How is your bedroom decorated?
Absolute pride of place is my beautiful king-sized bed from New York, which is contemporary but also has a 50s retro feel. I also have French dressers and modern art, so the whole atmosphere is relaxing but funky.
Which 4 celebs would you like to invite for a sleepover?
I recently had dinner with the director Ken Loach and he’s charming, funny and a great conversationalist so he’d be great fun to stay up all night with. I’d have Russell Brand, for the naughty appeal, then Shirley MacLaine. She’s an old-school Hollywood glamorous dame with great stories and I’d love to see her taste in pyjamas! Finally I’d have Sarah Brown [wife of Prime Minister Gordon]. She seems like a strong, no nonsense kind of woman and I love her attitude – plus she could tell us her No 10 secrets.
Who was your first crush?
David Essex in That’ll Be The Day. The film was a bit naughty for our age group at the time and there was something in his character that I just fell for.
What would be on the menu for a romantic dinner for 2?
Location is key – I’d like a candlelit dinner on a beach with the table actually in the water. So probably the Caribbean, dangling your feet in the water being fed lobster and champagne with George Clooney!
Who’s your ideal man?
My husband – the only man who’ll put up with me.
You know it’s love when…
He holds your hair back when you’re being sick after a big night out.
When was the last time you said ‘I love you’ and who was it to?
It was to my daughter Lucia this morning as she was jumping in the middle of the bed shouting: ‘Get up, Mum! Get up, Mum!’
What’s the most romantic thing anyone’s ever done for you?
My husband had an operation to stop his snoring as I’d complained so much and was threatening to move into the guest bedroom.
What’s the best chat-up line you have ever heard?
I’ve only ever heard bad chat up lines. When I was in the band Altered Images and our song I Could Be Happy was in the charts, guys would approach me and say cheesy things like: ‘I could make you happy!’
Would you ever date a fan?
Probably not as I’m from the ‘treat them mean, keep them keen’ camp.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yes, I do. You can walk into a room, lock eyes with someone and fall in love. It’s making it last that’s the tricky bit.
What books would we find on your bedside table?
My own book Tallulah And The TeenStars, which I read to my daughter every night – she insists! Also my friend Sam Baker’s new book, which I am currently reading, called This Year’s Model.
Describe your ideal night in…
Watching the entire box set of 30 Rock with an Indian takeaway and a bottle of wine with lots of friends fighting over the poppadoms.
Who would you love to have a passionate fling?
No one – I’m quite happy with my husband, thank you! But could I have a passionate fling with him? Young children can get in the way of that…
How did Stephen propose to you?
It was in Paris in 1993, the day after Valentine’s Day. Stephen said I was getting on his nerves on the actual day!
What keeps you awake at night?
I’m the world’s biggest worrier. Please never tell me your problems as it only adds to my insomnia!
Which is more enjoyable: food or sex?
Call me greedy, but both together?
Are you a soppy romantic at heart?
I think so, yes – I love a happy ending. I was brought up on Rock Hudson and Doris Day films.
How would you describe yourself in a lonely hearts ad?
Desperate housewife seeks friends, neighbours for Lipstick Jungle/Sex And The City experience. No, I am not a TV addict!
Who would be your nightmare dinner date?
Hannibal Lecter.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
One too many Cosmopolitan cocktails.
If you could have a huge fantasy wedding, what theme would you choose for it?
Come as your favourite popstar – I’d be Tallulah Gosh and my husband could be Alice Cooper.
Where would you spend a lost weekend?
The Rivington Hotel in New York – and I have done!
What’s the most sensual food you could feed a partner?
It’s got to be a Cadbury’s Flake. And alcohol usually works for me…
Would you ever pose naked? What’s your price?
Absolutely never!
If you could be a fly on the wall in another celebrity’s bedroom, whose would it be?
I would like to spy on the McCartney family. It has it all: fashion, music, history, drama and vegetarianism.
Love, fame or money?
Love.
Is there anything you wouldn’t do for love?
If you ask me nicely enough there’s not much I wouldn’t do.
Clare Grogan’s new children’s book Tallulah And The TeenStars (£4.99, Black & White Publishing) is available now
Karen Cross
