Lifestyle

This is your chance - New Opportunists

Fri.09.Jan.2004 - 13:00 GMT

AIRED ON Fri.09.Jan.2004 - 13:00 GMT

Britain’s long-standing culture of hesitation has now given way to a nation of thrill-seekers. These ‘New Opportunists’ see life as a lottery, embracing chances and change in every area – from their romantic lives to their jobs. As well as hosting her own music show on VH1 and a raft of live programmes including The BAFTAs, The BRITS and Pop Idol Extra, Kate joined us live online to tell us how as a ‘New Opportunist’ she made it to where she is today and how she manages to stay at the forefront of her profession.

Kate T	Hi guys ready when you are...
	Lisa wants to know: "Which new opportunity would you take if it were presented to you in 2004? I.e. bungee jumping, enter a reality TV show etc etc"
Kate T said:	Bungee Jumping terrifies me but i try to keep an open mind about most things. I take every offer as it comes.

	Feedmejuicythings wants to know: "Kate, firstly I'd just like to say congratulations on an amazing series of Pop Idol Extra! Do you think this 'New Opportunist' phenomena describes you? You didn't go to Uni did you but it seems your hedonistic attitude has got you where you want to be! That plus a dash of talent of course ;-)"
Kate T said:	I wish I were hedonistic! I think I am where I am because I got lucky in terms of being in the right place at the right time and then working my nuts off when I got there!

	Dan wants to know: "What are your New Year resolutions?"
Kate T said:	Hi Dan, None - why set yourself up for a fall!

	George wants to know: "Have you ever let a big opportunity pass you by?"
Kate T said:	Yes but at the time passing it up was the right thing to do. However, because that opportunity was a very handsome man I do kick myself now!

	N Marshall wants to know: "How do you manage to work so hard and look so ravishing?"
Kate T said:	She's called Patricia and she is a fabulous make- up artist! Every girl should have one.

	Nick wants to know: "Opportunists are about having the 'go for it' attitude, but, what wouldn't you do?"
Kate T said:	Lie, cheat or steal Nick!

	Cullendavid wants to know: "Hello gorgeous when the next pop idol coming on any chance of seeing you sing next time?"
Kate T said:	I don't know when the next pop idol will be on. We are still recovering from the last one! As for me singing - pigs will fly and hell will freeze over!

	Lauren wants to know: "You have a great relationship with Simon Cowell and won't stand any nonsense from him. What's the nastiest thing he's said to you and how did you get your own back?"
Kate T said:	Hi Lauren - I don't think Simon has been nasty in terms of trying to hurt me or be spiteful. He's caustic by nature, but I like that. As for me being nasty to him I don't think he was impressed when he read in The Sun that I had called him 'Short and Hairy'!

	Shazza wants to know: "Kate who do you think should have won Pop Idol? "
Kate T said:	The right person did win because the public voted and Michelle won the majority of the votes.

	Avid Merrion wants to know: "Hello to the Kate!! Thank you please so much with the help on my Christmas song..... Did you get anything good as a nice present.... your beloved Avid!!!!"
Kate T said:	I know you are not avid because I know his email address, but thank you please for your enquiry!

	DR DAVID BANNER wants to know: "Hi Kate, Great to chat with you. If you had to, who would you? Ant or Dec? Let's pretend it's a life-threatening situation."
Kate T said:	You're a sick sick man and I am not answering that! How can you choose between 2 such lovely men?

	Candice wants to know: "What advice can you give me on getting involved in journalism?"
Kate T said:	Get on the right courses and get as much work experience as you can and never take no for an answer. And if at first you don't succeed try try again!

	nobidol wants to know: "hi Kate - how scary was it taking over smash hits at such a young age"
Kate T said:	I think because I was so young, I wasn't as scared as I would be taking the job now. Looking back it was one of the best experiences of my life and I am so pleased I did it.

	Daniella wants to know: "What is a New Opportunist? "
Kate T said:	Anyone who makes the most of what's put in front of them and someone who isn't afraid to go after what they want in life.

	Shazza wants to know: "Kate did you have a crush on anyone you interviewed in your Smash Hits days?"
Kate T said:	As the editor you rarely do interviews and during my time at Smash Hits the Spice girls were huge and as much as I think they were great I never fancied them. Boys are much more my thing!

