Main cause of stress
I don't think you could do this work if you had a tendency to lose the head. You do get nervous and anxious before the programme, but it goes as soon as you go on air. As an experiment a few years ago, we strapped a heart monitor on to me before and during a programme. My heart-rate did elevate from about one minute before the programme until 30 seconds into it.
Doing my first Late Late Show was stressful. I think I said "I'll see you next Saturday night" instead of Friday, because Kenny Live was on Saturday. I was very conscious that I was taking ownership of something that had been owned by someone else for 37 years.
My most stressful job was the welcome home party when Jack Charlton and the team came back from America. They hadn't done particularly well, but the Government had decided to have a celebration in the Phoenix Park. I was apprehensive about it and it really was a damp squib.
The most stressful time in my life was when we took the libel case against Eamon Dunphy and the Sunday Independent. I would never advise anyone to enter into such action lightly because it takes so much out of you. But I felt I had to do it to vindicate myself.
Coping with stress
I find that physical exercise is the best way to handle stress. Walking the dogs is a great way of getting out.
The run-up to the TV programme can be quite stressful, so I have a few ploys. I never change into my clothes until the last minute - that can cause consternation, but if you are sitting around, ready to go, then you get nervous.
Coping with criticism
Constant criticism and carping actually has the effect of desensitising you, to the extent where you say "so what?" when you read something new. At the end of the day, you are judged by the viewers and listeners. That's what matters.
In conversation with Alison Healy