Health Scan

Alan Hughes, Tv3 Presenter And Panto Star

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

I do. Because of the early starts on Ireland AM, it just happens. When you’re up at 5.15am, you have to have some semblance of a healthy lifestyle. And when you are doing two shows a day at panto, you need to be in tip-top shape. If you’re not fit and eating well, it really shows.

How often do you exercise?

I try to go for a walk every day. It might be a 20-minute walk, it might be an hour, but I love walking. It clears the head and you can just forget about everything. I’m lucky where I live; I’m within five or 10 minutes of a beach or a woodland walk.

Do you get your five a day?

I’m on a low-carb diet at the moment, so that means a lot more fruit and veg. At dinner, I would have maybe three different types of veg instead of having potatoes. I’ll always have that extra portion to substitute for the carbs.

Do you worry?

Ireland AM is doing really well, but every week or every month I’m checking the ratings for Family Fortunes. Then obviously I worry about the panto.

I sort of float along and think “ah it will be grand” and then I’ll suddenly get a fit of panic.

What do you do to relax?

Walking, but TV also relaxes me. Because I’m so busy and I’m invited to so many things in the evening, it’s a pleasure some nights just to sit in with your feet up, watching the soaps.

I have to go to bed early so if I have a night when I can stay up, it feels like a real treat.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

My white wine. I’m very partial to a glass of Champagne or Sauvignon.

Even when I’m on a healthy eating drive, I never cut out the wine. It’s the one pleasure that I really love.

The Cheerios Panto, Snow White, opens at the Tivoli Theatre on December 12th

In conversation with JOANNE HUNT