	Becky wants to know: "Who is the most famous person you have ever met and who is the person you would most like to interview this year?"
Kate T said:	The Pope has to be the most famous followed by Paul McCartney and this year I would love to interview George Michael about his new album.

	Richard wants to know: "Hello Kate I have been watching pop idol from the first time it came on TV and there was one thing that I noticed on the last years show that you and Simon was getting very friendly please put us out of our misery and tell us are you and Simon now an item Many thanks Richard PS If you are still single maybe we could go out sometime "
Kate T said:	Simon and I never have been or never will be an item! Sorry, I love him but in the same way you love someone you totally don't fancy plus he is a really good friend!

	petr wants to know: "If you won the lottery, how would you spend �10 million? Do you have someone who fetches your tickets for you? ;)"
Kate T said:	Very quickly! And I buy my tickets myself unless my dad is around and then he gets them for me but these days you can also get them online from www.nationallottery.co.uk

	Leanne wants to know: "Hi Kate, I am Leanne, my question is, was there anyone on Pop Idol you secretly thought, I want this person to win? I bet there was."
Kate T said:	Of course there was, but I couldn't possibly say whom!

	Vicky wants to know: "Could you give me some tips for being a TV presenter 'cause I would love to be one?"
Kate T said:	Get a good showreel and a good agent and apply for work experience in order to make contacts in the industry. Good luck Vicky

	Bex wants to know: "Kate, Are you really into the music that you promote? I mean we all love a bit of RnB from time to time but some of this pop is utter nonsense don't you think? There's lots of new opportunists in their bedrooms making music and I'm sure they could blow the socks off some of this lot!"
Kate T said:	I just like good music. I don't care what genre it is or if it came from a bedroom or a top-notch recording studio. A good song is a good song. Variety is what makes our charts so unique in terms of the rest of the world.

	jenny wants to know: "Is there an ambition that you would still like to achieve in your life?"
Kate T said:	Yes - to meet Mr Wonderful and to have his children!

	JFisher wants to know: "Since you did pop idol what have you been up to? Can we see you again on TV.? "
Kate T said:	I am doing the Brits and you can catch the launch show 9pm Monday.

	lees wants to know: "I thought the travel programmes you've done have been fantastic, especially the one with Tamzin Outhwaite. Are you going to do some more, cos you make it very fun!�?
Kate T said:	I am off to Laos next week and I can't wait. And Tamzin and I are planning a holiday soon but without cameras! Sorry, but thanks for your kind comments we both really loved our Australian adventure.

	Ewan wants to know: "Hi Kate I think you're absolutely gorgeous. I'm 26, fit and funny. How does this 'New Opportunist' get into your good books???"
Kate T said:	Hahaha - you've really made me laugh! I love your style!

	Anna wants to know: "What are you up to this weekend? Are you a posh bar and club girl or the local?"
Kate T said:	I am a pub girl! And this weekend I will be in the pub with my mates.

	Ninja wants to know: "Your opinion Kate: Every woman seems to instantly adore/fantasize about handsome men as spouses - Wow! Aren't the ugly ones in for a perpetual life of misery?"
Kate T said:	You certainly have a point!

	Ninja wants to know: "Your opinion Kate: Every woman seems to instantly adore/fantasize about handsome men as spouses - Wow! Aren't the ugly ones in for a perpetual life of misery?"
Kate T said:	Laos is near Vietnam and Cambodia and I will probably end up holidaying in either Thailand or Ibiza or both!

	Patty wants to know: "Where do you get your clothes?"
Kate T said:	From all over. I love the high street especially TopShop and Warehouse. But if it is a really special occasion then I turn to Tracy Boyd, Pinko, Studd or Elspeth Gibson.

	Alex wants to know: "If you are out on a social night out and saw someone you were attracted to � what would you do?"
Kate T said:	I would spend the whole evening rehearsing with my friends what I would say to him and then end up bottling it and going home alone.

	Ninja wants to know: "are you into yoga at all?"
Kate T said:	No, sorry Ninja! I wish I had the patience for it. I go to the gym instead.

