3 Things I Learned From Appearing On ITV1’s Lorraine

This week, I did something a bit exciting: I appeared on live breakfast TV. It was exciting but bloody nerve-wracking. In the 24 hours leading up to my appearance, I worried and fretted, imagining myself to say something stupid and embarrassing myself. I don’t find being on TV or radio particularly easy. Some people I know (stares at Molly from Mother’s Always Right) are just so natural on the mic or camera, but I often talk too fast, mumble and worst of all – my mind can go totally blank when asked even the most basic of questions.

This is all despite the fact that I’ve had media training as part of my day job. In the past ten years or so, I’ve done radio interviews while working on teen mags (highlight was when actual Anne Diamond interviewed me for a local BBC station – yessss) and Β I’ve done talking head TV stuff (have you seen me on Sky Living’s Extreme Skinny Celebrities, filmed around seven years ago? No? I think they’re still repeating it) but that still didn’t help me feel less nervous this week.

But I did it! I went on, I talked and I didn’t make a fool of myself. PHEW. The topic was pressure that mums feel at the school gates – a Netmums survey has revealed that over 60% of mums dread the school run. Cliques of other mums, fears over not wearing the ‘right’ clothes and a whole load of schoolgate politics are apparently the culprits. My fellow sofa guest was Gill Hornby – author of novel The Hive (which I am about to order on Amazon – it sounds fantastic) and she was just brilliant (and a true natural on camera).

So what are the three things I learned from appearing onΒ Lorraine? Scroll down….

Award-winning parent blogger Alison Perry on Lorraine Kelly's ITV1 TV show

 

1. Facing your fears is GOOD. I knew, deep down, that saying yes to appearing on live TV would be a good thing. And despite my slightly nauseous feeling in the 24 hours leading up to it, I went through with it and I actually enjoyed it. I think pushing yourself out of your comfort zone every so often is a great thing to do. (And it feels so nice when you’re back IN your comfort zone, doesn’t it?)

2. A Whistles dress and some professional make up can make ANYONE look good on telly. I’ve had lots of compliments on how I looked on the TV show, which is really lovely, but I can promise you it’s all smoke and mirrors. I had two (lovely) ladies working on me in the make up chair at the same time. Sat next to me in make up was Miriam MargolyesΒ (legend) and behind me was Coronation Street’s Jennie McAlpine. SUCH a showbiz way to start the morning!

3. Lorraine Kelly is one of the kindest, most professional women you could meet. She has this amazing skill of being able to make you feel like that six minute segment of TV you just took part in was the most AMAZING, ground-breaking piece of television since John Logie Baird invented the thing. “That was super,” she said warmly after the cameras stopped rolling. “Really great. So interesting.” High five, Lorraine Kelly, you’re ace.

Psst – you can watch me on Lorraine (if you’re in the UK) until Sunday 8th September over on ITVPlayer.

 

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24 Comments

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 6, 2013 / 10:31 am

      Ahh thanks so much Charl xx

  1. September 6, 2013 / 1:38 pm

    You did SO well! I would have been actually unable to speak….blank-minded, staring in awe at Lorraine – haha! Thankfully, our school is just lovely and in fact, there are as many dads and grandparents picking up as there are mums. It’s like any group situation, gradually, you get to know others. It doesn’t happen on day one but after a few days and a few hellos, any mums that you’re going to enjoy being friends with will speak to you! Ax

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 6, 2013 / 4:36 pm

      Well that puts me at ease, Avril! Sounds like your school is very friendly πŸ™‚

  2. September 6, 2013 / 1:40 pm

    I LOVE this Alison! Sounds like you had a super time, looked amazing and you’re so right about the comfort zone thingy. X

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 6, 2013 / 4:35 pm

      It was a lot of fun in the end πŸ™‚

  3. Hellootsgemma
    September 6, 2013 / 4:21 pm

    Fantastic! Great dress and getting to meet actual Lorrainr.
    Well done you I would have probably bottled it. Although, it’s unlikely they’d want my opinion!

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 6, 2013 / 4:35 pm

      Rubbish – you are my blogging guru, Gemma!

  4. Joy Carletti
    September 6, 2013 / 5:32 pm

    Congratulations! Based on screen-caps alone… you were gorgeous and brilliant. πŸ™‚

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 8, 2013 / 6:32 pm

      Ahh thanks Joy πŸ™‚

  5. Richmond Mummy
    September 6, 2013 / 7:50 pm

    Amazing, well done you! x

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 8, 2013 / 6:33 pm

      Thanks Bianca – it was loads of fun once I was there!

  6. September 6, 2013 / 9:26 pm

    Oohhh well done you – will bob on over and have a watch of the show on that link later.

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 8, 2013 / 6:34 pm

      Thanks Nickie πŸ™‚

  7. From fun to mum
    September 7, 2013 / 1:44 am

    Wow! Well done Alison. Facing your fear is always good. Loved the look too x

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 8, 2013 / 6:34 pm

      Thanks F! I survived – phew!

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 8, 2013 / 6:34 pm

      Thank you!

  8. September 8, 2013 / 6:05 pm

    Go girl! Lorraine is just D-Licious! Lovely woman x

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 8, 2013 / 6:35 pm

      Oh she really is. The SECOND nicest lady I know off the telly πŸ˜‰

  9. September 10, 2013 / 4:24 pm

    OH MY GOODNESS. How did I miss that you had done this? Amazing. I wish I had seen it. x

    • notanothermummyblog
      Author
      September 10, 2013 / 4:41 pm

      I think today is the last day you can watch it! πŸ˜€

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