphere was electric.
Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
I always wanted Michael Bublé to perform at my wedding but I got married in 2016 and he was nowhere to be seen. I'd have Christy Moore on vocals because he's a genius, Steve Carell on guitar because he would make it entertaining and my dad on drums (he can't play them but sure he'd have a go).
The record you'd take to a desert island?
Don't Stop Me Now by Queen, because it's the best song ever recorded bar none.
And the book?
An empty notebook to write down ideas, thoughts, lists and stories.
Top three films?
Shutter Island, Mamma Mia and my childhood favourite, Annie.
Worst film you've seen?
I don't believe in printing negativity about other people's creative work.
Favourite authors?
Jacqueline Wilson. Her books narrated my childhood.
Sport you most enjoy and top team?
I'm not really into sports.
Ideal holiday destination?
I'd love my next long-haul trip to be somewhere culturally significantly different to ours like Malaysia, Mexico or Japan.
Pet hate?
Discrimination of any kind.
What's your favourite:
Dinner? Pizza.
Dessert? Pizza with a flake.
Drink? Pizza (blended).
Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
My husband. We met in 2012 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We have a great balance in that we work together quite often but still make time to have fun together too. He was the one who encouraged me to start stand-up comedy. I never would have had the confidence to pursue it otherwise.
Is there a God?
Aye, his name is pizza.
Diona Doherty stars in the new series of Soft Border Patrol, which continues on Friday, BBC One Northern Ireland at 10.35pm and also on BBC iPlayer
