was given camera and autocue tests, told I was a natural, and then handed a list of films to review for the next week's programme. I went away feeling terribly happy thinking that an experienced TV producer regarded me as really good. When the contract came in I wasn't sure how much of a natural he actually thought I was because it was for three weeks with an option of a possible three more appearances after that. I did the first programme and they decided to take up the option, meaning I was there for six weeks. At the end of that block, they asked me to stay on for another three weeks. They also tried out various people around that time, including [celebrated TV figure-turned Labour Peer] Joan Bakewell. It must have been a real baptism of fire for you? I had been on TV three times previous to all this and it had always been pretty disastrous. To tell you the truth, I had come to the conclusion that TV was simply not for me. I admired the people who I thought did very well [presenting], but I had no desire to join them. I think this worked in my favour because, prior to doing the Film programme, if I'd gone in there thinking that is my big chance so I mustn't blow it, I'd have completely screwed it up. I was actually pretty relaxed when I went on, and I think that was the key. Going back