Style speaks: to Miranda Hart

On visiting and coming back to the Island.

You came to the island regularly when you were younger, are we going to expect you back any time soon?

I would love to come back, yes please! It’s a very special place. I was last there in 2009 having a break when I was writing Miranda and there is always a sense of coming home to a familiar, restful place when I cross over to the island. I love having familiar places to write in too. Walking becomes a key part of my day when I am writing so to have an inspiring landscape I know and love that will spark my imagination as I potter on a headland or beach is perfect. I am writing a book at the moment, so perhaps I need to pop over for a writing retreat. see. My parents still go every year, religiously. My mother said when she turned 80 that she thinks a key reason for staying young is being fascinated in something every day. I love that, and I can see her fascination with all aspects of life come more alive when she’s on the Island.

Could you tell us a bit about visits here when you were younger – your memories of the Island?

How is the ferry crossing for you? Many people say that it’s an intrinsic part of the whole experience - waxing lyrical about how their cares and worries slip away as they sail over.

My memories are of long lazy days on the beach, building many a sandcastle, and lots of sailing. My parents gave me and my sister sailing lessons when we were younger and it was always the Isle of Wight where we got to practice our skills (or lack of them). I can still remember the thrill of skimming along in a Topper and being with my sister in a Wayfarer (when I think we mainly seemed to run aground!) All will become clear soon as regards the book – what a tease! Over the last couple of years, I have been working on The Miranda Shop which has been huge fun. Sorry, ‘SUCH FUN’. As well as selling fun and cosy clothes and household items, we raise money for charities that support people living with chronic illness. Check it out – there’s some stuff that would work well for you islanders and next summer I want you all wearing your ‘such fun’ tee-shirts and bucket hats! (www.themirandashop.com)

Are there any parts of the Island that you don’t know well, that you’d like to explore?

Yes, it’s certainly a key part of the experience, especially if you intentionally feel your worries from the mainland slip into the waves as you go! I always say I’m never happier than when I’m in or on water, particularly the sea, so I also just simply love a boat trip – less keen on the hovercraft!

Your family, especially your mum, has been coming to the Island for many years. Can you tell us why, and what they especially like about coming here?

We are a very outdoors, nature-loving family. And not only was my father in the Navy but his father and my mother’s father were too, so the island’s great sailing heritage must be a pull in the DNA. My mother has been coming to the island since she was 17 and I always notice a lightness in her when we are there. Almost like she was reliving her youth. It’s wonderful to

Have any of your characters been inspired by the Island and people who live or visit here?

I couldn’t possibly say! (whispers) Maybe.

You say you a writing a new book? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or anything else you are up to?

I still haven’t been to Ventnor, and I would love to do some walking on the Southwest of the island. It’s often too easy to plonk yourself on a beach you love and while the hours away there – though what better way to spend some of our precious time? Wasting time is often the greatest way to spend our time. Being present, feeling free and childlike, appreciating the beauty in nature. Bliss.

Would you ever consider buying a home here yourself? Many famous people are now…

All the greats coming to a great place! I wouldn’t want to make my home there because I love the idea of keeping it as a place that feels like home from home and can be an escape. It’s a lovely idea to have a home somewhere that has been a holiday destination but the top of my to-do list every day would be to build a sandcastle and collect some shells and I would get very little done…

How would you sum up the Island?

I would sum it up as a place that although it is obviously part of England, feels somehow otherworldly, timeless, and therefore completely unique. It transports me (and I know I speak for my family too) to a refreshed, excited, energised state and it is where time stands still, feels precious, and can be savoured. As I say, home from home.