	Jemima wants to know: "Kate, If you were down to your last remaining pound would you go online and buy the lotto?"
Kate T said:	Yes I would at that point what have you got to lose!

	Jack wants to know: "Why buy your lottery ticket online, surely its easier to go into a shop?"
Kate T said:	Hi Jack - No! In order to go to the shops you have to leave your house. This way you can buy it from your couch and stay warm!

	Rob wants to know: "Hi Katie, What would be the biggest risk you'd be prepared to take for love?"
Kate T said:	For the right man you would take any risk!

	Lisa M wants to know: "Hiya Kate, how was it to work with ant and dec? i want to become an actress and they inspire me so much, are they really as nice as they seem!!! lol! Look forward to your reply Love Lisa"
Kate T said:	Hi Lisa, they are an absolute dream to work with and I love them to pieces. Cat Deely and I have both been very lucky to share the screen time with them.

	Hickey wants to know: "As you were 'famous' so early in life, how did your friends respond?"
Kate T said:	I don't feel famous. I just have a well-known face and I had worked behind the scenes before I went on camera so I think I have a really healthy take on what is real and what is not when it comes to being on TV.

	liz wants to know: "hello Kate can you tell me your most embarrassing moment....."
Kate T said:	How long have you got? I think my skirt splitting and exposing my bottom to Cherie Blair has to be one of the most embarrassing moments of my life! Just talking about it makes me cringe.

	Sammy wants to know: "I know its very rude to ask, but can you tell me how old you are as you've done so much in your career!?"
Kate T said:	I am 30! 31 in two weeks time.

	lucky wants to know: "Hey Kate, Do you ever see yourself venturing out to do movies in future?"
Kate T said:	NO! The only place for me at the cinema is in the queue for tickets!

	razzandy wants to know: "How do Kate Can I ask who cuts your hair, if u tell I'll book my wife in!! ;) "
Kate T said:	I have 2 friends that cut my hair and they are both session stylists so they don't work from salons. Sorry

	Hickey wants to know: "How do you decide which jobs to take? You seem to have worked in a varied field so far."
Kate T said:	I just go with what excites me and trust my gut instinct. That and the fact that I have a very strong-minded agent who keeps me on the straight and narrow!

	Jason wants to know: "Hi there Kate at the bottom it says u host ur own music show on vh1? What is this show i have never seen it but since u host it i must see it!!�?
Kate T said:	That information is out of date. I do occasional specials for VH1 but I haven't presented a regular show for them for 3 years.

	hickey wants to know: "Transporting yourself into a dream world, which show would you host and why?"
Kate T said:	I already host my dream show - Pop Idol. I can't think of a show I would rather do.

	Ricky wants to know: "The lottery obviously gives lots of money to good causes. Do you support a particular charity?"
Kate T said:	I support all Breast Cancer charities and Comic Relief.

	FOOLSGOLD wants to know: "can you break-dance? if so, prove it please."
Kate T said:	Yes, but I haven't brought my lino with me!

	Daz wants to know: "Kate I think your absolutely gorgeous, and you always stay so happy! How do maintain your good mood?!"
Kate T said:	I am very lucky at the moment because I don't have much to be unhappy about. Life is good

	AnthonyH wants to know: "What do you want for your birthday?"
Kate T said:	An I-trip for my I-Pod. I can't find one anywhere.

	Olivia wants to know: "Part of the new opportunist generation is to go speed dating � would you consider taking part in something like that?"
Kate T said:	Never! It terrifies me.

	Hickey wants to know: "What's your response to the critics who quote to much Pop Idol type content on the box. For instance the new Channel4 series 'Shattered' seems to be taking it too far!"
Kate T said:	Pop Idol is a music show and Shattered is an endurance show so I can't even see how the two are comparable. Sorry

	Daz wants to know: "Kate would you ever consider going on celeb big bro, or any other reality TV show!(but please not I'm a celeb get me out of here!)"
Kate T said:	No - I like presenting not participating!

	Polly wants to know: "What job have you not liked doing?"
Kate T said:	Shampooing an old ladies hair and answering the phone at an STD clinic in London when I was a student.

	Laura wants to know: "What do you enjoy doing when you have a day off and have no plans?"
Kate T said:	I eat, drink and get merry with my friends!

