The UK's only dedicated Craft channel

Nigel May

"Ideal World is the place I've always wanted to work!"

Nigel has been involved in TV for over a decade, working for a variety of different channels. As well as being a long-term shopping TV presenter hosting on a range of different channels, he has featured on youth programmes anchoring live entertainment shows. He also worked as an on-screen caller for the UK's premier bingo channel, where he was famed for his fun approach and cheeky catchphrases. One of his biggest on-air 'fans' was radio DJ Chris Moyles who considered Nigel to be 'a legend'.

Nigel is also an avid writer and worked as a celebrity journalist for many years, interviewing stars of stage and screen all over the world. He was one of the first journalists in the UK to interview Take That and his list of celebrity credits includes household names from Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera through to Richard and Judy. He was the Editor of the official East 17 magazine and also acted as the chief writer for the Boyzone Fan Club. He was also Celebrity Editor at More! magazine and wrote for titles including New Woman, Bafta Magazine and Top Of The Pops.

Nigel has written two fiction books, which he hopes will be hitting stores in the future. One of his finest moments was appearing on The Weakest Link and managing to make it into the final...where he promptly lost!

Away from TV he lives in a sleepy little village just outside Peterborough and enjoys going to the gym, checking out what the local theatres have to offer and shopping. "Mind you, these days I can do all of my shopping from the comfort of my own chair. Whether it's something to craft with, something to clean with or something to wear, I truly believe Ideal World and Create & Craft have it all!"

Q & A:

What did you do before IW?

Lots of writing and lots of TV work. I did a lot of celeb hob-nobbing which I loved!

Most embarrassing on-screen moment?

I think it has to be some of the things I have said on air. Sometimes my mouth seems to work without checking my brain first of all.

Tell us a secret

I was in a film a few years back called Framed. A small one-line part, but hey - I was in it! I saw it on TV recently and my voice had been altered - I sounded like a chipmunk. Id also love to be a contestant on Dancing On Ice.

What’s your idea of the perfect Sunday (when you’re not working)?

Lazy lie-in with the other half, a good long dog walk to wake up and then a fantastic plate-full of roast pork dinner. I could eat pork crackling all day every day, but sadly my belly gets bigger!

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Dolly Parton - the woman has the voice of an angel, does a huge amount for charity, has a massive empire and still seems to be a really genuine fabulous person. I would move heaven and earth to interview her.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself / others?

In myself it would be self-doubt. In others it would be pompous self-righteousness. Talking about yourself constantly is so not cool.

Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you've bought?

A car, but nothing swanky. Apart from that it would be holidays I think. I adore going away to the sunshine or off for a city break whenever I can.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

I adore trash TV - I could watch America's Next Top Model or Four Weddings or Desperate Housewives every day. Being part of a show like that would be awesome.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a nice guy who had fun, coped with life, made the most of it and made people happy both personally and professionally. And as the best ever presenter of the Eurovision Song Contest (not that I've done it, but it would be my dream job!).

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

You never know what is around the corner. That and you need to make the most of every day and that nothing ventured is definitely nothing gained.

Favourite IW/CC product?

The My Craft Studio crafting CD-Roms (total genius!), Jerome Alexander's Italian Marble to hide blemishes when I go on air and the memory foam dog beds - a pooch couldn't be any comfier!.

Which phrase do you overuse?

"Bless your heart", and "as well". I try not to, but they just slip out.

If you could travel back in time, which period would you visit?

I'd like to have been a bit older back in the late '60s and '70s so I could have been part of London's hip and happening scene. Everyone looked so groovy! Either then or back to the Tudor period to hang out with Henry VIII.