Clara Amfo on her worst habits, dream dinner guests and overusing the word ‘absolutely’
CLARA Amfo, DJ and TV presenter, 35, started her career at kiss FM before joining BBC radio 1 in 2015.
She reveals that she feels naked without her nose stud and why she has no one to apologise to.
What’s your greatest fear?
Eating coriander, and big, hairy spiders.
What’s your worst habit?
I’m such a typical Gemini. I go from one extreme to the next. I can be so relaxed one minute, wildly impatient the next.
Who or what is the love of your life?
My mum Gracie. She’s a big deal on Instagram with over 10,000 followers. People care about her more than me.
Who would you invite to a dinner party?
There are so many great people, but top of the list would have to be Oprah, Prince, Wendy Williams, Celine Dion, Solange and Ru Paul. That’s one good table.
How often do you have sex?
Whenever I can! Sex is a fantastic, natural thing. We could all be having more of it.
Which word do you overuse?
Absolutely. Love that word. And tingaling. If I can’t think of what I mean, I’ll say: “You know, the tingaling!”
What is your experience of grief?
I first experienced it when a girl from school, Nina, died in a car accident. We were close but hadn’t seen each other for a while. Then my dad Manny died in March 2015. He was 72. I used to say that the day my dad died I wouldn’t be able to cope, but I’m still here and I’m proud I survived it.
What makes you angry?
Just general injustice, especially against marginalised groups.
Leave or remain?
I work at the BBC, so I couldn’t say!
What possession would you rescue from a burning building?
My shoe boxes filled with birthday cards from over the years.
What is your biggest regret?
I wish I hadn’t underestimated my personal sense of power for so long.
If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
I would go to ’70s New York and spend time at Studio 54. I love the outfits, disco music and Diana Ross.
What song would you have played at your funeral?
It would be between Pharrell’s Run To The Sun, Golden Lady by Stevie Wonder or the Now Voyager mix of You’ve Got The Love.
What’s your greatest achievement?
Having the career that I always dreamed of and maintaining my sense of self in this industry. I want to broadcast till I’m 100. Wait, what am I saying? My greatest achievement is meeting Beyoncé!
What’s on your bucket list?
I’d love to visit the Great Wall of China and also have my own series, where I can have completely uncensored chats with people.
Who would you like to apologise to?
I like to think I haven’t f**ked anyone over.
Which celebrity would you like to snog?
I genuinely fancy a lot of people. But on the spot? Jesse Williams from Grey’s Anatomy.
What won’t you leave the house without?
I’m obsessed with moisturiser so I always have hand cream and lip balm. I also feel naked without hoops and my nose stud.
Best and worst qualities?
My worst is that I can hold a grudge, but I also like making people I love feel special.
● Clara presents BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge 10am-1pm, weekdays.
- Hair: Virginie P Moreira Make-up: Zainab Hassan Clara wears: body, Bare Boutique; earrings, Melody Ehsani
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