	Wendy wants to know: "What's been your most challenging interview?"
Kate T said:	For obvious reasons interviewing Gareth Gates on Live TV was always tricky, but much more so for him than for me. I really felt for him.

	lees wants to know: "It would be great to see you interviewed by the bear on Bo Selecta. Would you do it?"
Kate T said:	I have done it! He's a very bad and disturbed bear!

	Daz wants to know: "do you get tons of fan mail? I've never heard any1 say a bad word about you, the nation loves you!!!"
Kate T said:	Oh god bless you that's the loveliest thing anyone has ever said to me!

	Liz wants to know: "How long does it take you to get ready when you go out?"
Kate T said:	20 minutes and a lot of make-up!

	Jack wants to know: "Is Britney the new Madonna?"
Kate T said:	Ask me in 20 years Jack!

	Jason wants to know: "Would you ever audition for a show like pop idol?"
Kate T said:	Never ever ever!

	Lisa M wants to know: "Hi Kate, me again! thanks for your earlier reply, i am from Scotland and since it is a very small country, do u think i still have the same chances of of making it "big" !!!! Or do u think i would have to go down to London? Love Lisa "
Kate T said:	Lisa, it all depends on what you want to do. If you are looking for a career in the media then there is much more choice in London. But there are also great opportunities in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

	Mike wants to know: "You have said you have a new man in your life but you must spend a lot of time away from home filming. Does work take priority in your life? "
Kate T said:	At the moment I seem to be balancing the 2 but check in with me in 6 months time and I will tell you how I am doing!

	Jemima wants to know: "Kate, Would you pack everything in and go travelling for a year yourself? "
Kate T said:	I get tempted on a weekly basis! Most people take off because there is not much to keep them at home, there is no way I would want to leave what I have got going on at home at the moment.

	lees wants to know: "Are you a football girl ? If so, who do you follow ?"
Kate T said:	Yes I am - Manchester United and before any asks if I am a Southern Red - I have family in Manchester - honest!

	Mark wants to know: "why is a beautiful young lady like you not on the TV more"
Kate T said:	I did over 100 hours on pop idol last year - I think that's enough! But thank you.

	Kristy wants to know: "I was wondering if you ever get nervous when you are on TV? "
Kate T said:	No. I used to, but now I just get excited.

	Harry wants to know: "Would you class yourself as a thrill seeker? "
Kate T said:	No - I am a complete coward!

	Emma wants to know: "If you set up your own magazine, what would it be?"
Kate T said:	I wouldn't. I work for Marie Claire and I think it is a world class magazine and there is no way I could better that on my own.

	Jake wants to know: "If you could be anyone in the world for a day, who would it be and why?"
Kate T said:	My 4-year-old niece, she is one of the funniest and most intriguing people I know and I would love to get into her head for 24 hours!

	Rodney wants to know: "What is the most outrageous thing you've done?"
Kate T said:	I am not telling you Rodney - it's too rude!

	Mark S wants to know: "Hi Kate, just wondering, where do you see yourself in 10 years time p.s. I think your great in Pop Idols, without you it would be well pretty boring without the gossip!! :-) "
Kate T said:	Thank you! In 10 years time, I would still love to be working on TV and radio but maybe with a couple of kids in tow!

	Mark wants to know: "when are you going to be a forces sweetheart and come and visit the boys"
Kate T said:	As soon as you invite me!

	Geoffers wants to know: "do you get bothered by the male interest, or do you enjoy it?"
Kate T said:	I have been completely unaware of it until now!

	Big mac wants to know: "what's your ideal romantic night out/in?"
Kate T said:	Anywhere in or out as long as it is with the right man!

	Jamie wants to know: "Who's the most inspiring person you have ever met?"
Kate T said:	There are lots but a woman called Helen from Rome springs to mind, she is a beautiful woman in every sense of the word.

	Ursula wants to know: "Does our attitude vary in terms of gender, lifestyle and age?"
Kate T said:	I don't think so. My attitude changes in relation to my hormones as with most women!

	petr wants to know: "do you know the winning lotto numbers for tomorrow then? "
Kate T said:	I wish!

This is your chance - New Opportunists

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