What matters to me: Amanda Byram, television presenter

Who would attend your fantasy dinner party and what would you eat?

I'd invite Jake Gyllenhaal. I interviewed him once and he's got amazing eyes. Plus, George Clooney, as he's hilarious and charismatic; Barack and Michelle Obama, and Mo Mowlam. We'd have Japanese food, as I'm a huge sushi fan, as well as Indian. My father is Iranian, so I like spice.

Who did you last text and what was the message?

My publicist, to ask if he'd heard about Michael Jackson.

It's not cool but...

I get excited about DIY shops and love to hang around in the nail or hammer aisles, looking at all the shiny stuff.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

To be yourself on TV, or the public will find out and hate you for it.

What's the worst job you ever had?

My dad worked for a building society so I'd spend my summers there, mainly filing. It was so boring that I used to pop off to the toilet for 20 minutes at a time to have a sleep.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

My favourite book is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, so Mr Tumnus, the fawn.

What are you afraid of?

Being buried alive is a big fear of mine.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

It's embarrassing but my dad has always called me Dolo-dum-dums – a baby name.

What situations make you lose your temper?

I don't like it when other drivers won't let you out or say thank you. There's a lot of that in the US.

If you could choose a profession that you would like to try, what would that be? Why?

I'd love to be a chef, as I think cooking can be so sensual and creative.

What food or drink is always in your fridge?

I'm into protein, so there's always eggs and chicken. But also apples, skimmed milk and water.

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?

My second toe is longer than my big one.

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?

To Edwardian times. I'd like to do some romantic dallying and try on a corset.

Saturday night or Sunday morning?

Now that I'm in a relationship, it'd be Sunday mornings, with brunch and newspapers.

Who or what is the love of your life?

My boyfriend, Craig, who's an Australian rugby player.

• Amanda Byram presents Total Wipeout, Saturday, BBC1.

• Interview by Gaby Soutar