1. When did you think about a career in broadcasting and what were your first steps into it?
I can’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t surrounded by music. I played the piano from the age of eight and later took up the saxophone. I also strangely played ‘radio stations’ as a child with my sister, where I would write scripts and interview her. Only when I went to the BBC for work experience aged 16 did I actually believe it was a career path I could follow. I studied media, specialising in radio production, at the Ulster University and was lucky to get my first job in radio a few months after I graduated.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
Fleetwood Mac, The 02 Dublin, in 2009. I ended up meeting Mick Fleetwood after, as he was staying in my hotel. It was all just magical. EmmyLou Harris at C2C Festival Dublin in 2018. Her songwriting, her performance and her spirit made it another special evening. Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx, Portrush Beach Party in 2006. This was something completely different, but such a fun night at the beach. We danced all night.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
I think the key to a good party is getting everyone up to dance, so for me it has to be The Undertones.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Fleetwood Mac, Rumours. It’s an album that seemed to get me through I a lot of tough times… just listening to it, I always felt comfort and reassured.
5. And the book?
I love being close to my family and friends so if I was stuck on a desert island that’s what I would miss most. That’s why I’d be reading a Maeve Binchy book. For me, she captures the essence of Irish family life perfectly in her writing. A sense of place, family, friendship and home.
6. Top three films?
The Godfather, Forrest Gump and The Help. I went to The University of North Carolina for my second semester. I took a class taught by a friend of Martin Luther King that opened my eyes to a lot of injustice and inequality. The Help is a film that, for me, illustrates that beautifully. It’s also one of the best book-to-film translations I have seen.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
I’m a bit ruthless when it comes to films I don’t like. I find it hard to sit through anything that’s not holding my attention so I would easily get up and walk out of the cinema.
8. Favourite authors?
Sebastian Faulks, Mary Alice Monroe and Jane Austen.
9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?
We’re big rugby fans in our family. Also, I live in the north west so cricket is almost a religion. There are so many clubs within a short distance from me. Fox Lodge would be the team I support.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
Anguilla for the beaches, South Africa for the wildlife but ultimately Ile de Re is ideal for me. It’s a little Island in France just off La Rochelle. So many family memories, the French culture, architecture, interiors… but that chilled-out flip flop life on the beach vibe is one of the biggest attractions.
11. Pet hate?
I’m pretty easygoing, so I’m not a fan of unnecessary drama.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Shellfish is always a winner for me.
Dessert? Crème brulée. I’m a bit of a caramel addict so anything with caramel and I’m happy.
Drink? Always a coffee… but if you’re offering a gin or whiskey, I’ll not say no.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
My mum is my best friend, I’m so lucky to have her – we are very close. We talk to each other every day and she’s the one I go to for advice.
14. Is there a God?
I do believe there is, but I also believe you should never be judged for your own personal views.
:: You can listen to The Late Show with Eve Blair Monday-Thursday at 11pm and also The Eve Blair Show on Saturdays from 1pm. All on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Sounds.
