The Q and A: Arielle Free

DJ and broadcaster Arielle Free is a well-known name on the electronic house scene, as well as being a former host of Love Island: The Morning After podcast. In our Q&A, she considers the joy of kiwi-fruit skins, chewing gum-related disappointments, and shrinking in stature

Who would you like to see playing you in the movie about your life?

Anna Friel. I think she plays the manic but lovely character quite well, and I think that’s pretty much me. Maybe more manic than lovely though . . .

What’s the punchline to your favourite joke?

Doug (makes sense when said with a strong Glaswegian accent like mine).

If you were to return in a future life as an animal, what would it be?

I’ve always loved dolphins. Not because it’s the name of my favourite weekend pub, but they always seem happy and joyous. My singing voice isn’t too far from a dolphin’s so it could work!

Did you have a nickname at school that you were OK with and/or one that you hated?

My nickname was Azy that then became Az, then Az Baz. I liked all three. I’m now Ari purely because I couldn’t be arsed correcting people who called me Ariel or Oriel when I told them my full name and they can’t compute that my name isn’t the Disney version.

If you were playing in an escape room, name two other people you’d recruit to help you get out?

I definitely wouldn’t choose AmyElle. We once did The Crystal Maze and she was pants! I’d say Syreeta because she’s always so calm, and then LP Giobbi because she always finds the funny in any situation.

When was the last time you were mistaken for someone else and what were the circumstances?

Angela Scanlon in the toilets of a bar in Glasgow. The person was really annoyed when I said I wasn’t her.

What’s the best cover version ever?

Arctic Monkeys covering Girls Aloud’s ‘Love Machine’.

Whose speaking voice soothes your ears?

Benji B; his voice was made for the radio.

Tell us something you wish you had discovered sooner in life?

That the skin of a kiwi fruit is bloody delicious to eat.

Describe your perfect Saturday evening?

Pre-drinks, trainers on, hit the rave, stumble home, sleep until noon.

If you were a ghost, who would you haunt?

Don’t think I want to haunt anyone. Sounds boring.

If you could relive any day of your life, which one would it be?

The day I got to support Calvin Harris at Hampden Stadium in front of my family.

What’s your earliest recollection of winning something?

I remember not winning a cricket competition at school. They kicked me out of the team the week before they all won a tournament and a year’s supply of chewing gum as it was sponsored by Wrigley!

If you were to start a tribute act to a band or singer, what would it be called?

Shania Pain. Because I love her, but my singing is painful.

When were you most recently astonished by something?

When the doctor told me I’m actually 5ft 3” not 5ft 4”.

What tune do you find it impossible not to get up and dance to, whether in public or private?

‘Spice Up Your Life’. That choreography deserves to be unleashed on all occasions.

Which famous person would be your ideal holiday companion?

Adele. Bet she’d be a right laugh.

As an adult, what has a child said to you that had a powerful impact?

That I should have got a TikTok account years ago.

Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise people?

I’m actually quite shy.

When did you last cry? Usually happens every Tuesday afternoon.

What’s the most hi-tech item in your home?

My electric garlic grinder.

What’s a skill you’d love to learn but never got round to?

How to play the drums. Girl drummers are so badass.

By decree of your local council, you’ve been ordered to destroy one room in your house and all of its contents. Which room do you choose?

The room of doom. It has everything piled in it including the kitchen sink. I play Room Roulette with it every time I open the door; you never know what’s going to come crashing down or topple on top of you.

If you were selected as the next 007, where would you pick as your first luxury destination for espionage?

I know it’s more Indiana Jones, but I’d love to see the pyramids of Giza.

Arielle Free’s remix of Gorgon City’s ‘Tell Me It’s True’ is out now as an Amazon Original.