Where do you live and why?
I live between LA and London. I love the weather and lifestyle of LA. We live in the Hollywood Hills and I keep my horse two minutes up the road at a ranch nestled under the Hollywood sign in Griffith Park. It’s idyllic for me getting to hang out on a ranch and ride every day in the mountains. We also have a flat in west London which is perfect as it’s so easy to get into town and also a short drive from Bucks so we can go for weekend country drives and most importantly find cozy pubs.
You were recently a contestant on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. What did you learn about yourself while you were stuck in the jungle?
I learnt that I hated the whole ‘showbiz celeb’ lifestyle… I was very unhappy as I don’t relish fame for fame’s sake. I felt manipulated by certain people and I wanted recognition for my talents as well as my intelligence. I feel I have since proved myself by becoming a business woman and working in the music, media and art world, primarily in Los Angeles. Strangely, I moved to LA to get away from fame. Go figure!
What has been your most memorable meal?
Luckily I didn’t have to eat anything disgusting in the jungle! I always remember my mother cooking paella over a homemade brick barbeque in our house in Spain when I was very young. She makes the best paella I have ever tasted. She learnt from the villagers where we lived in Andalusia. (The trick is to cook on a low barbeque only a few bricks high.)
Your Spanish father was also a well-established artist. What is your favourite painting of his?
I actually have a few that I have vowed to never sell. I keep getting offers from collectors and it’s really annoying as I know that I may well have to cave in if it makes business sense. It’s all about the collections! There is one piece I won’t ever sell however, as it is a self portrait of my father’s profile as if in spirit. It is essentialism in its purist form. It’s stunning, spiritual and has a luminous quality – just like a soul.
As a child you were a brilliant violinist. How did you find playing Bach in the Royal Albert Hall?
I will never forget that day! I got a sudden attack of the nerves just as I went on stage. I was playing the first violin solo of the Bach Double Violin Concerto in D minor, and I remember looking out at the audience and suddenly not knowing where I was in the piece. The bow was moving, my fingers were playing notes but I had a panic that I was playing the wrong notes. I obviously knew it inside out and was fine but I will never forget that moment of pure panic…Terrifying!
Why did you choose to be Blondie on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes?
I think it was suggested by my manager or the show itself. Funnily, I was signed to Universal Music Publishing at the time to be the new Blondie, as I sound really similar vocally. The producers were like, ‘Wow! You worked really hard’, but it was actually just me singing normally to Blondie.
You have been on the cover of both Vogue and Elle. Give us a tip on how to look good for the camera…
It’s all about knowing your good side and angles. Oh and great lighting, make-up and a photographer really help. Believe me, it can go horribly wrong!
FHM voted you sexiest woman in the world from 1997 to 2004. How did you feel about this at the time?
Well obviously it was really flattering. I was on TFI Friday when I was first in all those polls. When you’re a 20-something it’s really cool. It’s fun to look back and say that I was ‘hot’ in my day.
You have also starred in Brit-flick Private Moments. How did you find the sex scenes?
I hated it! I had just started going out with my husband Matt, and it felt so wrong and disloyal even though it was a set and we had pants and lots of fabric around us. He was a sweetie and felt just as uncomfortable. I think we necked a bottle of vodka before. I was one of the lucky ones; I got the least intimate scene and had a ‘no full nudity’ clause in my contract.
What’s your most memorable moment?
Well I should say my wedding day but it’s actually all a bit of a blur.
What could you not live without?
I couldn’t live without my hubbie, my horse (Grace-Kelly), music or laughter.
What is in your fridge right now?
Salmon, rocket, eggs, cottage cheese, beetroot.. .I basically live on the Dukan diet, though I fell off the wagon and am back on it.
Who do you aspire to?
In coolness (as well as beauty and talent) I aspire to Debbie Harry and Anita Pallenberg. In business; Tamara Mellon.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I have just produced art shows of my father’s work here and in LA as a reintroduction to the market and will be continuing to develop the brand and my company through more shows and business ventures. I’m also producing an equine photographers’ show in LA and I am on the beneficiary committee of Los Angeles Art Association. I write for a fashion blog fashionizter.com and I am media liaison for technology company TriLumina. Oh, I will be riding Gracie as much as possible with my ranch friends to relax and avoid having a nervous breakdown.
