10 things about... Dougal Paver

1. What would you put into Room 101?
Corned beef hash. Even drowning the stuff in tomato ketchup can't hide the fact that it's inedible. I still have traumas thinking about my mother trying to make me eat it as a nipper.

2. What's your favourite book?
'A moment of war' (1991) by Laurie Lee, recounting his experiences fighting for the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War. Dozens of Liverpudlians died in Spain, eighteen at the Battle of Teruel in February '38. For me it's the most fascinating period of the 20^th century.

3. Who would be your ideal dinner guest?
Micheal Heseltine, without a doubt. I had a twenty minute conversation with him at lunch last year and it was, frankly, gripping. I need him to finish the story, because we were interrupted.

4. Describe yourself in 5 words:
Enthusiastic, loyal, outgoing, optimistic, determined.

5. Which business figure do you admire the most?
Peter Hynd of Neptune Developments. Knock him down and he gets back up again, whilst retaining his honesty, integrity and good humour.

6. Favourite Sunday roast?
Er, roasted chicken jalfrezi with, er, roasted naan bread.

7. Favourite headline:
The legendary 'Gotcha!' by the Sun for all that it represents, both good and bad, about the jingoism of war.

8. What album/song are you currently listening to?
' Strangers in the Night' by UFO, the seminal double live heavy rock album - better, even, than 'Live and Dangerous' by Thin Lizzy.

9. What's your comedy phobia?
Please see my first answer.

10. Favourite cheese?
A mature, nutty cheddar should just about do it.