MY no adverts to voice or things to do for sales, I head home to Lisburn. Then I walk the dog, make lunch and do one of the school runs. My husband is still working from home, so he does the other. My eldest is at Wallace High School in Lisburn and my youngest at Hunterhouse College in Belfast. I rarely go out at night unless it’s doing a pick up from hockey or Girls Brigade. 5. Do you have a specific fitness regime? As I get older I feel the need to do something each day - even walking or stretching. I’ve had a bad hip since 2013 and it flares up if I’m immobile for too long. I love the rowing machine. All my cardio is done on it and not the treadmill. I try to do 5km in my gym session then some weights. I’ve just joined GymCo in Finaghy and it’s great. I try to go at least twice a week. Definitely on Saturday when my girls go to drama class.
DENISE WATSON
6. Do you have any tips for staying positive? Yes! Lots of tips, although I’m an eternal optimist and rarely downbeat. I might annoy people at times as I’m always quite bright and breezy! But getting outside into the fresh air is a must. I love listening to music, having bubble baths and lighting wax melts around the house. And spending time with my kids keeps me young. We find stupid things to laugh at on YouTube. Modern Family on Netflix is funny too.
U105 Radio Presenter
7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland? So many things! But I’d say the people first and foremost. In 2004 I lived and worked in London for Radio One on an attachment. I got so homesick. People don’t chat on the tube or speak to you in shops. I yearned for that familiarity and friendliness we have here. Also the natural beauty here is stunning. We don’t realise what we have on our doorstep. The north coast in summer time is breathtaking.
1. What do you love most about your job? I’m so lucky to have succeeded in my chosen career and have been working in TV and Radio in NI for over 25 years. It was always my ambition to broadcast and it has not disappointed. I love the live aspect of my job. The adrenaline rush, which comes as soon as you go on air. It’s never boring and you have to think quickly and react to your environment. I have prepped some notes or scripts and then suddenly the agenda changes and you just have to run with it. I love the spontaneity, excitement, and working shifts. I don’t think I was cut out to sit behind a desk from 9 to 5 every day. I’m so grateful for the job I do at U105.
8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by? It’s “Be Better, not Bitter.” Yes I’ve had some bad experiences personally and professionally, but it doesn’t do me any good to hold onto grudges. A wise man called Johnny at UTV shared that wee phrase with me when I went there in 2013. Forgive and Forget is another good one. But I’m a Scorpio so I find the “forgetting” part tricky at times!
2. What has been your career highlight to date? There are so many highlights. I’ve reported on NI winning Gold in shooting at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, on All Ireland Hurling finals and Irish Cup victories. But I’d say I’m most proud of the the CIPR Sports journalist of the year award for my interview with Armagh GAA star, Oisin McConville, who shared his struggle with a gambling addiction with me for BBC. It led the Newsline show and I was congratulated on the sensitive way I’d handled his story both here and in the south. Oisin thanked me in the forward to his autobiography, which meant the world to me too.
9. Who has been your biggest influence? My mum and dad are brilliant as they never pushed me into anything. They were always there for me saying “Do your best Dee.” Dad was a rugby coach and he has given me great advice. As has my husband, who is such a good dad to our girls. Professionally I must thank Terry Smyth at BBC for giving me my break and Michael Wilson at UTV for welcoming me to their team too.
3. What are your favourite hobbies/activities outside of work? I never thought I’d say this, but lockdown taught me how to cook more healthily so I love trying out new recipes especially in my slow cooker. We have a two-year-old German short-haired Pointer called Eddie and I take him on a walk for at least 3-4 miles several times a week. I adore Audible and listen to celebrity autobiographies all the time. Matthew McConaghey’s and Elton John’s are brilliant. I also read lots of crime thrillers and particularly like Jo Nesbo, the Scandinavian author.
10. FAVOURITE Movie: Grease or Legally Blonde. I love the message in Legally Blonde – first impressions may not always be right, and always be true to yourself. Reese Witherspoon is great. Band/Musician: Bon Jovi and Motley Crue. I’m an 80’s rock chick. I had the long hair and leather jacket.
4. What is your daily routine? I get up at 5.30am Mon-Fri, which is so much easier to do during the summer months. Winter is tough! But it’s my job and it’s necessary. I eat toast and coffee, and write my sports bulletin, and check overnight breaking news on social media news sites. When I arrive at the U105 studios (in City Quays in Belfast) I firstly record my entertainment news bulletin and check the weather forecast. I’m live with Maurice Jay from 7-9am. We’ve lots of interaction with our listeners and competitions, so it’s great fun. The banter between us is great as we’ve known each other for nearly 30 years. Once I’m off air at 9am – if I’ve
Book: Such a difficult question as I read so much. “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaghey is my recent favourite. Restaurant: Coppi in Belfast or Square Bistro in Lisburn Holiday Destination: Amsterdam Drink: Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand Meal: Carbonara or Thai Green curry
36
PAGE36.indd 2
29/10/2021 14:27
